Overview
Door County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 30,512. The Door 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 Letters Testamentary 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 collect assets without full court supervision by filing an affidavit (Form PR-1831) with the Register in Probate.
Wisconsin requires a filing fee of 0.2% of the estate's value for formal probate administration.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Door 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
Door County Justice Center
Probate matters in Door County are handled at the Door County Justice Center.
Address: 1207 S. Duluth Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Phone: (920) 746-5616 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register in Probate office is located within the Justice Center. It is recommended to call ahead for specific appointment availability or questions regarding filings.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available in the lot adjacent to the Justice Center. 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 use Form PR-1831 to transfer assets without opening a court case.
- Joint Tenancy/Survivorship: Assets held in joint tenancy or with a designated beneficiary (POD/TOD) pass directly to the survivor.
- 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 Door 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)
- Waiver and Consent forms from heirs (if applicable to speed up the process)
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 Door County (such as the Door County Advocate) 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).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish a deadline for creditor claims (typically 3-4 months).
- 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-1815) to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Door County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Wisconsin uses a mandatory e-filing system for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may opt-in to e-file or file paper documents at the Register in Probate office.
- Inventory Fee: A filing fee of 0.2% of the net value of the property subject to administration is due when the inventory is filed.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Door County Advocate or Peninsula Pulse.
- Local Forms: While state forms are standard, check with the Register in Probate for any specific local checklists or cover sheets.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Door County)
- Petition for Administration: 0.2% of the value of the property (minimum $20).
- Transfer by Affidavit: Varies, typically recording fees apply if real estate is involved.
- Certified copies of Letters: $3.00 per document + $1.00 per page.
- Objection to Probate: $20.00.
- Will Safekeeping: $10.00.
- Publication costs: approximately $75-$150 depending on the newspaper and length of notice.
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
Creditors typically have 3 to 4 months to file claims after notice is published. The Inventory is due within 6 months of appointment.
Local Resources
Door County Court Resources
- Court Website: Door County Register in Probate
- Probate Self-Help: Wisconsin Court System Self-Help
- Wisconsin Probate Forms: WICourts.gov Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral: wisbar.org
- Legal Action of Wisconsin: (855) 947-2529 — Low-income legal assistance.
Publication
- Door County Advocate: (920) 743-3321 — General circulation newspaper.
- Peninsula Pulse: (920) 839-2121 — Local news and notices.