The Probate Process in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin and other states, probate is the legal procedure through which a person’s assets are transferred after their death. The process is supervised by a court of law and designed to protect anyone with a legal interest in the deceased person’s estate. Probate is used to distribute a decedent’s assets not only to beneficiaries but also tocreditors and taxing authorities.
Any Wisconsin estate that exceeds $50,000 in value must go through the probate process unless the property is subject to certain exemptions. Some exemptions include:
- Assets that are titled jointly with another individual
- Life insurance proceeds
- Any retirement funds where a beneficiary other than the deceased person’s estate was chosen
- Assets placed in a revocable living trust
Who Starts the Probate Process
Probate in Wisconsin is a process that is usually handled by a personal representative (also called an executor) selected in advance by the decedent. If no personal representative was chosen, the court will generally appoint a relative, financial institution, or trust company to fulfill the role. In Wisconsin, a personal representative will normally identify all of the assets of the person who died, manage those assets throughout the probate process, pay any outstanding debts, taxes, or estate expenses, make any distributions that are required by state law, and distribute any remaining assets to the decedent’s heirs or designees.
If you are the personal representative of an estate and find it to be overwhelming, we invite you to request probate or after-death consultation with one of our experienced probate attorneys in Wisconsin.
How Does the Wisconsin Probate Process Work?
In Wisconsin, the probate process may be either:
Formal - If the way in which an estate will be distributed is contested, a formal probate process must be used. If an estate goes through formal probate, the decedent’s personal representative must be represented by an attorney.
Informal - When an estate is probated in an informal manner, it is also a good idea for a personal representative to consult with a lawyer experienced in handling such cases. It is also advisable to have an attorney attend any informal probate hearings.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Generally, any probate costs are paid for by the estate.
Costs must also be approved by a court if the assets are distributed through a formal probate process. State and federal income taxes and any required estate taxes will also be paid from a decedent’s estate. In 2019, up to $11.4 million in assets are exempt from the federal estate tax. That number is scheduled to be reduced back to about $6 million in 2026. Currently, the State of Wisconsin does not collect an estate tax. Additionally, assets passing to a surviving spouse will normally be exempt from estate tax.
How Long Does the Probate Process Take?
Although Wisconsin law requires that probate be completed within 18 months, a court may choose to grant an extension. On average, probate in Wisconsin takes no less than six months. The probate process must allow time for creditors to be notified, file required income tax returns, and resolve any disputes. Creditors must file any claims against the estate within four months of notification. Once the four-month period has passed, creditors are prohibited from making claims against the estate.
Funeral costs have priority in settling a probate case. Then come taxing authorities, secured creditors, and unsecured creditors who have made a claim. Finally, the beneficiaries get to have what is left. Careful advance planning including the use of living trusts may reduce or eliminate the need for your loved ones to wait for the probate process to conclude.
For more information on the probate process or creating a living trust, contact our experienced lawyers.
Getting a Probate Lawyer in Wisconsin
At Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center, our hardworking attorneys are available to assist you with all of your estate-related needs. If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys regarding Wisconsin probate law or trust administration needs, we invite you to request a consultation. Make sure to check out our client reviews and see why people choose our probate lawyers in Wisconsin when they need the best attorneys near them.
Call 608-344-5491 today to speak with our Wisconsin probate lawyers near you.