Kansas Statutes Annotated

K.S.A. § 60-212 (2026)

Defenses and objections; presentations, when and how; certain motions; waiver

✓ current as of May 2026
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60-212. Defenses and objections; presentations, when and how; certain motions; waiver. (a) Time to serve a responsive pleading. (1) In general. Unless otherwise provided by law, the time for serving a responsive pleading is as follows:

(A) A defendant must serve an answer:

(i) Within 21 days after being served with the summons and petition; or

(ii) within the time fixed in the notice when service is by publication, which must not be less than 41 days from the time the notice is first published;

(B) a party must serve an answer to a counterclaim or crossclaim within 21 days after being served with the pleading that states the counterclaim or crossclaim; and

(C) a party must serve a reply to an answer within 21 days after being served with an order to reply, unless the order specifies a different time.

(2) Effect of a motion. Unless the court sets a different time, serving a motion under this section alters these periods as follows:

(A) If the court denies the motion or postpones its disposition until trial, the responsive pleading must be served within 14 days after notice of the court's action; or

(B) if the court grants a motion for a more definite statement, the responsive pleading must be served within 14 days after the more definite statement is served.

(b) How to present defenses. Every defense to a claim for relief in any pleading must be asserted in the responsive pleading if one is required. But a party may assert the following defenses by motion:

(1) Lack of subject-matter jurisdiction;

(2) lack of personal jurisdiction;

(3) improper venue;

(4) insufficient process;

(5) insufficient service of process;

(6) failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; and

(7) failure to join a party under K.S.A. 60-219, and amendments thereto.

A motion asserting any of these defenses must be made before pleading if a responsive pleading is allowed. If a pleading sets out a claim for relief that does not require a responsive pleading, an opposing party may assert at trial any defense to that claim. No defense or objection is waived by joining it with one or more other defenses or objections in a responsive pleading or in a motion.

(c) Motion for judgment on the pleadings. After the pleadings are closed, but early enough not to delay trial, a party may move for judgment on the pleadings.

(d) Result of presenting matters outside the pleadings. If, on a motion under subsection (b)(6) or (c), matters outside the pleadings are presented to and not excluded by the court, the motion must be treated as one for summary judgment under K.S.A. 60-256, and amendments thereto. All parties must be given a reasonable opportunity to present all the material that is pertinent to the motion.

(e) Motion for a more definite statement. A party may move for a more definite statement of a pleading to which a responsive pleading is allowed, but which is so vague or ambiguous that the party cannot reasonably prepare a response. The motion must be made before filing a responsive pleading, and must point out the defects complained of and the details desired. If the court orders a more definite statement and the order is not obeyed within 14 days after notice of the order or within the time the court sets, the court may strike the pleading or issue any other appropriate order.

(f) Motion to strike. The court may strike from a pleading an insufficient defense or any redundant, immaterial, impertinent or scandalous matter. The court may act:

(1) On its own; or

(2) on motion made by a party either before responding to the pleading, or, if a response is not allowed, within 21 days after being served with the pleading.

(g) Joining motions. (1) Right to join. A motion under this section may be joined with any other motions allowed under this section.

(2) Limitation on further motions. Except as provided in subsection (h)(2) or (3), a party that makes a motion under this section must not make another motion under this section raising a defense or objection that was available to the party, but omitted from its earlier motion.

(h) Waiving and preserving certain defenses. (1) When some are waived. A party waives any defense listed in subsections (b)(2) through (5) by:

(A) Omitting it from a motion in the circumstances described in subsection (g)(2); or

(B) failing to either:

(i) Make it by motion under this section; or

(ii) include it in a responsive pleading, or in an amendment allowed by subsection (a)(1) of K.S.A. 60-215, and amendments thereto, as a matter of course.

(2) When to raise others. Failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, to join a person required by subsection (b) of K.S.A. 60-219, and amendments thereto, or to state a legal defense to a claim may be raised:

(A) In any pleading allowed or ordered under subsection (a) of K.S.A. 60-207, and amendments thereto;

(B) by a motion under subsection (c); or

(C) at trial.

