In re Estate of Rickabaugh

No. 111,389 IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF KANSAS In the Matter of the Estate of BEUFORD W. RICKABAUGH a/k/a B.W. RICKABAUGH, Deceased. SYLLABUS BY THE COURT 1. The construction of a written instrument, including a will, presents a question of law when the document, analyzed in its entirety or to its four corners, contains no pertinent ambiguity. If a survey of the will's language makes the testator's intent clear, the document is unambiguous and should be enforced consistent with that intent. 2. As a general matter, a will should be construed so as to avoid intestacy. 3. Speculative…