Wisconsin probate guide

Probate process in Wisconsin

Wisconsin probate runs through the Register in Probate of the Circuit Court. Wisconsin's informal administration lets the personal representative act with minimal court oversight. The Transfer by Affidavit under Wis. Stat. § 867.03 covers estates of $50,000 or less with no court filing fee. For larger estates the filing fee is 0.2% of net assets. Wisconsin is a marital-property state and recognizes transfer-on-death deeds under Wis. Stat. § 705.15.

Wisconsin probate at a glance

Court
Circuit Court – Register in Probate
Typical timeline
26–52 weeks
Filing fee
$20–$1000
Small-estate threshold
$50,000
TOD deed allowed?
Yes
Bond required by default?
No
Statute
Wis. Stat. Ch. 851-882

Source: wilawlibrary.gov. Fees and thresholds change — verify with your county court before filing.

How Wisconsin probate works, step by step

  1. 1File application for informal administration with the Register in Probate
  2. 2Register appoints personal representative and issues letters
  3. 3Publish notice to creditors; three- or four-month claim period runs
  4. 4File inventory and pay debts, taxes, and family allowances
  5. 5File final account and statement to close the estate

Probate by county in Wisconsin

Filing fees, court contacts, and process detail for 1 Wisconsin county:

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This page is informational and is not legal advice. Probate procedure varies by county and changes over time. Consult a licensed Wisconsin probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.