(3) Lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. If the court determines at any time that it lacks subject-matter jurisdiction, the court must dismiss the action.

(i) Hearing before trial. If a party so moves, any defense listed in subsections (b)(1) through (7), whether made in a pleading or by a motion, and a motion under subsection (c), must be heard and decided before trial unless the court orders a deferral until trial.

(j) Answer for minor or incapacitated person. The guardian or conservator of a minor or incapacitated person, or the attorney for a person in prison must in the answer deny all the material allegations in the petition prejudicial to the defendant.

History: L. 1963, ch. 303, 60-212; L. 1965, ch. 354, § 1; amended by Supreme Court order dated July 17, 1969; L. 1990, ch. 202, § 24; L. 2010, ch. 135, § 79; July 1.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 296 cases (64 in the last 5 years), 1967–2026 · leading case: Denney v. Norwood, 505 P.3d 730 (Kan. 2022).
Denney v. Norwood, 505 P.3d 730 (Kan. 2022). · cites it 17× “The panel erred by analyzing the district court's ruling under K.S.A. 2020 Supp. 60-212. Habeas corpus proceedings are governed by Article 15 of Chapter 60 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated.”
Pieren-Abbott v. Kansas Dep't of Revenue, 106 P.3d 492 (Kan. 2005). · cites it 8× “Pieren-Abbott relies on the clear language of K.S.A. 60-212. K.S.A. 60-212(b) provides, in part: “Every defense, in law or fact, to a claim for relief in any pleading .”
Purdum v. Purdum, 301 P.3d 718 (Kan. Ct. App. 2013). · cites it 24× “And that limits how they may be treated under K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 60-212. If a court were to properly consider those defenses at this stage in the case, it would be on a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim under K.”
Aeroflex Wichita, Inc. v. Filardo, 275 P.3d 869 (Kan. 2012). · cites it 12× “3d 747 (2006) (K.S.A. 60-212[b][3] motion regarding venue); Kluin v.”
In re Marriage of Williams, 417 P.3d 1033 (Kan. 2018). · cites it 3× “See K.S.A. 2017 Supp. 60-212(b)(2), (h) ; Fed.”
Bray v. Bayles, 618 P.2d 807 (Kan. 1980). · cites it 14× “Bayles filed a consolidated motion under K.S.A. 60-212( b ), requesting a change of venue, and dismissal of the petition for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, or in the alternative for a more definite statement.”
Robertson v. City of Topeka, 644 P.2d 458 (Kan. 1982). · cites it 8× “K.S.A. 60-212( b )(6). Robertson sued the City of Topeka and three officers of the Topeka Police Department for damages sustained to real property he owns in the City of Topeka.”
Fisher v. DeCarvalho, 260 P.3d 1218 (Kan. Ct. App. 2011). · cites it 14× “As the court explained, "K.S.A. 60-212 has abolished the old distinction between general and special appearances.”
Davidson v. Denning, 914 P.2d 936 (Kan. 1996). · cites it 8× “§ 60-212, Comments, pp. 65-66 (1979). There was no error in the district court’s consideration of matters beyond the petition.”
Ling v. Jan's Liquors, 703 P.2d 731 (Kan. 1985). · cites it 4× “Ling appeals from an order and judgment dismissing her complaint against defendant on the ground that it fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted pursuant to K.S.A. 60-212(b). We affirm the decision of the trial court.”
Beck v. Kansas Adult Auth., 735 P.2d 222 (Kan. 1987). · cites it 6× “75-6104(d) or (m); (3) whether, under the facts of this case, the trial court erred in treating the Kansas Adult Authority's motion to dismiss under K.S.A. 60-212 as a motion for summary judgment under K.”
