Probate in Wisconsin | WI Legal Resources | FastCounsel

How to Determine Remaining Assets in a Wisconsin Estate After Debts and Fees

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Understanding Estate Administration in Wisconsin When someone dies in Wisconsin, their estate enters probate under Chapter 851 of the Wisconsin Statutes. A personal representative gathers assets, pays debts, and distributes the remaining property. Estimating the net estate value helps […]

Read article →

What Options Exist for a Wisconsin Personal Representative with Limited Funds for Handling Creditor Claims?

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Consult a qualified Wisconsin attorney to discuss your specific circumstances. Detailed Answer When estate assets are modest, a Wisconsin personal representative can use streamlined procedures and cost-saving options to manage creditor claims effectively. Below are the primary paths under Wisconsin law: […]

Read article →

How to Manage Estate Administration When Assets Are Located in Multiple Counties or Jurisdictions in Wisconsin

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Wisconsin probate attorney to address your specific situation. Detailed Answer When a decedent’s assets span multiple Wisconsin counties—or even other states—you must coordinate probate or ancillary administration in each relevant jurisdiction. Wisconsin law provides clear procedures to […]

Read article →

What documents are needed to complete a small estate affidavit for estate assets in Wisconsin?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Wisconsin’s summary probate procedure lets you settle a small estate if the decedent’s personal property totals $50,000 or less. You file a Small Estate Affidavit—also called an affidavit for summary probate—in the circuit court of the county where the decedent lived. […]

Read article →

How to Initiate the Sale of Estate Property to Satisfy Creditor Claims in Wisconsin

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice on your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under Wisconsin law, a personal representative (also called an executor or administrator) must follow specific steps to sell estate property and pay creditor claims. Below is an overview of […]

Read article →

What options exist under Wisconsin law for selling or auctioning personal property to reimburse estate expenses and equalize distributions among heirs?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Wisconsin estate procedures and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a qualified attorney. Detailed Answer When a decedent’s personal representative (executor or administrator) needs to reimburse estate expenses and ensure equal distribution among heirs, Wisconsin law offers several sale and auction options […]

Read article →

What procedures ensure estate expenses and creditor claims are addressed before distributing assets to heirs? (WI)

Detailed Answer 1. Appointment and Duties of the Personal Representative When someone dies in Wisconsin, the court appoints a personal representative (PR) to manage the estate. Under Wisc. Stat. § 857.01, the PR must inventory assets, secure property, and oversee administration. 2. Notice to Creditors and Claim Filing Period The PR must notify known creditors […]

Read article →

What Information and Documentation Are Required to Verify Individuals with an Interest in Real Property in Wisconsin

Verifying All Individuals with an Interest in Real Property in Wisconsin Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer When you or your attorney conduct due diligence on a parcel of real property in Wisconsin, you must […]

Read article →

How is the fair market value of personal property calculated in a probate case in Wisconsin?

What Is Fair Market Value in Wisconsin Probate? When someone dies owning personal property—furniture, jewelry, collectibles—Wisconsin law requires that each item’s fair market value (FMV) be declared in the probate inventory. FMV represents the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, neither under compulsion, as of the date of the decedent’s death. Proper […]

Read article →

How to Determine Ownership When a Deceased Parent Is the Only Name on the Deed in Wisconsin

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Review the Deed and Property Records Obtain a certified copy of the deed from the county Register of Deeds. Confirm whether your parent held the property as sole owner or with joint tenants […]

Read article →