Opinion ID: 2632331
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Sufficient Evidence to Admit Will to Probate

Text: Opponents contend the testimony of the witnesses was insufficient to support the trial court's finding that all testamentary formalities had been met and that the will should be admitted to probate. As noted, the proponents of a will must put forth evidence establishing a prima facie case of capacity and due execution. See K.S.A. 2001 Supp. 59-2224. A prima facie case of capacity requires a showing that the testator was of sound mind and majority at the time the will was executed. See K.S.A. 59-601. In this case, the proponents put forth the testimony of those present at the execution of the will. Although there were discrepancies in their testimony, all present at the signing of the will testified that Farr either proclaimed or acknowledged the majority of the assets in his estate and his intent to leave his property to his sons, Marvin and Howard. The witnesses testified that Farr was alert and that he seemed to understand what was happening. The record indicates Farr was 82 years old at the time of the execution of the will. Thus, there is sufficient evidence to support a prima facie case of capacity. See Amerine, 177 Kan. at 484 (prima facie case of capacity found where witnesses testified testator was of sound mind and no possible inference of lack of majority); Peirano, 155 Kan. at 51 (prima facie case found where testator appeared to know what he wanted, was keen and alert, recited who he wanted to receive property under the will, and described some of the assets that comprised his estate). In order to establish a prima facie case of due execution, the proponents of a will must show compliance with K.S.A. 2001 Supp. 59-606. Pursuant to K.S.A. 2001 Supp. 59-606, a will must be: (1) in writing; (2) signed at the end by the testator or by another party in the presence and at the request of the testator; and (3) attested and subscribed in the presence of the testator by two or more competent witnesses who saw the testator subscribe or heard the testator acknowledge the will. The attestation clause recites that the will was signed by the testator in the presence of the witnesses, at his request, and in his sight and presence and that the witnesses were also in the presence of each other. An attestation clause is presumptive evidence of the facts stated in it. In re Estate of Arney, 174 Kan. 64, 67-68, 254 P.2d 314 (1953). Both subscribing witnesses to the will, as well as Brantley, also testified that Farr signed the will in the presence of the subscribing witnesses and that each witness signed the will in Farr's presence. Farr's signature appears at the end of the document just above the attestation clause. Thus, there has been compliance with the requirements of K.S.A. 2001 Supp. 59-606, and a prima facie case of due execution was shown.