Family Court Records in Dakota County give you direct access to case details such as filings, judgments, and orders that affect families across the region. When you perform a Dakota County family court records search, you can locate information by party name, case number, or filing date, making it simple to track divorce filings, child custody decisions, or adoption petitions. The online portal provides a clear view of the Dakota County family court docket, showing each case’s current status and any recent motions. By entering the correct Dakota County family court case number, users can retrieve certified copies of court documents, including petitions, motions, and final judgments, without unnecessary steps. This transparency helps attorneys, parties, and the public verify case outcomes, confirm hearing dates, and understand how family law rulings are applied in the local jurisdiction.
Family Court Records also support a thorough Dakota County family court case lookup for those needing specific filings like child support orders, protective orders, or name change petitions. The system distinguishes public family court records from sealed or confidential files, ensuring privacy while still offering valuable insight into case types such as dissolution of marriage, paternity, and property division. Whether you are searching for a family court case by name, reviewing a family court case status, or requesting a certified record copy, the Dakota County family court clerk’s online resources streamline the process and reduce wait times. This reliable access empowers individuals to stay informed about their legal matters and maintain accurate personal records.
How to Search Dakota County Family Court Records
The Minnesota Judicial Branch operates the statewide public access portal where you can run a Dakota County family court records search without visiting the courthouse. The portal covers every family case handled in Dakota County, ranging from dissolution filings and custody disputes to child support, paternity, and adoption matters. You can filter results by party name, case number, or filing date, and narrow the search to Dakota County to remove unrelated entries from other Minnesota counties. You can also check verified information via civil court records for official county updates.Each result links to a docket sheet that lists the case header, scheduled hearings, motions, and signed orders on file.
Official Search Portal: https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us/CaseSearch
Steps to Search
- Open the Minnesota Public Access portal using any current browser on your computer or phone.
- Choose “Family” under the case type menu to restrict results to family law matters.
- Enter “Dakota” in the county field, or pick Dakota County from the location dropdown list.
- Type your search criteria, such as the full party name, the family court case number, or a filing date range.
- Click “Search” to load the docket sheet, which shows filings, hearings, and orders tied to each matter.
- Check the case header to confirm the names match your query before you open any document image.
Search by Party Name
A party name search checks both the petitioner and respondent fields for exact matches and close spellings. You should enter the last name followed by the first name to pull the widest set of results. Each match shows the case number, the filing year, and the case type, which helps you spot the right file among common names. If the docket list looks crowded, add a middle initial, a birth year, or a known address to sharpen the search.
Search by Case Number
A case number search is the quickest way to retrieve one specific docket, as the portal pulls up exactly that file when the full number matches. Dakota County family court case numbers contain a year code, a court code, and a sequence number assigned at filing. After the docket loads, you can view motions, signed orders, hearing dates, and the final judgment. Use this method whenever you have a case number from a prior notice or from an attorney of record.
Search by Filing Date
Searching by filing date lets you scan every family case opened in Dakota County within a chosen window. The portal accepts a start date and end date, so you can review a single month or a full year of filings. Each entry shows the filing date, the case type, and the names of the parties at a glance. Researchers tracking family law trends often start with this approach to count cases by category over time.
Search by Court
Filtering by court keeps your results limited to the Dakota County Judicial District, which hears family matters in Hastings and surrounding courtrooms. You can select “District Court” and then narrow the location field to Dakota County. This filter removes cases filed in Ramsey, Washington, and other nearby counties that would otherwise show up in a statewide search. Pairing the court filter with a name or date range shortens the review time.
Details Needed for a Search
You will get better results when you gather the legal name of at least one party, the docket number if you have it, and the year the matter was filed. The portal also supports a search by attorney bar number, which helps when you only know the lawyer. Keeping these details ready reduces repeat searches and helps you build a complete picture of family court filings across Dakota County.
Family Court Case Details
The docket header shows the core data tied to every family file, and reviewing each field lets you confirm a case before you pull documents. Knowing what each section means protects you from opening the wrong matter or mixing up parties with similar names. Below are the key fields the portal displays for Dakota County family court cases, from the basic identifiers to the final judgment date.
