Detailed answer — typical court steps to prove zero balance and close an estate in Kansas

Below are the usual tasks and filings you will encounter when an estate has no probate assets (or the assets have been collected and debts paid) and you want the court to formally close the administration. Kansas uses the Probate Code found in Chapter 59 of the Kansas statutes; judges and clerks follow those rules when deciding what documents to accept and when to enter a discharge or final order. See the Kansas Probate Code (Chapter 59) for statutory authority: K.S.A. Chapter 59 (Probate Code).

1. Gather basic documents and evidence

• Certified copies of the death certificate.
• The decedent’s will (if one exists) and any codicils.
• Your marriage certificate and proof of your identity as spouse.
• Bank account records, statements, and final reconciliations showing zero probate account balance.
• Receipts, canceled checks, or written proof showing payment of any estate debts and administrative expenses.
• Any written waivers or consents from heirs or beneficiaries, if applicable.

2. Start the probate or administration (if not already opened)

If the court has not already opened an estate, you typically must file an application or petition to open probate and ask the court to appoint you (or someone else) as personal representative. In Kansas the court will tell you whether informal or formal administration is appropriate based on the assets and facts. If the decedent had no probate assets, you can often open a simple administration to obtain a formal discharge and clear title.

3. Provide notice and follow creditor requirements

Kansas procedure requires that interested parties and creditors be notified when an estate is opened. Even if there are no known assets, you should follow the court’s directions to publish notice or mail notice to potential creditors. Preserve copies of notices and any proof of publication or mailing — courts require evidence that notice requirements were satisfied before final closing.

4. File an inventory or report showing zero probate assets

Most courts expect the personal representative to file an inventory or a formal statement of assets. If no probate assets exist, you will file an Inventory or a Statement to the Court that lists assets and shows a zero balance. Include bank statements and account ledgers that show funds were zeroed out or that no assets were subject to probate.

5. Pay debts or obtain written acknowledgments that none are due

If there were any creditors, pay them or obtain written proof that claims were settled or that no claims were filed within the allowed period. Keep itemized receipts and creditor releases. If the estate never had assets, show that there were either no debts that required payment from estate assets or that any debts were satisfied by nonprobate means.

6. Prepare and file a final accounting or affidavit of completion

To close an estate you will usually submit a final accounting or a petition for final settlement. The final accounting should summarize all receipts, disbursements, and the ending estate balance (zero). In straightforward zero‑asset matters Kansas courts sometimes accept a short form affidavit by the personal representative attesting to completion of duties and that no estate funds remain.

7. File a petition for discharge and proposed order closing the estate

File a Petition for Final Settlement and Distribution (or Petition for Discharge and Closing) asking the court to enter an order that: (a) approves the accounting, (b) finds the estate balance is zero, and (c) discharges the personal representative. Attach the supporting inventory, creditor proof, and any waivers or consents. Provide a proposed order for the judge to sign.

8. Attend the hearing or ask for entry based on the paperwork

The court will either set a hearing or accept the papers and enter the order without a hearing, depending on local practice and whether any interested party objects. At the hearing be prepared to explain: how you checked for probate assets, how debts were handled, and why the estate balance is zero. Bring originals and certified copies of documents cited in your filings.

9. Obtain the court’s final order and file it with the clerk

Once the judge signs the final decree or order of discharge, the personal representative is formally released from further duties. Obtain certified copies and keep them with estate records. These documents provide legal proof the estate is closed and can be used with banks, title companies, and government agencies.

Common Kansas paths for very small or zero-asset estates

When there truly are no probate assets, some Kansas counties and courts have streamlined procedures (affidavits, summary settlements, or abbreviated filings) that let you close the estate quickly. Ask the probate clerk about local forms and whether a short affidavit and proposed order will suffice. Always confirm the specific local requirements with the clerk or an attorney.

Relevant law

The Kansas Probate Code governs probate administration, inventories, notice, accounting, and discharge. See K.S.A. Chapter 59: http://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch59.html. For precise statutory deadlines, notice requirements, and form language, review the sections of Chapter 59 or consult counsel.

Hypothetical summary (simple example)

Example: Maria is the surviving spouse. Her husband died owning no bank accounts in his name and no real estate. Maria locates the will and files a short probate petition asking appointment as personal representative. She files an inventory that lists no probate assets, files proof of publication that she followed the court’s notice instructions, files an affidavit that no creditors presented claims, and submits a petition for discharge with a proposed order. The judge signs the order, and the estate is closed.

Helpful hints — practical tips for a smooth closing

• Get several certified copies of the death certificate early; courts and banks require them.
• Keep a single folder (digital or paper) of every document, notice, receipt, and filing date stamped by the court.
• Contact the probate clerk before filing to learn local form names, filing fees, and whether a hearing is required.
• If all heirs agree, obtain written waivers or consents — that can speed closing and reduce the chance of objections.
• Do not distribute assets until the court approves the final settlement or discharges you as personal representative.
• Preserve proof of creditor notices and any publications; missing notice steps often delay closing.
• If you find small assets after closing, notify the court immediately and follow instructions to reopen or correct the record.
• Consider a short consultation with a Kansas probate attorney if there is any doubt about creditor claims, tax issues, or property that might be subject to probate.