Overview
Green County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 37,000. The Green 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 et seq. 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 (Form PR-1810) for testate and intestate estates, granting the personal representative authority to act.
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 by filing Form PR-1831, available through the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin charges a probate filing fee of 0.2% of the net value of the property subject to administration for estates valued over $10,000. For estates of $10,000 or less, the fee is a flat $20.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Green 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
Green County Justice Center
Probate matters in Green County are handled at the Green County Justice Center.
Address: 2841 6th Street, Monroe, WI 53566
Phone: (608) 328-9433 (Register in Probate)
Fax: (608) 328-9405
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register in Probate office is located within the Justice Center. This office is responsible for maintaining all probate records and scheduling hearings for estate matters.
Parking and Access
Public parking is 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 court administration.
- Transfer on Death (TOD): Real estate or accounts with designated TOD beneficiaries transfer directly to the beneficiary outside of probate.
- 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 Green County Register in Probate. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Order for Hearing (if formal administration) or Waiver and Consent forms
- Filing fee (0.2% of estate value > $10,000; $20 if <= $10,000)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented parties via the Wisconsin Court System eFiling website.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (or notice of informal administration) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Green County (typically The Monroe Times) for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition (if formal). At the hearing, the judge or probate registrar reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Domiciliary Letters (Form PR-1810).
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 (deadline set by the court).
- 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
Green County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Electronic filing is mandatory for all attorneys and is strongly encouraged for pro se litigants.
- Local Rules: The Register in Probate schedules all probate matters. Appointments are recommended for filing new estates in person.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in The Monroe Times.
- Inventory Fee: The 0.2% filing fee (probate inventory fee) must be paid before the estate can be closed.
Always check with the Register in Probate for the most current local checklists and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Green County)
- Probate Filing Fee: 0.2% of net estate value (assets less liens) for estates over $10,000.
- Small Estates ($10,000 or less): $20.00 flat fee.
- Certified copies of Letters: Approximately $3.00 + $1.00 per page.
- Publication costs: Approximately $100-$300 depending on the newspaper and length of notice.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (service fees may apply).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years or more
Creditors have 3 to 4 months to file claims after the order setting the deadline is signed. The inventory is due within 6 months of appointment.
Local Resources
Green County Court Resources
- Court Website: Green County Clerk of Courts
- Probate Self-Help: Wisconsin Court System Self-Help
- Wisconsin Probate Forms: Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral: wisbar.org
- Legal Action of Wisconsin: (855) 947-2529 — legalaction.org
Publication
- The Monroe Times: (608) 328-4202 — themonroetimes.com