Names of the Parties
The parties section lists each petitioner and respondent named on the original petition, along with any party added later through intervention or a third-party claim. The system can show a married name, a former name, or a known alias when one has been recorded in the file. Confirming these names protects you from viewing the wrong people before you review custody terms, support awards, or divorce decrees further down in the record.
Case Number
The Dakota County family court case number is a unique identifier assigned at filing and stays with the matter through any appeal or transfer. Every entry on the docket ties back to this number, so keeping it handy lets you pull documents faster. The same number also appears on certified copies issued by the clerk and on notices mailed to the parties.
Filing Date
The filing date marks the day the clerk accepted the petition and opened the case. Many procedural deadlines run from this date, such as the time to serve the other party and the window to file a written response. The portal lists the filing date at the top of the case summary so you can quickly check how recent the matter is.
Case Type
The case type field shows the legal category of the matter, such as dissolution of marriage, custody, child support, paternity, adoption, or protective order. Knowing the case type helps you focus on the documents tied to that specific area of family law. It also helps researchers count how many cases of each kind move through Dakota County in a chosen period.
Assigned Court
Family cases in Dakota County sit with the District Court located in Hastings, and some hearings take place in satellite courtrooms around the county. The docket also lists the assigned judge or referee, which lets you track past rulings on similar matters. Identifying the assigned court helps when you need to file a paper document or attend a hearing in person.
Case Status
The case status field shows the current stage of the matter, such as pending, active, dismissed, or finalized. It updates each time the clerk enters a new filing or signed order. A quick status check tells you whether the parties are still negotiating or the court has already issued a final judgment.
Judgment or Order Date
The judgment or order date records when the judge signed the final decision on a motion or on the entire case. You can sort the docket to see the latest signed order at the top of the list. For divorce decrees, custody orders, and support modifications, this date matters, as it triggers the right to appeal and the start of compliance deadlines.
Types of Family Court Cases
Dakota County family court handles several categories of cases under Minnesota family law, each with its own document set and procedural rules. The portal groups these matters by type so you can scan only the records relevant to your query. Below are the main case categories you will encounter on a Dakota County family court records search.
- Divorce and dissolution of marriage
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support establishment and modification
- Paternity establishment and related orders
- Adoption of minors and adults
- Protective orders and harassment restraining orders
- Name change petitions
Divorce and Dissolution Cases
Divorce cases, also called dissolution of marriage, cover the legal ending of a marriage and the related property, debt, and support issues. The docket lists the petition for dissolution, the summons, the financial disclosures, and the final decree. You can review how the court divided real estate, retirement accounts, and personal property in each matter.
Child Custody Cases
Child custody matters address legal and physical custody, parenting time, and decision-making authority for minor children. These cases include initial orders entered during a divorce, post-decree modifications, and standalone petitions between unmarried parents. The records list custody evaluations, parenting plans, and orders on relocation requests.
Child Support Cases
Child support cases establish or change the financial support owed for the care of minor children. The court applies state guidelines based on income, parenting time, and the number of children. Records in this category include support orders, income attachments, and contempt filings when payments fall behind schedule.
Paternity Cases
Paternity cases confirm the legal father of a child born to unmarried parents. The court can order genetic testing, declare paternity, and then move into custody and support orders. The docket shows the petition to establish paternity, the test results, and the follow-on orders affecting custody and child support.
Adoption Cases
Adoption cases process the legal transfer of parental rights from birth parents to adoptive parents. They cover stepparent adoptions, agency adoptions, and adult adoptions. Records include the adoption petition, the home study, the consent forms, and the final adoption decree. Some adoption records are sealed under Minnesota law once the matter closes.
Protective Order Cases
Protective order cases, sometimes called Orders for Protection or Harassment Restraining Orders, address safety concerns between family or household members. The court issues short-term and long-term orders based on the facts presented. The docket tracks each petition, hearing date, and the length of the order issued by the judge.
Name Change Cases
Name change cases cover petitions to legally change a person’s name, often as part of a divorce, adoption, or personal preference. The court publishes notice, holds a hearing if needed, and signs an order granting the new name. The docket shows the original name, the requested name, and the signed order so you can confirm the change.
