Overview
Green Lake County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 19,370. The Green Lake County 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 collect assets without full court administration.
Wisconsin law sets statutory fees for personal representatives (executors) at 2% of the net value of the estate. Attorney fees are not fixed by statute but must be "just and reasonable," often calculated hourly or as a percentage of the estate (typically 2-5%).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Green Lake 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 Lake County Register in Probate
Probate matters in Green Lake County are handled at the Green Lake County Justice Center.
Address: 571 County Road A, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: (920) 294-4044 (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 responsible for maintaining all records of estates, guardianships, and trusts.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available in the lot adjacent to the Justice Center. The building is ADA accessible with security screening at the entrance.
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 Form PR-1831 without court supervision.
- Summary Settlement: 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 Green Lake County Register in Probate. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Order Setting Time to Hear Petition and Notice to Creditors
- Filing fee (0.2% of estate value for estates over $10,000)
- Waiver and Consent forms from interested parties (to speed up the process)
Wisconsin courts utilize an electronic filing system (eFiling) 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 Green Lake County (such as The Berlin Journal) for three successive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. If the petition is informal and uncontested, the Register in Probate may sign the order without a formal court hearing. Upon approval, the court issues Domiciliary Letters (Letters Testamentary/Administration).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and resolve claims (deadline is typically 3-4 months from the order)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 6 months
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate taxes
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Estate Receipt and Statement of Personal Representative to Close Estate
Local Requirements
Green Lake County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Wisconsin Circuit Courts require attorneys to e-file. Self-represented parties may opt-in to e-filing or file paper documents.
- Inventory Fee: A filing fee of 0.2% of the estate's inventory value is due when the inventory is filed.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in The Berlin Journal, the official county newspaper.
- Bond: The court may require a surety bond unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries agree to waive it.
Always check with the Register in Probate for the most current local rules and checklist requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Green Lake County)
- Petition for Administration: 0.2% of the value of property subject to administration (minimum $20)
- Transfer by Affidavit: No court filing fee (recorded with Register of Deeds, fee varies)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $3.00 + $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Objection filing: $20.00
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (service fees apply for cards).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
Creditor claim periods (3-4 months) and tax clearance requirements significantly influence the timeline.
Local Resources
Green Lake County Court Resources
- Court Website: greenlakecountywi.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 — Civil legal aid for low-income residents
Publication
- The Berlin Journal: (920) 361-1515 — Official newspaper for legal notices