Estates

Probate Benchmarks:

Wisconsin Statutes require all estates to be settled as soon as reasonably possible and without unnecessary delay. The Wisconsin Chief Judges have set twelve (12) months as the benchmark for disposing of probate estates, and the Registers in Probate for the Sixth Judicial District have also adopted this benchmark. All estates filed in Adams County must be closed within twelve (12) months of the date the initial documents are filed.

Scheduling an Informal Probate:

• Individuals who are not represented by an attorney may call the Probate Office to make an appointment with the Register in Probate. All documents must be completed and ready to file, along with the original Will, if any.

• Attorneys may submit all documents by mail, including the fee for certified copies and a self-addressed stamped return envelope. If an attorney wishes to meet with the Register, please call for an appointment.

To File a Claim Against an Estate:

• To file a claim against an estate that is being probated, please complete Standard State Form, Claim Against Estate (PR-1819). Please have your signature notarized. File the completed form with the Register in Probate along with a statutory $3.00 filing fee.