Family Court Documents
Family court files contain many different documents that record the full life of a case. Each document type has its own purpose, from starting the case to closing it. Below are the main documents you will find when reviewing Dakota County family court records, from initial petitions to final judgments.
Petitions and Applications
Petitions open a new case and explain what relief the filer wants from the court. Applications add new requests to an existing case, such as a motion to modify support. These documents include names, addresses, and the specific orders requested. The first page of any docket listing is usually the original petition.
Responses and Answers
Responses and answers are filed by the other party to admit or deny the claims in the petition. They set the contested issues and may add counterclaims for custody, support, or property division. Reviewing the answer helps you see how the respondent framed the dispute before hearings began.
Motions
Motions are written requests asking the judge to issue a specific ruling, such as a motion to compel discovery or a motion for temporary orders. Each motion lists the legal grounds and the relief sought. The court reviews the motion, hears arguments if needed, and issues an order that becomes part of the docket.
Court Orders
Court orders are the signed rulings from the judge that direct the parties to take or refrain from a specific action. Orders can cover temporary matters during the case or become the final ruling on an issue. The docket records the date the order was signed and the judge who signed it.
Hearing Records
Hearing records include notes, transcripts, or audio files from court hearings held on motions or trials. These documents capture the testimony and arguments presented to the judge. Access to transcripts may require a separate request and fee through the court reporter or the clerk’s office.
Final Judgments
Final judgments close the case by resolving every remaining issue, such as property division in a divorce or final custody terms in a paternity matter. The signed judgment replaces earlier temporary orders and triggers appeal deadlines. Certified copies of judgments carry the court’s seal and are often required for use in other states.
Family Court Case Outcomes
Tracking the outcome of a family court case shows whether a matter remains open or has reached a final resolution. Each outcome stage carries different consequences for the parties. The portal presents current and past outcomes in the docket summary so you can see exactly where a case stands.
Pending Cases
A pending case is one where the petition has been filed but no final judgment has been entered. These cases still require future hearings, motions, or settlement conferences. The docket shows upcoming dates and any temporary orders in place during the waiting period.
Active Cases
Active cases are open matters with ongoing activity, such as recent filings, scheduled hearings, or pending motions. The portal flags recent entries so you can see at a glance which files have movement. Active cases shift to finalized status once the court enters a complete judgment on every issue.
Finalized Cases
Finalized cases have reached a complete resolution through a signed judgment or decree. No further hearings are scheduled unless a party files a post-decree motion. The docket shows the closing date and the type of final order entered.
Dismissed Cases
Dismissed cases ended without a final judgment, often as the parties reached a private settlement or the petitioner withdrew the filing. The dismissal order becomes the final document in the matter. Reviewing the order helps you see whether the dismissal was voluntary or ordered by the court.
Final Judgments
Final judgments are the court’s complete ruling on every issue in a case. They outline custody, support, property, and any other relief granted. Each judgment is signed, dated, and filed with the clerk, making it part of the public record unless it has been sealed.
Modified Orders
Modified orders change a prior order based on new facts or changed circumstances, such as a job loss, a relocation, or a change in a child’s needs. The court reviews the motion, holds a hearing if needed, and issues a modified order that replaces part of the earlier ruling. The docket shows the original order and the modification side by side.
Dakota County Family Court Records Access
Access to Dakota County family court records depends on the type of data and the rules protecting certain files. The Minnesota Judicial Branch decides what the public can view online and what stays restricted. Below are the main access channels and limits you should know before running a search.
Public Case Details
Public case details include the docket sheet, party names, hearing dates, and most signed orders. These records are open to anyone conducting a Dakota County family court records search online. The portal shows the same data the clerk displays on the public terminals at the courthouse.
Online Case Access
Online case access through the Minnesota Public Access portal is free and available 24 hours a day. You can search by name, case number, or filing date without creating an account. Document images are available for many older cases. You can also check verified information via divorce decree for official county updates.Newer filings may show only the docket header until the clerk scans the paperwork.
Clerk’s Office Records
The Dakota County District Court clerk’s office holds the original paper files for every case. You can view public documents in person at the courthouse during posted business hours. Files kept in the clerk’s office include physical exhibits, original petitions, and certified copies of judgments ready for issue.
