Overview
Forest County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 9,300. The Forest 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 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.
Transfer by Affidavit is available for estates valued at $50,000 or less. This simplified procedure allows heirs to collect assets without full probate administration.
Wisconsin does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "just and reasonable" based on the services performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Forest 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
Forest County Circuit Court
Probate matters in Forest County are handled at the Forest County Courthouse.
Address: 200 E Madison St, Crandon, WI 54520
Phone: (715) 478-2418 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register in Probate office is located within the courthouse. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm availability or to schedule an appointment for filing.
Parking and Access
A dedicated, free parking lot is accessible from East Madison Street, situated immediately to the east of the courthouse. Street parking is also generally available in the surrounding area.
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 court supervision.
- Summary Settlement/Assignment: Available for estates where the value does not exceed certain debts and expenses, or if the estate is under $50,000 and there is a surviving spouse or minor children.
- 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 Forest 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 over $10,000)
- Waiver and Consent forms from all interested parties (if possible)
Note: Wisconsin requires mandatory e-filing for most probate cases. You must register for an account on the Wisconsin Circuit Court eFiling website.
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 Forest County (typically the Forest Republican) 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:
- Publish notice to creditors (setting a 3-4 month deadline for claims)
- 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
Forest County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Electronic filing is mandatory for attorneys and high-volume filers in Forest County probate cases. Self-represented litigants are also encouraged to use the e-filing system.
- Bond requirements: The court may require a surety bond unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent to waive it.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Forest Republican, which is the official newspaper for legal notices in the county.
- Mediation: Contested matters may be referred to mediation at the court's discretion.
Always check with the Register in Probate for the most current local rules and checklists.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Forest County)
- Petition for Administration: 0.2% of the value of property subject to administration (minimum $20)
- Transfer by Affidavit: No court filing fee (recording fee may apply at Register of Deeds)
- Certified copies of Letters: $3.00 for certification + $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$300 depending on the length of the notice
- Claims filing fee: $3.00
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards are accepted for e-filing payments (convenience fees apply).
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 from the date of the order to file claims. The inventory is due within 6 months of the personal representative's appointment.
Local Resources
Forest County Court Resources
- Court Website: https://co.forest.wi.gov/
- Probate Self-Help: https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/probate.htm
- Wisconsin Probate Forms: https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/formcategory.jsp?Category=26
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral: https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedaLawyer/Pages/lrs.aspx
- Judicare Legal Aid: (800) 472-1638 — Serving northern Wisconsin residents
Publication
- Forest Republican: (715) 478-3640 — Official newspaper for legal notices