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If you die without a will in Kansas, your assets will go to your closest relatives according to state intestacy laws.
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Introduction
A will is a legal document that allows you to control what happens to your property and possessions when you die. Without a will, the state of Kansas will decide how to distribute your assets.
A will also allows you to name a guardian for your minor children. If you have young children, this is one of the most important reasons to have a valid will in place.
Creating a will is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to make sure that your document meets all of the legal requirements in Kansas. This article will provide an overview of what you need to do to make a valid will in Kansas.
1. Choose an executor.
2. Prepare the document.
3. Sign and date the document in front of two witnesses.
4. Have the witnesses sign and date the document.
5. Keep the original copy of the document in a safe place.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Making a will is an important step in ensuring that your property and possessions are distributed according to your wishes after your death. However, before you start the process of drafting a will, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it is important to understand that in Kansas, there are two types of wills – testamentary and holographic. A testamentary will is one that is signed by the testator (the person making the will) in the presence of witnesses. A holographic will is one that is entirely handwritten by the testator and does not require witnesses.
second thing to keep in mind is that, in order for a will to be valid in Kansas, it must be signed by the testator and witnessed by two other people who are not related to the testator or named in the will. In addition, the witness signatures must be notarized.
Finally, it is important to note that Kansas law requires that a will must be probated – that is, it must go through a court process – before it can take effect. Probate can be a long and expensive process, so it is advisable to consult with an attorney before you start drafting your will to make sure that it meets all of the requirements for probate in Kansas.
How to Make a Will in Kansas
In Kansas, you can make a legally binding will by hand or have it prepared by a lawyer. You can also use an online service, but it’s best to have an attorney review your document to make sure it meets state requirements.
To make a valid will in Kansas, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. You must also sign your will in front of two witnesses, who must also sign the document.
If you want to change your will, you can do so at any time by either making a new will or adding a codicil, which is a legal document that modifies an existing will. You’ll need to follow the same rules for making changes as you did when you created the original document.
If you die without a will, your property will be distributed according to Kansas’ intestacy laws.
What to Do if You Have a Will but You Move to Another State
If you have a will but you move to another state, your will may not be valid in the new state. You should check with an attorney in the new state to find out the requirements for a valid will in that state. In general, however, if your will meets the requirements of the old state, it is usually valid in the new state as well.
How to Change or Revoke Your Will
It is important to understand that you have the power to change your will at any time, as your circumstances change. You can revoke your will entirely, or just make changes to it. You can make a new will, which automatically revokes any previous wills. Or, you can use a “codicil” which is an amendment to an existing will.
If you want to make changes to your will, it is best to consult with an attorney to ensure that the changes are legal and properly executed.
You can revoke your will entirely by destroying it (burning it, tearing it up, etc.), or by making a new will that revokes all previous wills. You should also notify any executor named in the old will that it has been revoked, so they do not mistakenly try to use it after you die.
If you have lost your original will, or it has been destroyed, you can prepare a new will. In Kansas, as in most states, if you prepare a new will it automatically revokes all of your previous wills – even if you don’t mention them in the new will.
It is also possible to make changes (called “amendments” or “codicils”) to an existing will without revoking the whole document. If you make only a few changes, and the overall intent of the original document remains unchanged, this may be the best option. However, if you are making substantial changes, or if there are problems with the existing document (such as unclear wording), it may be better to start from scratch with a new document.
As with any change to your will, we recommend consulting with an attorney before making amendments to ensure they are legal and properly executed.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a will in Kansas is not a difficult task, but there are some important things to keep in mind. First, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to make a valid will. Second, your will must be in writing, signed by you and witnessed by two other adults. Third, you can change your will at any time as long as you follow the same formalities required for making a will. Finally, if you have any questions about making a will or estate planning in general, you should consult with an experienced attorney.
