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

Heading: testamentary formalities

Text: Opponents contend the trial court erred in finding Farr's will was executed with testamentary formalities. Specifically, opponents assert the trial court erred (1) in not finding the self-proving affidavit invalid; (2) in finding the testimony of the witnesses was sufficient to allow the will to be submitted to probate; and (3) in finding Harriet was a disinterested witness. Where the trial court has made findings of fact and conclusions of law, the appellate court's function is to determine whether the findings are supported by substantial competent evidence and whether the findings are sufficient to support the trial court's conclusions of law. Substantial evidence is evidence which possesses both relevance and substance and which furnishes a substantial basis of fact from which the issues can reasonably be resolved. Substantial evidence is such legal and relevant evidence as a reasonable person might accept as being sufficient to support a conclusion. In re Estate of Reynolds, 266 Kan. 449, 461, 970 P.2d 537 (1998). When offering a will to probate, the burden of proof is initially upon the proponent to make a prima facie case showing capacity and due execution of the will. See K.S.A. 2001 Supp. 59-2224; In re Estate of Perkins, 210 Kan. 619, 624, 504 P.2d 564 (1972); Amerine v. Amerine, Executor, 177 Kan. 481, Syl. ¶ 6, 280 P.2d 601 (1955); In re Estate of Peirano, 155 Kan. 48, 49, 122 P.2d 772 (1942). It is well established in Kansas that once it has been shown that a will has been executed in accordance with the formalities required by law, the burden is upon the will contestant and he or she must produce evidence to support his or her position. In re Estate of Haneberg, 270 Kan. 365, 374, 14 P.3d 1088 (2000). We note that the trial judge refused to find a prima facie case had been shown during the trial because the judge had not yet had the opportunity to read Christine Pokorney's deposition testimony. The memorandum decision did not specifically find the proponents established a prima facie case; however, the judge held that the proponents had shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the will was executed with testamentary formalities and that the burden of proof shifted to the opponents. In order for the burden of proof to have shifted to the proponents the trial judge necessarily found the proponents had put forth a prima facie case. See Perkins, 210 Kan. at 624.