Seaboard Corp. v. Marsh Inc., 284 P.3d 314 (Kan. 2012). · cites it 8× “60-212[b][2] motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction is decided before trial on the basis of the pleadings, affidavits, and other written materials without an evidentiary hearing, any factual disputes must be resolved in the plaintiffs favor). Ultimately, however,…”
— K.S.A. § 60-212(5) — 1 case
Dutoit v. Bd. of Johnson Cnty. Comm'rs, 667 P.2d 879 (Kan. 1983).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(a) — 4 cases
Bazine State Bank v. Pawnee Prod. Serv., Inc., 781 P.2d 1077 (Kan. 1989).
In Re Marriage of Welliver, 869 P.2d 653 (Kan. 1994).
Garcia v. Ball, 323 P.3d 872 (Kan. Ct. App. 2014).
Forer v. Perez-lambkins, 216 P.3d 718 (Kan. Ct. App. 2009).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(a)(1) — 1 case
Miles v. Shawnee Cnty. (Kan. Ct. App. 2021).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(a)(1)(A)(i) — 2 cases
Miles v. Shawnee Cnty. (Kan. Ct. App. 2021).
Miles v. Shawnee Cnty. (Kan. Ct. App. 2021).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(a)(l) — 1 case
— K.S.A. § 60-212(a)(l)(A)(i) — 1 case
Sleeth v. Sedan City Hosp., 317 P.3d 782 (Kan. 2014).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(b) — 53 cases
Ling v. Jan's Liquors, 703 P.2d 731 (Kan. 1985). “Ling appeals from an order and judgment dismissing her complaint against defendant on the ground that it fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted pursuant to K.S.A. 60-212(b). We affirm the decision of the trial court.”
Pieren-Abbott v. Kansas Dep't of Revenue, 106 P.3d 492 (Kan. 2005). “Pieren-Abbott relies on the clear language of K.S.A. 60-212. K.S.A. 60-212(b) provides, in part: “Every defense, in law or fact, to a claim for relief in any pleading .”
Dunn v. Unified Sch. Dist. No. 367, 40 P.3d 315 (Kan. Ct. App. 2002).
Cohen v. Battaglia, 293 P.3d 752 (Kan. 2013).
Rhoten v. Dickson, 223 P.3d 786 (Kan. 2010).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(b)(1) — 14 cases
Purdum v. Purdum, 301 P.3d 718 (Kan. Ct. App. 2013). “And that limits how they may be treated under K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 60-212. If a court were to properly consider those defenses at this stage in the case, it would be on a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim under K.”
Smith v. State, 955 P.2d 1293 (Kan. 1998).
Roy v. Edmonds, 261 P.3d 551 (Kan. Ct. App. 2011).
Westboro Baptist Church, Inc. v. Patton, 93 P.3d 718 (Kan. Ct. App. 2004).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(b)(2) — 7 cases
Aeroflex Wichita, Inc. v. Filardo, 275 P.3d 869 (Kan. 2012). “3d 747 (2006) (K.S.A. 60-212[b][3] motion regarding venue); Kluin v.”
In re Marriage of Williams, 417 P.3d 1033 (Kan. 2018). “See K.S.A. 2017 Supp. 60-212(b)(2), (h) ; Fed.”
Kluin v. Am. Suzuki Motor Corp., 56 P.3d 829 (Kan. 2002).
Hajda v. Univ. of Kansas Hosp. Auth., 356 P.3d 1 (Kan. Ct. App. 2015).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(b)(3) — 3 cases
Seaboard Corp. v. Marsh Inc., 284 P.3d 314 (Kan. 2012). “60-212[b][2] motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction is decided before trial on the basis of the pleadings, affidavits, and other written materials without an evidentiary hearing, any factual disputes must be resolved in the plaintiffs favor). Ultimately, however,…”
AkesoGenX Corp. v. Zavala (Kan. Ct. App. 2017).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(b)(5) — 4 cases
