Overview
Crawford County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 16,000. The Crawford County Circuit Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Wisconsin probate is governed by Chapter 851-882 of the Wisconsin Statutes. 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.
Simplified Procedures: Wisconsin offers a Transfer by Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $50,000 or less. This allows heirs to collect assets without full court supervision after a 30-day waiting period.
Fee Structure: Wisconsin charges a probate filing fee based on the value of the estate (inventory filing fee), typically 0.2% of the estate's value for estates over $10,000.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Crawford 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
Crawford County Circuit Court
Probate matters in Crawford County are handled at the Crawford County Courthouse.
Address: 220 N. Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Phone: (608) 326-0206 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register in Probate office is located in the courthouse and assists with the administrative aspects of probate. They cannot provide legal advice but can answer procedural questions.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and in designated lots near the building. The courthouse is accessible to persons with disabilities.
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.
- Survivorship: Property held in joint tenancy or as survivorship marital property passes directly to the surviving owner.
- 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 Crawford County Circuit Court. Include:
- Original Will: If the decedent died with a will.
- Certified Death Certificate: To prove the decedent's passing.
- Order for Hearing: To schedule the initial court date.
- Filing Fee: Based on the estate value (see fees below).
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented litigants in most Wisconsin counties.
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 Crawford County (such as the Courier Press) 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 Domiciliary Letters, granting the personal representative authority to act.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: Set a deadline for creditor claims (typically 3-4 months).
- Inventory and appraise: File an inventory of all estate assets within 6 months.
- Pay debts: Satisfy valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets: Transfer remaining property to beneficiaries according to the will or state law.
- Close the estate: File a final accounting and a Personal Representative's Statement to Close Estate to conclude the process.
Local Requirements
Crawford County-Specific Procedures
- Register in Probate: The Register in Probate oversees the administration of estates. It is recommended to call ahead for specific local filing preferences.
- E-Filing: Wisconsin courts utilize the eFiling system. Attorneys are required to e-file; pro se litigants may opt-in.
- Publication: Notice to creditors and interested persons must be published in a local newspaper, such as the Courier Press or Crawford County Independent.
- Inventory Fee: The inventory filing fee (0.2% of estate value) must be paid when the inventory is filed.
Always check with the Register in Probate for the most current local rules and checklists.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Crawford County)
- Inventory Filing Fee: 0.2% of the value of the property (e.g., $200 for a $100,000 estate). Minimum $20 for estates under $10,000.
- Certified Copies: $3.00 per document + $1.00 per page.
- Publication Costs: Approximately $150-$300, depending on the newspaper and length of notice.
- Claims: $3.00 to file a claim against the estate.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (service fees may apply). Checks should be made payable to "Clerk of Courts" or "Register in Probate."
Estimated Timelines
- Informal Administration: 6-12 months.
- Formal Administration: 9-18 months.
- Complex or Contested Estates: 18 months to 2+ years.
Wisconsin law generally requires estates to be closed within 12-18 months, though extensions can be granted for good cause.
Local Resources
Crawford County Court Resources
- Court Website: Crawford County Register in Probate
- Wisconsin Court System Forms: Probate Forms
- Self-Help Center: Wisconsin State Law Library
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral: wisbar.org
- Legal Action of Wisconsin: (855) 947-2529 — Provides civil legal aid to low-income residents.
Publication
- Courier Press: (608) 326-2441 — Prairie du Chien
- Crawford County Independent: (608) 735-4413 — Gays Mills