How to Transfer Property to a Child After a Spouse’s Death in Wisconsin
Detailed Answer When a property owner dies, transferring title so a child becomes the recorded owner depends on how the property was titled, whether the estate needs probate, and what county recording requirements apply. Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation of the common paths under Wisconsin practice and the documents you will typically need. Step […]
Read article →Wisconsin — Can a Co‑Heir Be Required to Reimburse an Appraisal Before an Estate Buyout?
Can I require the co‑heir to reimburse me for a recent appraisal before finalizing the estate buyout? Short answer: Possibly — but it depends on who ordered and paid for the appraisal, whether the probate estate is open, any written agreements between heirs, and whether a personal representative or the court has already authorized paying […]
Read article →Transferring a Parent’s House After an Intestate Death in Wisconsin
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Wisconsin, if your parent died without a will (intestate), the house does not automatically become yours and your siblings' without following Wisconsin law. You generally must either (A) confirm how title passes (for example, if the deed already named joint owners or a transfer-on-death beneficiary) or (B) open probate administration […]
Read article →How to Take Over a Deceased Parent’s Mortgage in Wisconsin
Taking Over a Deceased Parent’s Mortgage in Wisconsin — FAQ This FAQ explains, in plain language, what steps you will likely need to take to keep or assume your father’s home mortgage after he dies under Wisconsin law. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Detailed answer — What you need to know […]
Read article →Proving Paternity for Inheritance in Wisconsin: Steps to Establish You Are Your Father's Child
Detailed Answer: How to prove you are your father's child for inheritance in Wisconsin Short answer: If your father’s name is not on your birth certificate, you can still establish that he is your legal parent for inheritance. In Wisconsin the two common routes are (1) a voluntary acknowledgment or administrative correction of the birth […]
Read article →Wisconsin: Protecting Your Inheritance When a Family Member Contests an Estate
Frequently Asked Question What steps can you take to protect an inheritance if a family member contests an estate under Wisconsin law? Short answer Act quickly. Preserve evidence and asset titles. Consider probate-avoidance tools (trusts, beneficiary designations, payable-on-death accounts) and defensive estate provisions (clear execution, no-contest clauses where appropriate). If a contest is filed, hire […]
Read article →Notifying Heirs When Opening Probate in Wisconsin: Required Notices and Steps
How to Notify Heirs When You Open a Probate Estate in Wisconsin Short answer: When you open a probate estate in Wisconsin you must identify and give timely notice to all “interested persons” — typically the decedent’s heirs and devisees, the personal representative (if appointed), and certain creditors. You must mail written notice to known […]
Read article →Wisconsin: What to Do If an Heir Refuses to Sign a Renunciation So You Can Serve as Personal Representative
When a Potential Personal Representative Refuses to Renounce: Practical Steps under Wisconsin Law This FAQ-style guide explains what renunciation means in a Wisconsin probate case, what to do if an heir (for example, an uncle) refuses to sign a renunciation so you can qualify as personal representative, and the common court remedies and practical workarounds. […]
Read article →Including Out‑of‑State Real Estate in Your Wisconsin Will
Including Real Property Located Outside Wisconsin in Your Wisconsin Will — Detailed Answer Short answer: Yes — you can include a house located outside Wisconsin in a will you sign in Wisconsin. However, real estate is usually governed by the law of the state where the property sits. That means the transfer of that house […]
Read article →First Steps to Determine Legal Ownership of Land in Wisconsin
Detailed Answer Short answer: Start by pulling the recorded deed and title records at the county Register of Deeds where the parcel sits. That record chain will usually show who currently holds legal title and how the property passed from your grandfather to the present owner. Why the deed records are the first step Real […]
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