Are you a resident of Wisconsin? Are you in the process of creating an estate plan? Has a loved one recently passed on?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, there’s a good chance that you need to learn more about Wisconsin probate courts.
Before we discuss the finer details of the court’s responsibilities, let’s first examine the definition of probate as shared by the American Bar Association:
“Probate is the formal legal process that gives recognition to a will and appoints the executor or personal representative who will administer the estate and distribute assets to the intended beneficiaries. The laws of each state vary, so it is a good idea to consult an attorney to determine whether a probate proceeding is necessary, whether the fiduciary must be bonded (a requirement that is often waived in the will) and what reports must be prepared. Most probate proceedings are neither expensive nor prolonged, which is contrary to the claims of many vendors selling living trust and other products.”
With that in mind, you should have a basic understanding of probate and what it entails. Along with this, you should realize one other thing to be true: probate in one state is not necessarily the same as another. For this reason, if you live in Wisconsin, you need to understand the way the process unfolds in this state.
Details of Wisconsin Probate Courts
Fortunately, the state of Wisconsin does a great job providing a variety of information on its probate courts via the internet. This makes it easier to learn more about these courts, including what they are responsible for, without the need to search far and wide.
The Wisconsin Court System website, for example, provides a self-help center that allows anyone to better understand probate courts and how they work.
Some of the things you will find on this website include:
- A definition of probate as well as links to webpages that provide more information on probate court actions.
- If you’ve ever wondered what happens during probate, this is the place that you can turn for information.
- It goes without saying that you’ll need to use a variety of forms throughout the probate process. You can find all of these in the self-help center.
- Do you have questions or concerns about probate law? You can click through to a variety of additional resources, all of which can help you better understand probate law.
What to do Next
It’s one thing to learn more about Wisconsin probate courts, but another thing entirely to understand your personal situation and what’s expected of you in the future.
For example, if you’re in the process of creating an estate plan, you may want to forgo a will and use a trust. With this approach, you can help your loved ones avoid the probate process upon your death.
Conversely, if you’re faced with probate right now, you need to better understand what the court expects of you and how the process will unfold in the weeks and months to come.
The steps you take in the future depend on your present situation. While nobody looks forward to estate planning and/or probate, it’s something that you need to better understand as to avoid a difficult situation in the future.
At our law firm, we provide a variety of resources related to probate and estate planning. For example, our free report entitled “Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Wills and Living Trusts” is one that you want to read in great detail.
You’ll soon find that creating your own will or trust could bring forth a variety of challenges, many of which could impact your loved ones after your death.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding probate, if you need to learn more about the court system in Wisconsin, you have come to the right place. Our legal team is here to provide you with the assistance you need. From there, you’ll feel much better about the decisions you’re making and what the future will bring.
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