Bray v. Bayles, 618 P.2d 807 (Kan. 1980). “Bayles filed a consolidated motion under K.S.A. 60-212( b ), requesting a change of venue, and dismissal of the petition for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, or in the alternative for a more definite statement.”
Hajda v. Univ. of Kansas Hosp. Auth., 356 P.3d 1 (Kan. Ct. App. 2015).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(b)(6) — 156 cases
Denney v. Norwood, 505 P.3d 730 (Kan. 2022). “The panel erred by analyzing the district court's ruling under K.S.A. 2020 Supp. 60-212. Habeas corpus proceedings are governed by Article 15 of Chapter 60 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated.”
Davidson v. Denning, 914 P.2d 936 (Kan. 1996). “§ 60-212, Comments, pp. 65-66 (1979). There was no error in the district court’s consideration of matters beyond the petition.”
Beck v. Kansas Adult Auth., 735 P.2d 222 (Kan. 1987). “75-6104(d) or (m); (3) whether, under the facts of this case, the trial court erred in treating the Kansas Adult Authority's motion to dismiss under K.S.A. 60-212 as a motion for summary judgment under K.”
Rhoten v. Dickson, 223 P.3d 786 (Kan. 2010).
Kudlacik v. Johnny's Shawnee, Inc., 440 P.3d 576 (Kan. 2019).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(b)(7) — 1 case
Dies v. McGinn (Kan. Ct. App. 2024).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(b)(l) — 7 cases
Smith v. State, 955 P.2d 1293 (Kan. 1998).
CHELF v. State, 263 P.3d 852 (Kan. Ct. App. 2011).
Heiland v. Dunnick, 19 P.3d 103 (Kan. 2001).
Nichols v. Kansas Political Action Comm., 11 P.3d 1134 (Kan. 2000).
First Page, Inc. v. Cunningham, 847 P.2d 1238 (Kan. 1993).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(c) — 34 cases
Purdum v. Purdum, 301 P.3d 718 (Kan. Ct. App. 2013). “And that limits how they may be treated under K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 60-212. If a court were to properly consider those defenses at this stage in the case, it would be on a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim under K.”
Admire Bank & Trust v. City of Emporia, 829 P.2d 578 (Kan. 1992).
Hoffman v. Haug, 752 P.2d 124 (Kan. 1988).
Purvis v. Williams, 73 P.3d 740 (Kan. 2003).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(d) — 22 cases
Lambert v. Peterson, 439 P.3d 317 (Kan. 2019).
Aeroflex Wichita, Inc. v. Filardo, 275 P.3d 869 (Kan. 2012). “3d 747 (2006) (K.S.A. 60-212[b][3] motion regarding venue); Kluin v.”
Denney v. Norwood, 505 P.3d 730 (Kan. 2022). “The panel erred by analyzing the district court's ruling under K.S.A. 2020 Supp. 60-212. Habeas corpus proceedings are governed by Article 15 of Chapter 60 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated.”
Purdum v. Purdum, 301 P.3d 718 (Kan. Ct. App. 2013). “And that limits how they may be treated under K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 60-212. If a court were to properly consider those defenses at this stage in the case, it would be on a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim under K.”
Lehman v. City of Topeka, 323 P.3d 867 (Kan. Ct. App. 2014).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(e) — 10 cases
Pittsburg State Univ. v. Kansas Bd. of Regents, 36 P.3d 853 (Kan. Ct. App. 2001).
Knight v. Neodesha Police Dep't, 620 P.2d 837 (Kan. Ct. App. 1980).
Univ. of Kansas v. Dep't of Human Resources, 887 P.2d 1147 (Kan. Ct. App. 1995).
Karns v. Kansas State Bd. of Agric., 923 P.2d 78 (Kan. Ct. App. 1996).
Mitchell v. Wiltfong, 604 P.2d 79 (Kan. Ct. App. 1979).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(f) — 3 cases
