Overview
Chippewa County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 67,323. The Chippewa County Circuit Court (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 Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
For smaller estates, Wisconsin offers a Transfer by Affidavit procedure if the estate is valued at $50,000 or less. This allows heirs to collect assets without full court administration.
Filing fees in Wisconsin are set by statute. For formal administration, 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 Chippewa 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
Chippewa County Courthouse
Probate matters in Chippewa County are handled at the Chippewa County Courthouse.
Address: 711 N. Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Phone: (715) 726-7737 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Friday, 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
The Register in Probate office is located in Room 203. This office assists with the filing of probate documents and maintains the court records for estate proceedings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in several lots surrounding the Government Center Campus (Lots A, B, C, D1, D2, and E). A large parking lot is located on the north side of the building, accessible from High Street. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the courthouse.
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 certain estates where the value does not exceed specific thresholds (e.g., $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 Chippewa County Circuit Court. 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 for estates over $10,000)
- Any additional required documents (e.g., Consent to Serve)
Wisconsin courts utilize an e-filing system which is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented litigants.
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 Chippewa County (such as The Chippewa Herald) for three successive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge or court commissioner reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (Form PR-1810).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and resolve claims (creditors typically have 3-4 months to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets and file the Inventory (Form PR-1811) 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 accounting and Estate Receipt (Form PR-1817) to close the estate
Local Requirements
Chippewa County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Wisconsin circuit courts use a mandatory e-filing system for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may opt in to e-file.
- Inventory Fee: A filing fee of 0.2% of the inventory value is required when the inventory is filed.
- Local Forms: While standard state forms are used, check with the Register in Probate for any county-specific checklists or cover sheets.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Chippewa County for three successive weeks.
Always check with the Register in Probate for the most current local rules and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Chippewa County)
- Petition for Administration: 0.2% of estate value (if >$10,000); $20 (if ≤$10,000)
- Transfer by Affidavit: No court filing fee (recorded with Register of Deeds, fee varies ~$30)
- Certified copies: $3.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: 0.2% of the value of property
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years or more
Creditors generally have 3 to 4 months from the date of the court order to file claims against the estate.
Local Resources
Chippewa County Court Resources
- Court Website: Chippewa County Register in Probate
- Probate Self-Help: Wisconsin Court System Self-Help
- Wisconsin Probate Forms: Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin: (800) 362-9082 — Lawyer Referral and Information Service
- Judicare Legal Aid: (800) 472-1638 — Serving Northern Wisconsin
- Wisconsin State Bar Lawyer Referral: wisbar.org
Publication
- The Chippewa Herald: (715) 723-5515 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Bloomer Advance: (715) 568-3339 — Local newspaper