Overview
Brown County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 273,909. The Brown County Circuit Court (specifically the Register in Probate) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Wisconsin probate is governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 851-882. The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration (Form PR-1801) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Domiciliary Letters for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Transfer by Affidavit is available for estates valued at $50,000 or less. This simplified procedure allows heirs to transfer assets without full court supervision.
Filing Fees: For formal probate, the filing fee is 0.2% of the value of the property subject to administration (less encumbrances) if the value exceeds $10,000. If the value is $10,000 or less, the fee is $20.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Brown County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Brown County Register in Probate
Probate matters in Brown County are handled at the Brown County Courthouse.
Address: 100 S. Jefferson St, Green Bay, WI 54301
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305-3600
Phone: (920) 448-4275
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM), excluding holidays
The Register in Probate office is located within the courthouse complex. It is recommended to call ahead for specific appointment availability or questions.
Parking and Access
Limited metered street parking is available surrounding the courthouse. Several parking ramps are located within walking distance, including the Cherry Street Ramp, Pine Street Ramp, and Main Street Ramp. Public transit is available via Green Bay Metro.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Transfer by Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less, you may be able to use the Transfer by Affidavit (Form PR-1831) to collect assets without opening a court case.
- Summary Settlement/Assignment: Available for estates where the value does not exceed certain thresholds (often $50,000) or is insufficient to pay debts.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Administration (Form PR-1801) with the Brown County Register in Probate. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Order for Hearing and Notice (Form PR-1803)
- Filing fee (0.2% of estate value > $10,000)
- Waiver and Consent forms from interested parties (if possible)
E-filing: Wisconsin Circuit Courts require attorneys to e-file. Pro se litigants (representing themselves) are also encouraged to use the Wisconsin Circuit Court eFiling system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 20 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Brown County (typically the Green Bay Press-Gazette) for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge or probate registrar reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Domiciliary Letters appointing the Personal Representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (deadline for claims is typically 3-4 months from the order)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 6 months
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Account and Estate Receipt to close the estate
Local Requirements
Brown County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: The Wisconsin court system utilizes a mandatory e-filing system for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may opt-in to e-file.
- Filing Fees: Fees are calculated based on the net value of the estate (assets minus liens). The rate is 0.2% for amounts over $10,000.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Green Bay Press-Gazette or Denmark News.
- Forms: Brown County utilizes the standard Wisconsin Circuit Court forms.
Always check with the Register in Probate for the most current local rules regarding remote hearings or specific document requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Brown County)
- Petition for Administration: 0.2% of estate value (net of liens) if > $10,000; $20 if ≤ $10,000
- Objection to Probate: $20
- Certified Copies: $3.00 for certification + $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: Varies by newspaper (approx. $100-$300)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex). Note: Credit/debit card payments typically incur a service fee (often via AllPaid).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Creditor claim periods (3-4 months) and tax processing times significantly influence the timeline.
Local Resources
Brown County Court Resources
- Court Website: Brown County Register in Probate
- Probate Self-Help: Wisconsin Court System Self-Help
- Wisconsin Probate Forms: Circuit Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral: wisbar.org
- Legal Action of Wisconsin: (855) 947-2529 — legalaction.org
Publication
- Green Bay Press-Gazette: (888) 774-7744 — greenbaypressgazette.com
- The Denmark News: (920) 863-2154