Kansas Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Kansas, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Kansas guide.
- Will
- Kansas will requirements under K.S.A. 59-606: two witnesses, no handwritten wills, and a marriage plus a child that wipes out the whole document. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Kansas has had a uniform trust code since 2003 and added community property trusts in 2026. How to create and fund one. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- A Kansas power of attorney is not durable by default. K.S.A. 58-652 makes a notary a condition of durability, and two agents must act jointly. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Kansas splits advance directives into three documents with three signing rules, and it names nobody to decide for an adult who signs none of them. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Kansas requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Kansas estate planning guides
Kansas Estate Planning Basics
Kansas estate planning takes four documents: a will with two witnesses, a power of attorney durable only if you say so, and two health care papers.
Kansas Will Requirements
Kansas will requirements under K.S.A. 59-606: two witnesses, no handwritten wills, and a marriage plus a child that wipes out the whole document.
Kansas Power of Attorney
A Kansas power of attorney is not durable by default. K.S.A. 58-652 makes a notary a condition of durability, and two agents must act jointly.
Kansas Advance Directive
Kansas splits advance directives into three documents with three signing rules, and it names nobody to decide for an adult who signs none of them.
Kansas Guardianship Planning
Kansas replaced its guardianship act on January 1, 2026. What a district court must find, and the alternatives it has to rule out.
Kansas Revocable Living Trust
Kansas has had a uniform trust code since 2003 and added community property trusts in 2026. How to create and fund one.
Kansas Trust Administration
Kansas trust administration under K.S.A. 58a-813: the two 60-day notices, the trust report, and what the 2026 trust act changed.
Kansas Transfer on Death Deed
A Kansas transfer on death deed goes on record with the register of deeds before the owner dies, needs no witnesses, and no will can revoke it.
Kansas Pet Trusts
K.S.A. 58a-408 makes a Kansas pet trust valid for the animal's life, with no dollar cap and no 21-year limit. Who enforces it and how to fund it.
Kansas Digital Assets After Death
Kansas adopted the digital assets act at K.S.A. 58-4801. An online tool outranks a will, and a custodian answers in 60 days.
Not sure what you need in Kansas?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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