King v. Pimentel, 890 P.2d 1217 (Kan. Ct. App. 1995).
In Re the Adoption of Baby Girl H., 739 P.2d 1 (Kan. Ct. App. 1987).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(fc)(6) — 1 case
Kansans for Fair Taxation, Inc. v. Miller, 889 P.2d 154 (Kan. Ct. App. 1995).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(fe) — 1 case
Quinlan v. Leech, 623 P.2d 1365 (Kan. Ct. App. 1981).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(fe)(6) — 5 cases
Luttrell v. United Tel. Sys., Inc., 695 P.2d 1279 (Kan. Ct. App. 1984).
Bruggeman Ex Rel. Bruggeman v. Schimke, 718 P.2d 635 (Kan. 1986).
Warden v. City of Wichita, 658 P.2d 1043 (Kan. 1983).
Collins v. MBPXL CORP., 679 P.2d 746 (Kan. Ct. App. 1984).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(fo)(6) — 1 case
— K.S.A. § 60-212(g) — 2 cases
Bray v. Bayles, 618 P.2d 807 (Kan. 1980). “Bayles filed a consolidated motion under K.S.A. 60-212( b ), requesting a change of venue, and dismissal of the petition for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, or in the alternative for a more definite statement.”
Bray v. Bayles, 609 P.2d 1146 (Kan. Ct. App. 1980).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(h) — 17 cases
In re Marriage of Williams, 417 P.3d 1033 (Kan. 2018). “See K.S.A. 2017 Supp. 60-212(b)(2), (h) ; Fed.”
Pieren-Abbott v. Kansas Dep't of Revenue, 106 P.3d 492 (Kan. 2005). “Pieren-Abbott relies on the clear language of K.S.A. 60-212. K.S.A. 60-212(b) provides, in part: “Every defense, in law or fact, to a claim for relief in any pleading .”
Fisher v. DeCarvalho, 260 P.3d 1218 (Kan. Ct. App. 2011). “As the court explained, "K.S.A. 60-212 has abolished the old distinction between general and special appearances.”
Bray v. Bayles, 618 P.2d 807 (Kan. 1980). “Bayles filed a consolidated motion under K.S.A. 60-212( b ), requesting a change of venue, and dismissal of the petition for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, or in the alternative for a more definite statement.”
Jenkins v. City of Topeka, 958 F. Supp. 556 (D. Kan. 1997).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(h)(1) — 2 cases
Pieren-Abbott v. Kansas Dep't of Revenue, 106 P.3d 492 (Kan. 2005). “Pieren-Abbott relies on the clear language of K.S.A. 60-212. K.S.A. 60-212(b) provides, in part: “Every defense, in law or fact, to a claim for relief in any pleading .”
Austin v. Johnston Coca-cola Bottling Grp., Inc, 20 Kan. App. 2d 715 (Kan. Ct. App. 1995).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(h)(2) — 2 cases
Cross v. City of Kansas City, 638 P.2d 933 (Kan. 1982).
Ternes v. Galichia, 234 P.3d 820 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(h)(3) — 2 cases
CHELF v. State, 263 P.3d 852 (Kan. Ct. App. 2011).
Univ. of Kansas v. Dep't of Human Resources, 887 P.2d 1147 (Kan. Ct. App. 1995).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(h)(6) — 5 cases
Robertson v. City of Topeka, 644 P.2d 458 (Kan. 1982). “K.S.A. 60-212( b )(6). Robertson sued the City of Topeka and three officers of the Topeka Police Department for damages sustained to real property he owns in the City of Topeka.”
Flax v. Kansas Tpk. Auth., 596 P.2d 446 (Kan. 1979).
Dutoit v. Bd. of Johnson Cnty. Comm'rs, 667 P.2d 879 (Kan. 1983).
Wirt v. Esrey, 662 P.2d 1238 (Kan. 1983).
Mitchell v. Wiltfong, 604 P.2d 79 (Kan. Ct. App. 1979).
— K.S.A. § 60-212(h)(l) — 2 cases
Collins v. MBPXL CORP., 679 P.2d 746 (Kan. Ct. App. 1984).
Austin v. Johnston Coca-Cola Bottling Grp., Inc., 891 P.2d 1143 (Kan. Ct. App. 1995).
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