Quick answer

Yes — in Wisconsin you often have civil and court-enforcement options to recover personal property taken by heirs, but the right path depends on who owns the items, whether the estate administration was complete, and whether a court already ordered possession. Common remedies include asking the court to enforce its order (contempt or enforcement motion), filing a replevin or conversion claim (or small-claims action if the value is low), and involving law enforcement when a crime occurred. Acting quickly and documenting everything improves your chances.

Detailed answer — step-by-step under Wisconsin law

1) Identify ownership and the nature of the court order

Start by clarifying whether the items belonged to the decedent (estate property), to you (for example, you were awarded the property by a judgment or will), or to the heirs claiming them. If a Wisconsin court already issued a written order giving you possession of the house or certain items, that order is a strong legal basis for recovery.

2) Gather and preserve evidence

• Collect the court order, will or probate paperwork, and any written communications that show the heirs removed items.
• Take dated photos of the premises (before and after, if available), inventory missing items, and collect receipts, appraisals, or serial numbers.
• Keep a record of witnesses, texts, emails, or social media posts that show the heirs’ actions.

3) Immediate practical steps

If a court order already requires the heirs to leave property or to allow you possession, consider:

• Contacting the court clerk or your judge’s chambers to ask the clerk how enforcement motions are handled locally.
• Contacting the county sheriff — if the order is one the sheriff executes (for example, a writ of possession or eviction), the sheriff may be able to help enforce physical possession.
• If items were taken recently and you believe a crime occurred (theft), you may contact local law enforcement to file a report; criminal intervention does not guarantee civil recovery but can be helpful evidence.

4) Court remedies available in Wisconsin

Several civil routes can get property back or obtain money for its value:

• Motion to enforce or contempt — If someone violated a court order, you can ask the court to enforce the order or hold the person in contempt. Courts can impose sanctions, order return of property, or direct other remedies. Enforcement procedures vary by court; contact the clerk or review local rules.
• Civil claim to recover personal property (replevin or similar) — You can ask a civil court to order return of specific items. The action seeks the physical return of chattels rather than just money. If you win, the court can order the defendant to return items or allow the sheriff to seize them for delivery to you.
• Claim for conversion or damages — If return of items is no longer possible, a lawsuit for conversion asks for money equal to the value of the items taken.
• Small-claims court — For lower-value items you may be able to use small-claims procedures for faster, less expensive relief.
• Probate remedies — If the property was estate property and the estate is open, the personal representative (executor) can seek recovery through probate proceedings. If the estate was closed or distributed improperly, you may ask the probate court to reopen the estate or bring an action against heirs for improper disposition.

5) Enforcement tools the court can use

• Orders directing return of specific items.
• Writs or sheriff involvement to effectuate court-ordered turnover.
• Monetary sanctions, attorney fees, and contempt penalties for disobedience of court orders.

6) Practical & timing considerations

• Act quickly. The longer you wait, the greater the chance items are dispersed, sold, or hidden.
• Statutes of limitation and local rules matter. Certain claims must be filed within a time limit; consult the court clerk or an attorney if timing is tight.
• Costs vs. value: if items are low value, a small-claims action is often more economical than a full civil suit.

7) When to involve an attorney

Consider hiring an attorney if the items are high-value, heirs are numerous or hostile, the estate is complex, or if you must seek contempt or complicated relief. An attorney can prepare pleadings, get emergency orders, and coordinate enforcement with the sheriff.

8) Hypothetical example (short)

Hypothetical: A probate court awarded you possession of a house containing antiques. Before you took physical possession, two heirs moved several high-value antiques out of the house. You would: (1) preserve evidence (photos, receipts), (2) contact the clerk and ask the court to enforce its order, (3) seek an immediate hearing for return of the items or contempt sanctions, and (4) if needed file a civil replevin or conversion claim and ask the sheriff to assist in recovering ordered items.

For general information about Wisconsin courts and forms, see the Wisconsin Court System’s self-help pages: https://www.wicourts.gov/. For the text of Wisconsin statutes, see: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes.

Helpful Hints

• Keep a written inventory of missing items with photos and any proof of ownership (receipts, appraisals, serial numbers).
• Preserve electronic evidence (texts, emails, social posts) showing heirs removed or disposed of items.
• Contact the court clerk early to learn local enforcement procedures and how to get an emergency hearing.
• File both civil claims (replevin/conversion or small claims) and an enforcement motion if a court order was violated — they are complementary paths.
• If the property was part of an estate, notify the personal representative and file a written objection in the probate file before distribution, if the estate is still open.
• If you fear immediate loss (items being removed from the area), consider contacting local law enforcement to file a report — criminal charges do not replace civil recovery but can support your case.
• Document all contact with heirs and the outcome of any attempts to retrieve the property without going to court.