Last Will and Testament in Kansas
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What Kansas law says
| Requirements for a valid will | Any person of sound mind who has reached the age of majority may make a will. A written will must be signed at the end by the will-maker (or by another person in their presence and at their express direction) and witnessed by two or more competent witnesses, who sign in the will-maker's presence after seeing the will-maker sign or hearing them acknowledge the will. Source: K.S.A. 59-601, 59-606 |
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| Self-proving affidavit | Yes. When the will is signed or later (while the will-maker and witnesses are alive), the will-maker and witnesses can acknowledge the will and sign affidavits before a notary or other officer, using the certificate wording in the statute. This makes witness testimony unnecessary at probate. Source: K.S.A. 59-606 |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | No. Kansas has no separate rule for handwritten wills; a handwritten will must be signed and witnessed like any other will. A will made outside Kansas is valid if it follows Kansas law, the law of the place where it was signed, or the law of the will-maker's residence, as long as it is in writing and signed by the will-maker. Source: K.S.A. 59-606, 59-609 |
Fill it in
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · Kansas tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.