Intestate Succession in Kansas
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Kansas distributes intestate property to spouse and children in equal shares, with surviving spouse receiving a larger portion.
How Kansas treats Intestate Succession
If the deceased leaves a spouse and children, the spouse receives one-half of the estate and the children share the remaining half equally. If only a spouse survives, the spouse inherits the entire estate. Kansas follows a standard per stirpes distribution for descendants, meaning if a child predeceases, that child's share passes to their own children.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Kansas.