Opinion ID: 2632331
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Self-Proving Affidavit

Text: Opponents contend the trial court erred in failing to invalidate the self-proving affidavit because no oath was administered. In order to execute a valid self-proving affidavit, the testator and witnesses must be under oath at the time and the testator must declare that the document is his or her will and that it was freely and voluntarily executed. See K.S.A. 2001 Supp. 59-606. Here, the witnesses were not under oath at the time the self-proving affidavit was signed, nor did Farr specifically declare the will was his or that it was made freely or voluntarily. Even so, we need not address opponents' assertion that the self-proving affidavit was invalid, because the trial court did not rely upon the affidavit in determining that testamentary formalities had been met. The testimony of both subscribing witnesses was received into evidence at trial and was used by the trial court in admitting the will to probate. In addition, it is important to note that pursuant to K.S.A. 2001 Supp. 59-606, if a will containing a self-proving affidavit is contested, the will is treated as if it contained no such affidavit. Thus, once a self-proved will is contested, the question of the validity of the self-proving affidavit is moot because the affidavit is no longer conclusive as to the admission of the will to probate.