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Questions Answered by Doug Coe
1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Kansas on
Q: In the state of Kansas, is it legal for me to hand write my own will with two witnesses to my signature?
Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Sep 14, 2021

As a general matter, it is not a requirement to have a will typed, and there is no requirement that the will be typed by someone other than yourself. However, there are a LOT of other variables to consider. As a probate and estate planning attorney, I've seen countless messes that not only... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Kansas on
Q: What if my sibling left a Will and died will my assets follow the will or go to her daughter who my sibling left nothing
Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Sep 3, 2021

In Kansas, a Will, by itself, won't transfer any assets until it has been probated. This is a court process usually supervised by a Judge. I would highly recommend speaking with a lawyer about this situation. Your lawyer can help review the Will and present it to the probate court. There... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Kansas on
Q: What is a grantor? Are they financially responsible for the borrower's debt? Will it void a previous will?

My husband is refinancing his mortgage. We are now married so the bank said I have to be a grantor. It looks like the grantors (both my husband and I) are required to pay the taxes. Is this legal? Should it not say the borrower is responsible for the taxes instead of the grantors? (It specifically... View More

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Aug 13, 2021

It looks like there are a number of different topics/questions here. Generally speaking, a bank will want both spouses to sign the mortgage, which is to say they want both spouses to consent to the lien being attached to the real estate. As a married couple, both spouses have an interest in the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: My mother died I paid all debts and will wasn't probate. No in probate but attorney trying to get settled without judge

lawyers trying to settle and sibling declare descendants wasn't in a will and trying to force sheriff sale

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Mar 5, 2021

In Kansas, there are ways in which real estate can transfer outside of probate and without respect to what a Will says. Seems like there are a number of issues here. I would recommend hiring an attorney -- even if just for an hour or so -- to help figure out what exactly is going on. Disclaimer:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Kansas on
Q: I’m representative for my Dad’s estate, my sister’s and I were all 3 on the deed. Can I charge a fee on the house & pro?
Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Feb 3, 2021

There are a number of factors here. Generally, estate representatives can charge a reasonable fee for services rendered. However, if you are actually appointed as the representative for the estate via the court process, the Judge will ultimately have to approve your fees. If an estate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: if a person passes away with a car as their only asset, but has credit card debt, will this go to probate?

A family member passed away unexpectedly without a will. Their only asset was a car, they rented their home & did not own any property. it is believed they had some debt, primarily credit cards. Not sure if the vehicled has a TOD on the title. Would the sale of any household appliances,... View More

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Nov 23, 2020

In Kansas, there would be number of variables to consider. That said, generally, all of a person's property that does not have a beneficiary designation on it (or co-owner w/ survivorship rights) is part of the estate and can be used to satisfy enforceable debts. There may be some... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Kansas on
Q: The administrator for my deceased husband hasn't talked for more than half year. What can I do from here in Kansas?

My husband passed away 3 years ago in Kansas. He had properties in Kansas and Arkansas. The executor for his case requested documents in this past February. I haven't hard anything about this since then. What can I do to get updates for this case and move on?

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Nov 5, 2020

Surviving spouses certainly have rights in Kansas. If there is reason to think the administrator/executor isn't doing what they need to be doing, I would strongly encourage you to talk to an attorney. They may be able to file certain motions with the Court to get things going, or there may... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: How do I obtain an affidavit of one and the same for a deceased person?

My mother recently passed away and signed a transfer on death certificate for her home to me. Upon sending it to the register of deeds they returned it and said that it was missing the middle name initial and they would not release the property to me. They explained that they need an affidavit of... View More

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Oct 9, 2020

I agree with Mr. Stockwell, but would add one additional point of clarification. If the transfer on death deed was, in fact, filed prior to death, the affidavit you likely need is a simple and straightforward project for an attorney familiar with this area of the law. I would certainly encourage... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Kansas on
Q: home was foreclosed on and sold for more than the final balance, are we owed the excess money?

Is a very long situation and a lot of detail , I want to know if I have an option here or not to pursue it.

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Oct 5, 2020

I would highly encourage you to talk to a lawyer. Depending on the unique facts of the case, you may be able to recover some amount of money. These are very fact specific cases, so an attorney would be a great resources.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Kansas on
Q: I am being evicted for not paying my rent in kansas. My hours were cut a lot so I signed the declaration thingy but stil

I'm still being evicted even the judge said. I see all over the internet no one can be evicted how am I still being evicted??

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Oct 5, 2020

I would highly encourage you to speak to an attorney about this. It's not as simple as "the landlord can't evict me." There are a number of nuisances to the current executive orders, and an attorney should be able to help your specific situation. Kansas Legal Services may be able to help, too.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: Husband passed. I'm his wife and executioner of will. Sister put property that us co-owned by both in probate.

