Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2018

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  
Report Pass
1/26/23  
Engrossed
2/1/23  
Refer
2/2/23  

Caption

Permitting a will or a copy of a will filed within six months after the death of the testator to be admitted to probate at any time.

Impact

This bill effectively amends K.S.A. 2022 Supp. 59-618a, significantly altering existing probate practices. By allowing the admission of wills filed after six months post-death, it could alleviate unnecessary burdens on heirs and estate administrators who face challenges in adhering to tight timelines. The changes could lead to more efficient resolution of estate matters, ensuring that the intentions of the deceased are respected and executed in a timely manner, which could also result in less litigation regarding estate disputes.

Summary

House Bill 2018 proposes significant adjustments to Kansas's probate code, specifically concerning the processes for filing and admitting wills to probate. The bill allows for a will or a copy of a will to be filed within six months after the testator's death, enabling it to be admitted to probate at any time thereafter. This modification aims to streamline the probate process by providing greater flexibility for individuals wishing to file a will, thus potentially reducing delays associated with estate management.

Contention

While the intentions behind HB2018 appear to be positive, there may be points of contention regarding the implications of extending the time for filing wills. Critics may express concern that this change could lead to complications in the oversight of estates, particularly in cases where the validity of wills might be challenged. There might also be apprehension about how this amendment could affect the prompt distribution of assets and the rights of heirs if a will is filed much later than the traditional timeline. Thus, potential discussions regarding the safeguarding of estate management processes are likely to emerge.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2130

Permitting a copy of a will to be filed and admitted to probate, increasing certain dollar amounts in the Kansas probate code, adjusting time requirements linked to notice by publication and mailing in the Kansas probate code and clarifying how property held under a transfer-on-death deed is distributed when one beneficiary predeceases the grantor.

KS HB3409

PROBATE-CONTEST OF WILLS

KS A2908

Provides that will is not valid unless signed by testator or substantially written in testator's handwriting.

KS HB2502

Relating to the adoption of a nonsubstantive revision of provisions of the Texas Probate Code relating to decedents' estates and the redesignation of certain other provisions of the Texas Probate Code, including conforming amendments and repeals.

KS SB2071

Relating to the adoption of a nonsubstantive revision of provisions of the Texas Probate Code relating to decedents' estates and the redesignation of certain other provisions of the Texas Probate Code, including conforming amendments and repeals.

KS A2673

Provides that will is not valid unless signed by testator or substantially written in testator's handwriting.

KS SB256

Wills and estates, will contests, probate courts jurisdiction, removed to circuit courts under certain conditions

KS SB411

Allow recordings to be treated as wills

KS HB2782

Relating to decedents' estates, transfer on death deeds, and matters involving probate courts.

KS HB1208

Various probate and trust matters.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.