Wisconsin Probate Form PR-1901

Petition for Formal Administration

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: June 27, 2026

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About Petition for Formal Administration

To petition the court to grant formal administration of a decedent's estate and determine heirs, admit a will to probate if applicable, and appoint personal representatives and trustees.

When you'd use it: File this form when initiating formal probate proceedings for a deceased person's estate in Wisconsin circuit court.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Petition for Formal Administration is published as a PDF by the Wisconsin courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Petition for Formal Administration (PDF) →

Source: wicourts.gov

Link last checked: June 27, 2026

How to file Petition for Formal Administration in Wisconsin

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Petition for Formal Administration (PR-1901) when file this form when initiating formal probate proceedings for a deceased person's estate in Wisconsin circuit court. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Wisconsin probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Petition for Formal Administration carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Petition for Formal Administration to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Wisconsin county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Petition for Formal Administration? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

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Probate in Wisconsin

See the full Wisconsin probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Wisconsin probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Petition for Formal Administration (PR-1901)?
To petition the court to grant formal administration of a decedent's estate and determine heirs, admit a will to probate if applicable, and appoint personal representatives and trustees. You'd typically use it when file this form when initiating formal probate proceedings for a deceased person's estate in Wisconsin circuit court.
Where do I file Petition for Formal Administration in Wisconsin?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Wisconsin county where the deceased person lived. Our Wisconsin probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Petition for Formal Administration?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Petition for Formal Administration available online?
Most Wisconsin probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other Wisconsin Probate Forms

Proof of Heirship (Informal Administration and Formal Administration)PR-1806Petition for Summary Assignment (Formal Administration) with/without Special AdministrationPR-1840Affidavit of Service OR Waiver of Notice – Addendum to Transfer by Affidavit

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.