I married my husband on the 17th and he passed on the 19th. He had a will and left everything to me. Him and his sister were co-owners of property. She has put it all in probate. What can I do about this?

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Oct 5, 2020

I would highly recommend you talk to a lawyer about this. There are a number of additional details that will effect the outcome. However, if he and his sister jointly owned the property where she had the rights of survivorship, those assets are likely going to be hers. She would not need to go... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Kansas on
Q: Who gets deceased grandparents assets after their child dies?

My grandparents passed away a couple years ago. They had 11 children. All said and done, they all split everything 11 ways and walked away with around $100k each. My mother recently passed unexpectedly. She did not spend any of the money from my grandparents. Is that money now her spouses (my... View More

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Oct 5, 2020

I would strongly recommend you talk to you in attorney about this. There are a number of variables that will affect the outcome. If she passed away without a Will and as a resident of Kansas, and if the assets did not have beneficiary designations on them at the time of her passing, they will pass... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: I gave a lawyer $1500 to probate my mothers estate. It’s been 2 mo and he has not filed any paperwork. Is this normal?

He refused to return my emails or phone calls. He finally called after a nasty email I sent. I want to fire him but I will probably lose $500 and two months.

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Sep 2, 2020

In Kansas, the process can take some time. That said, if two months have passed since he was supposed to file documents, and if he still hasn't after your recent phone call, you might be wise to at least touch base with another attorney. If the first one didn't do any work, you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Kansas on
Q: Do I contact his lawyer or wait as I just recently was m

My parents divorced and they still were in contact. My stepdad told my mother he was still keeping the trust for my son for after he passed away to make sure my son was supported. It's been about two weeks since he past. Am I suppose to call lawyer to find out. He lived in greece and passed in... View More

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Aug 24, 2020

Reaching out to the lawyer would be a great starting point. I'd encourage you to do that!

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: K.S.A. 59-1507b - Small Estates Affidavit was filed with Leavenworth, KS Probate court. But something is missing. What?

There was no will so we filed the form, K.S.A. 59-1507b - Small Estates Affidavit, to get Administration rights to close fathers accounts and affairs. We never heard anything from the courts and they won't tells us anything either on the phone or in person. All the court clerks indicate is... View More

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Jul 3, 2020

Generally speaking, there's no need to actually "file" the Small Estate Affidavit. It can be shown directly to the bank or other institution, and they transfer the assets pursuant to the affidavit. On the other hand, if probate administration is needed due the nature of the estate,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: Statue of limitations on probate?

Mother posted away 2 1/2 years ago, youngest brother and family took care of her in last months of her life. The lived in house taking care of her, and still do.

Do not know if there is Will?

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Jun 15, 2020

Assuming title is still in Mom's name, and assuming there wasn't a transfer on death deed recorded prior to her passing, and assuming you're trying to figure out how to transfer title to the house, it looks like you will need to go through at least some amount of probate. There may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: My father suddenly passed away. My sister is sole beneficiary but there was no will. Am I entitled to half?
Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Apr 27, 2020

There are a number of variables. Generally, if the asset is passing by way of a beneficiary designation, the beneficiary designation will control. If the assets have to pass by way of a probate proceeding when there is no Will they pass pursuant to the default rules in Kansas. In that situation,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: how do i file for "standing" on my fathers estate my step mom has not produced a will he passed in january

i also need to admit the probate to the court is that something a lawyer will have to do or can i also dose it matter what order and is there anything else i should be doing

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Apr 18, 2020

In Kansas, generally, the first step is to petition the Court for the admission of and probate of the Will. Any interested party can do that, but you'll need a copy of the Will. You don't technically need a lawyer, but it will be a big help. Generally those legal fees are paid for out... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Kansas on
Q: My mom and dad divorced. My dads father still left my mother land. She was remarried when this occured.

She wants to will the land to my brother and i. He was never left any of this but does he have to sign the deed? He being her husband.

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Apr 6, 2020

In Kansas, you always want -- and any many cases need -- the signature of both houses anytime you transfer land. However, if she were to transfer the land by way of her estate plan, and if her husband was living at the time of her death, you'd want his signature waiving his rights to the land... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Kansas on
Q: How do I obtain ‘simplified small estate’ probate status?

I’m named executor in my brother’s recent will. Need a probate letter confirming this before a bank will set up an ‘estate account’ to pay bills and receive refund checks in his name. His lawyer said probate filing is not needed since the will was recorded only a couple months ago. What do... View More

Doug Coe
Doug Coe
answered on Mar 30, 2020

In order to officially serve as the executor (and therefore have the authority to open an estate account), you will need what's called the Letters Testamentary from the Court. In order to get that document, there are a number of hoops to jump through, including a Petition, Notice, Order... View More

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