When devise passes whole

59-614. When devise passes whole. Every devise of real estate shall pass all the estate of the testator therein, unless it clearly appears by the will that he or she intended a less estate to pass. History: L. 1939, ch. 180, § 50; July 1. Source or prior law: 22-258. Law Review and Bar Journal References: Estates tail in Kansas prior to 1939, John P. Turner, 2 J.B.A.K. 241, 245 (1934); Eugene H. Nirdlinger, 4 J.B.A.K. 117, passim (1935). Purpose of K.S.A. 58-503 stated, William R. Scott, 24 J.B.A.K. 175, 176 (1955). Annotation No. 8 discussed in 1953-55 survey of real property and future interests law, Richard W. Stavely, 4 K.L.R. 174, 175 (1955). "Expressions of Intent to Create Fees," William R. Scott, 3 W.L.J. 5, 6 (1964). "Contracts to Will: An Estate Planning Alternative for the Kansas Practitioner," Kevin J. Arnel, Steven J. Wood, 26 W.L.J. 444, 456 (1987). CASE ANNOTATIONS 1. Common law rule abrogated. Pumroy v. Jenkins, 151 Kan. 466, 468, 99 P.2d 752. 2. Devise of real estate passes all estate unless other intention apparent. Zabel v. Stewart, 153 Kan. 272, 279, 109 P.2d 177. 3. Will construed to convey life estate not fee simple. Weaver v. Chatterton, 154 Kan. 696, 698, 701, 121 P.2d 211. 4. Applied; deed conveyed life estate, vested remainder; Wild's case rule inapplicable. Epperson v. Bennett, 161 Kan. 298, 301, 167 P.2d 606. 5. Devise in will construed to convey life estate from whole instrument. In re Estate of Thompson, 161 Kan. 641, 645, 171 P.2d 294. 6. Devisee of land entitled to gravel sale royalties after testator's death. In re Estate of Cline, 170 Kan. 496, 504, 227 P.2d 157. 7. Mentioned; oil and gas in place is real property. In re Estate of Randolph, 175 Kan. 685, 686, 266 P.2d 315. 8. Wills are construed to prevent partial intestacy where such construction reasonable. Walker v. Koepcke, 177 Kan. 617, 621, 282 P.2d 382. 9. Cited; will construed to convey estate in fee simple. Giese v. Smith, 195 Kan. 607, 613, 408 P.2d 687. 10. Will speaks from time of testator's death unless contrary intention plainly shown. In re Estate of Snyder, 199 Kan. 487, 493, 430 P.2d 212. 11. Parol evidence examined where description of land conveyed contained latent ambiguity. Barrett v. Ninnescah Bow Hunters Ass'n, 15 Kan. App. 2d 241, 248, 806 P.2d 485 (1991). Previous | Next LEGISLATIVE COORDINATING COUNCIL General Policies 2026 Archived LCC Documents Archived LCC Meetings REVISOR OF STATUTES Archived Session Documents Archived School Finance Documents USEFUL LINKS Session Laws Kansas Administrative Regulations OTHER LEGISLATIVE SITES Kansas Legislature Administrative Services Division of Post Audit Research Department Contact Us PDF Help www.ksrevisor.gov 2026