Restricted Details
Restricted details cover data the court keeps from public view, such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and home addresses of protected parties. The system masks these fields in online views. To see restricted data, you must request access through the clerk with a valid legal reason.
Sealed Cases
Sealed cases are closed to public viewing by court order. Adoption files, certain juvenile matters, and cases with safety concerns are the most common sealed records. The portal may show only a placeholder noting the file is sealed, with no names or document titles visible.
Confidential Records
Confidential records contain sensitive personal details that the court protects by law. These records do not appear in the regular docket and require a court order or written consent to access. Examples include medical records, mental health evaluations, and certain financial disclosures filed under seal.
Juvenile Records
Juvenile records for matters such as delinquency, child protection, and certain adoptions are kept separate from adult family files. These records are restricted or sealed under Minnesota statute, with access limited to the parties, attorneys, and approved agencies. The portal does not display juvenile docket entries to the public.
Obtaining Family Court Records
You can obtain Dakota County family court records through three main channels: online, by mail, and in person. Each channel handles different needs, from quick docket checks to certified copies for legal filings. Below are the options available, along with the rules you must follow to receive the documents.
- Online through the Minnesota Public Access portal for instant docket views
- By mail through the Dakota County clerk’s office for copies and certifications
- In person at the Hastings courthouse for same-day retrieval and certified copies
Online Record Requests
The Minnesota Public Access portal lets you download docket sheets and view document images at no cost for most public cases. To request certified copies online, you use the Minnesota Judicial Branch request system and pay the required fee by credit card. The system emails a digital copy or mails a paper certified copy based on your choice during checkout.
Mail Requests
You can send a written request to the Dakota County District Court clerk’s office for copies of specific documents. The request should include the case number, the document title, your contact details, and a check or money order for the copy fee. The clerk mails the copies back along with a receipt for any certified copy charges.
In-Person Requests
Visiting the Dakota County courthouse in Hastings lets you review files on public terminals and request paper copies on the spot. The clerk’s office staff can pull files, print documents, and certify copies while you wait. In-person visits work best when you need the same day or want to confirm a document exists before paying the fee.
Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the court seal and an authorized signature, making them valid for use in other courts, government agencies, and employers. You must request certified copies specifically rather than standard photocopies. Each certified copy costs a set fee per document and is processed in the order the clerk receives requests.
Identification Requirements
The clerk asks for a valid government-issued photo ID before releasing certified copies or sealed records. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Attorneys can present a bar card along with a photo ID to pull files on behalf of a client.
Copy Fees
Standard copy fees in Dakota County family court follow the schedule set by Minnesota law, with a base rate per page and an extra charge for certification. The clerk can quote the exact fee when you submit your request. Payment methods typically include cash, check, money order, and credit card, depending on the request channel.
| Request Type | Standard Fee | Processing Location |
|---|---|---|
| Online docket view | No cost | Public Access Portal |
| Photocopy per page | Set by Minnesota statute | Clerk’s Office |
| Certified copy per document | Certification fee applies | Clerk’s Office or online request |
| Mail request handling | Copy fee plus postage | Clerk’s Office |
Processing Times
Processing times vary based on the request type and the workload of the clerk’s office. Online requests for public docket data return instantly. Mailed certified copies may take several business days to reach you. In-person requests handled at the counter are often completed the same day for common documents such as judgments and support orders.
Family Court Record Privacy
Privacy protections limit what details the public can see in family court files. Minnesota law balances open access with the need to shield sensitive data. Below are the key privacy areas you should know before viewing or sharing Dakota County family court records.
Protected Personal Details
Protected personal details cover Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and financial account numbers. The public docket masks these fields and shows only partial digits. Full access to protected data requires a court order or party status in the case.
Child-Related Details
Child-related details, such as the names of minor children, school records, and medical records, receive extra protection. The docket often displays initials rather than full names for children. Court filings that contain sensitive child data are filed under restricted access by the clerk.
Financial Details
Financial details like income statements, tax returns, and asset disclosures are filed as confidential in many cases. The court keeps this data away from public search terminals but shares it with the parties and their attorneys. Financial affidavits used to set support may be available only through the clerk under limited access rules.
