Filing in Appellate Cases

Filing an appeal

The Kansas Appellate Practice Handbook published by the Kansas Judicial Council provides information, guidance and practice notes on every aspect of appellate practice in Kansas. It also includes a comprehensive set of forms for appellate court pleadings.

The Appellate Procedure Outline is a streamlined guide to appellate procedure for people who are not attorneys and are representing themselves in an appeal. It is published by Clerk of the Appellate Courts Office. 

Filing tips 

Sample forms and available fillable forms are in chapter 12 of the Kansas Appellate Practice Handbook. 

All filings must comply with:

• Supreme Court Rule 7.043: Reference to Certain Persons

• Supreme Court Rule 24: Protection of Personally Identifiable Information  

Other filing requirements:

• All filings must include the appellate case number.

• All filings must include a signed and dated certificate of service showing service on ALL parties or their counsel

• Remember to sign your document and to sign and date the certificate of service.

• Respond to a court order in a pleading format. Attach the required documentation, if any, and include a signed and dated certificate of service. 

• When an order indicates a filing is due, the document must be filed on or before the due date. There is no allowance for mail time, except as specified in K.S.A. 60-206(d).

• Read and follow Supreme Court rules relating to appellate practice. Clerk office staff are available to answer procedural questions about the rules during regular business hours. Staff cannot answer legal questions or give legal advice. 

Self-represented filer requirements:

In addition to the above, self-represented parties must follow provisions in the temporary rule adopted by Administrative Order 2025-RL-026. 

• Temporary rule for self-represented litigants filing in appellate courts

• Certification Form for Self-Represented Litigant in an Appellate Court

Filings made by represented parties

NOTE: The clerk's office will not automatically file documents sent by parties who are represented by counsel. Those documents will be returned to the party with instructions to discuss the matter with counsel and to follow counsel's advice. The office will allow represented parties to file motions to dismiss or appoint counsel and motions to file supplemental briefs. 

Supreme Court Rule 5.01: Appellate Court Motion