What is a will?

A will is a legal document that states a person’s wishes as to how their estate should be handled after their death. In Kansas, a will is a written document that must be signed by the testator (the person creating the document) and two witnesses, and must be notarized. The will must specify who will receive the assets/property of the deceased, who will administer the estate, and who will act as guardians of any minor children. The will should also include instructions as to the final disposition of the deceased’s property and any funeral instructions. The will must be filed with the court after the testator passes away. A will can be changed or revoked at any time, as long as the testator is mentally competent. In the absence of a will, the Kansas statutes provide for certain rules of intestate succession which determine who will inherit the decedent’s property. In most cases, these rules of intestate succession follow the family line and favor the surviving spouse and children. It is always best to create a will to ensure that your wishes are followed and your estate is properly handled after your death.

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