Sealed Court Documents
Sealed court documents are removed from public view by judicial order. Adoption decrees, certain paternity files, and cases with safety risks often fall into this category. The public docket shows only a note that the file is sealed without listing parties or document titles.
Confidential Case Materials
Confidential case materials include evaluations, home studies, and records received from social services agencies. These documents stay in a separate section of the file and are not available through the public portal. Access requires a court order or written consent from all parties in the case.
Family Court Record Accuracy and Availability
Verifying the accuracy of a family court record protects you from using the wrong case or relying on outdated data. The portal offers several checks to confirm the file matches your query. Below are the steps you can take before relying on any record pulled from the system.
Confirming the Correct Case
Start by checking the case header for the full legal names of the parties, the filing date, and the case type. The header should line up with the matter you are researching. If any field looks wrong, run a fresh search with a different spelling or use the case number to confirm the match.
Matching Party Names
Compare each name on the docket to the spelling and order you expect. The portal may list a maiden name, an alias, or a legal name change, which can look like a different person at first glance. Cross-referencing names with a known date of birth or address helps confirm the correct match.
Verifying Case Numbers
Every Dakota County family court case number follows a standard pattern tied to the year and court type. You can verify the number by checking the docket header against the document you already have. Mismatched digits usually mean you are viewing the wrong file or a related but separate matter.
Recently Filed Cases
Cases filed within the last few weeks may not show complete docket entries right away. The clerk enters new documents in batches, so a fresh filing might take several business days to appear online. Recheck the docket after a short wait, or call the clerk’s office for the latest status update.
Delayed Updates
Delayed updates occur when the clerk is processing high case volume or scanning older records. The portal may show only a docket header while document images are still pending. Knowing this prevents you from assuming a record is missing when it has not yet been digitized.
Missing Documents
Missing documents in the public view could be sealed, restricted, or stored in paper format at the courthouse. The clerk can confirm whether a document exists and explain the steps needed to access it. Filing a specific request speeds up retrieval of older paper files that have not been digitized.
Records Held by Another Court
Records held by another court, such as a federal court or a different county, do not appear in the Dakota County search. You would need to use the correct court’s portal or contact that clerk’s office. Cross-county family filings, such as a custody modification filed where the child now lives, often sit in the new jurisdiction.
Common Family Court Records Search Problems
Search problems happen when a name is misspelled, a case number has an error, or the document is restricted. Knowing the common pitfalls helps you fix the query quickly. Below are the most frequent issues users face when running a Dakota County family court records search.
- Search returns no results for the name or case number
- Spelling or formatting errors in the search criteria
- File stored in the wrong county or court system
- Document image not yet uploaded to the portal
- Sealed or restricted record blocks public viewing
Case Not Found
A case not found result means the system has no record matching your criteria. Double-check the spelling of the name, the year of filing, and the county filter to confirm the right parameters. If the case exists in a different county, run the search there or contact the clerk’s office for the correct jurisdiction.
Incorrect Party Name
An incorrect party name can be as simple as a missing middle initial or a typo in the last name. The portal searches on the exact string you enter, so small errors change the result list. Try variations such as the maiden name or the spelled-out full legal name to see the right matches.
Incorrect Case Number
An incorrect case number often happens when one digit is off or the year is wrong. The system rejects the entry as not found when no match exists. Pulling the correct number from a prior notice, attorney letter, or older document fixes the issue and loads the right docket.
Wrong Court or Jurisdiction
A wrong court or jurisdiction issue shows up when the case was filed in another Minnesota county. Confirm the filing county using the original paperwork or by calling the attorney of record. The statewide portal filters by location, so picking the right county narrows the search to one set of files.
Document Not Available
A document not available message appears for older files that have not been scanned or for sealed records. The clerk’s office can check the paper file and produce copies on request. Some older files may sit in offsite storage and require extra retrieval time before they reach the counter.
Restricted Record
A restricted record cannot be viewed without party status or a court order. If you have a legal right to the file, present your identification and proof of relationship to the clerk. Courts grant access to attorneys of record and self-represented parties after verifying identity and standing.
