Current mask guidelines in Kansas federal courthouses: Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear face masks. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should wear face masks and follow CDC social distancing guidelines. Individuals may wear face masks regardless of whether or not they are fully vaccinated.
Follow the guidance posted on courthouse signage and provided by court security officers.
For more information, see Safe Practices in the Courthouse below.
Regularly scheduled dockets and routine conferences and pretrials are currently conducted by telephone, unless otherwise notified. Evidentiary hearings and trials are conducted in person, unless otherwise notified. Contact the Clerk's Office if you have questions.
To call in for court:
Kansas City
Judge Berger
Phone Number: (877) 336-1839 Access Code: 9622640
Judge Somers
Phone Number: (888) 363-4749 Access Code: 7701720
Topeka
Judge Somers
Phone Number: (888) 363-4749 Access Code: 7701720
Wichita
Judge Herren
Phone Number: (888) 273-3658 Access Code: 6852515
Judge Somers
Phone Number: (888) 363-4749 Access Code: 7701720
1. Call in 5-10 minutes prior to your hearing time.
2. Use a land line, when possible, so the Court can hear you more clearly and for the benefit of the ECRO (official recording of the proceeding).
3. When you call in, place your phone on MUTE. Only unmute your phone when your case is called.
4. Please do not put your phone on speaker when talking because it is often difficult for the Court to hear you clearly.
5. Do not place your phone on HOLD. This often causes music to be played, which will interfere with others on the call and the ECRO recording.
6. Announce your name EACH time you begin speaking.
7. Speak slowly and clearly.
8. Do not interrupt others when they are speaking.
The U.S. Trustee has announced that section 341 meetings will be conducted by telephone or video. See U.S. Trustee Region 20 site for more information.
To help yourself and others be safe in Kansas federal courthouses during the COVID-19 pandemic:
1. Follow current mask guidelines
Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear face masks.
Individuals who have not been fully vaccinated should wear a face mask and follow CDC social distancing guidelines.
Individuals may wear face masks regardless of whether or not they are fully vaccinated.
2. Advise court security officers before your security screening if:
You have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days
You have had the following symptoms in the last 48 hours: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting
You have traveled to or from certain states after certain dates as provided by the court security officers
You have traveled to or from certain countries after certain dates as provided by the court security officers
You have attended mass gatherings as defined by the court security officers
You have been on a cruise ship or river cruise since March 15, 2020
3. Maintain social distance
4. Inform the Clerk's Office if you test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days after your visit to the courthouse
5. Contact the Clerk's Office if you have questions or concerns about visiting the courthouse
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas has created two CM/ECF events to handle the mortgage forbearance actions under the CARES Act.
Go to Bankrupcty > Claim Actions to file a Notice of Mortgage Forbearance or Notice of Forbearance (No Proof of Claim Filed).
At times during the COVID-19 pandemic a courthouse may be closed, or it may not be safe or convenient for filers to visit the public counter at the courthouse.
Pro Se Filers may submit documents to the Clerk's Office via one of the following email addresses:
Kansas City: KSBKC_SelfRep@ksb.uscourts.gov
Topeka: KSBTopeka_SelfRep@ksb.uscourts.gov
Wichita: KSBWichita_SelfRep@ksb.uscourts.gov
Contact the Clerk's Office if you have questions.
