Overview
Dodge County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 88,635. The Dodge 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.
Wisconsin offers a simplified procedure known as Transfer by Affidavit for estates valued at $50,000 or less. This allows heirs to transfer assets without full court supervision.
Wisconsin does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be reasonable and are often based on hourly rates or a flat fee agreed upon by the parties.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Dodge 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
Dodge County Justice Facility
Probate matters in Dodge County are handled at the Dodge County Justice Facility.
Address: 210 W. Center St., Juneau, WI 53039
Phone: (920) 386-3550 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register in Probate office is located on the 2nd floor of the Justice Facility. It is recommended to call ahead to schedule an appointment if you need to file documents in person or have specific questions.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Justice Facility. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the building.
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 transfer assets using the Transfer by Affidavit (Form PR-1831) without opening a court case.
- Survivorship: Assets held in joint tenancy or survivorship marital property pass 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 Dodge 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 for estates over $10,000)
- Waiver and Consent forms from heirs (if applicable to speed up the process)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented litigants in Dodge County.
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 (unless waivers are obtained).
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Dodge County (such as the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen) for three successive weeks if required by the court.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge or court commissioner reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 3 to 4 months for claims to be filed
- 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 accounting and Estate Receipt (Form PR-1815) to close the estate
Local Requirements
Dodge County-Specific Procedures
- Forms Packet: The Register in Probate offers a packet of standard probate forms for a fee of approximately $5.00.
- E-Filing: Dodge County participates in the Wisconsin circuit court e-filing system. Attorneys must e-file; pro se litigants may opt in.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen or Dodge County Pionier.
- Filing Deadline: The original will must be filed with the Register in Probate within 30 days of the decedent's death, even if no probate is opened.
Always check with the Register in Probate for the most current local rules and checklist requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Dodge County)
- Petition for Administration: 0.2% of the value of property subject to administration (minimum $20 for estates under $10,000)
- Transfer by Affidavit: No court filing fee (recording fee with Register of Deeds applies)
- Certified copies of Letters: $5.00 per document + $1.25 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Claims Notice: $3.00 to file a claim against the estate
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (service fees apply for cards).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal Administration): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Creditors typically have 3 to 4 months to file claims after notice is published, which sets the minimum duration for most estates.
Local Resources
Dodge County Court Resources
- Court Website: co.dodge.wi.gov
- Probate Self-Help: wicourts.gov
- Wisconsin Probate Forms: wicourts.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral: wisbar.org
- Legal Action of Wisconsin: (855) 947-2529 — Low-income legal assistance
- Dodge County Bar Association: Contact local court for current officers
Publication
- Beaver Dam Daily Citizen: (920) 887-0321 — wiscnews.com/bdc
- Dodge County Pionier: (920) 387-2211 — dodgecountypionier.com