Family Court Records and Related Records
Family court records overlap with several other record systems, and knowing the differences helps you pull the right file. Each record type has its own portal, clerk, and access rules. Below is a clear breakdown of how Dakota County family court records relate to other record sets in Minnesota.
| Record Type | Office That Holds It | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Family Court Records | Dakota County District Court Clerk | Dissolution, custody, support, paternity, adoption, name change, protective orders |
| Divorce Records | Same as family court; also state records office for the marriage ending | Same family court file; state records office handles the divorce certificate |
| Civil Court Records | Dakota County District Court Clerk | Personal injury, contract disputes, property cases outside family law |
| Criminal Court Records | Dakota County District Court Clerk | Misdemeanors, felonies, traffic cases |
| State Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates | Minnesota Department of Health | Official certificates for life events |
| Child Support Records | Minnesota Department of Human Services and county support agencies | Payment history, payment withholding orders, collection actions |
Family Court Records vs. Divorce Records
Family court records cover the entire case file. Divorce records often refer to just the dissolution portion or the final decree tied to one marriage. The Dakota County family court records portal lists every motion and order tied to the divorce. The state records office holds the marriage and divorce certificates used for name changes and other life events.
Family Court Records vs. Civil Court Records
Family court records involve family relationships such as marriage, parentage, and custody. Civil court records cover disputes between individuals or businesses that fall outside family law, such as contracts, personal injury, and property claims. The Dakota County clerk manages both kinds. Docket codes and case types keep them separate in the search results.
Family Court Records vs. Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records deal with violations of state law, ranging from traffic offenses to felonies, and result in fines or jail time. Family court cases are civil matters, with protective orders or contempt findings appearing inside the same file when needed. Each system uses its own case number format and its own search area within the Minnesota portal.
Family Court Records vs. State Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates
State birth, death, and marriage certificates are the official records of life events maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health. Family court records include the underlying court orders. The state records office holds the certificates that prove those events happened. You may need both for full documentation, such as a divorce decree plus the divorce certificate.
Family Court Records vs. Child Support Records
Child support records cover payment history, payment withholding orders, and collection actions maintained by the state support agency. Family court records contain the
support order itself and any modifications ruled by the judge. For ongoing payment questions, the support agency portal is the right source. For order changes and past rulings, the family court docket holds the answers.
Contact the Dakota County Family Court Clerk
The Dakota County District Court clerk’s office handles all family court record requests, certified copies, and questions about case status. You can reach the office by phone or in person at the courthouse during the posted business hours. Use the details below to contact the clerk for help with your Dakota County family court records search, certified copy request, or sealed record question.
- Address: 1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033
- Phone: (651) 377-7180
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us/CaseSearch
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers on locating, copying, and understanding Dakota County family court records.
How can I search Dakota County family court records?
You can search online through the Minnesota Judicial Branch public access portal. Visit the official site, select the Dakota County option, and choose the family court category. Filter results by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal displays case status, docket entries, and document types. No courthouse visit is required, and the service is free for basic searches. If you need more detailed files, note the case number for a follow‑up request at the clerk’s office.
Where do I find a Dakota County case number?
The case number appears on any filed document, such as a petition or order, and on the online search results page. When you run a search by name or date, the portal lists each case with its unique identifier. You can also call the clerk’s office at (651) 377‑7180 and ask for the number using the parties’ full names and filing year. Having the exact number simplifies requests for copies or status updates.
Can I get a certified copy of a family court filing?
Yes. After locating the case online, note the case number and contact the Dakota County family court clerk. Request a certified copy in person, by mail, or sometimes online if the portal offers that option. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay the standard copying fee. The clerk will verify your request and issue the certified document, which carries the court’s seal and signature.
What fees apply for Dakota County records?
Copying fees are set by the Minnesota Judicial Branch and usually range from a few cents per page to a small flat rate for certified copies. There is no charge for basic online searches. If you request a certified copy, expect a higher fee that includes the seal. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card at the clerk’s office. Ask the clerk for the exact amount before submitting your request.
How long does it take to receive a family court order?
Delivery time depends on the request method. In‑person pickups are often ready the same day after payment. Mail requests typically arrive within 7‑10 business days. Online requests, when available, may provide electronic copies instantly. Factors such as high volume periods or the need for additional verification can extend the timeline. Always confirm the expected wait time with the clerk when you submit your request.