Overview
Juneau County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 26,590. The Juneau 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 an Application for Informal 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.
Simplified Procedures: Wisconsin offers a Transfer by Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $50,000 or less. This allows heirs to collect assets without full court administration.
Fees: Wisconsin charges a probate filing fee based on the value of the estate (0.2% of the net value of property subject to administration for estates over $10,000).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Juneau 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
Juneau County Justice Center
Probate matters in Juneau County are handled at the Juneau County Justice Center.
Address: 200 Oak Street, Room 2230, Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9356 (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. This office maintains all probate records and assists with the administrative aspects of estate proceedings.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available in the lots surrounding the Justice Center and on nearby streets. Visitors 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 via affidavit without court supervision.
- Survivorship/Joint Tenancy: 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 an Application for Informal Administration (Form PR-1801) with the Juneau County Circuit Court. Include:
- Original Will: If the decedent left a will, it must be filed within 30 days of death.
- Certified Death Certificate
- Order for Hearing: If notice is required.
- Filing Fee: 0.2% of the estate's net value (if over $10,000).
- Waivers/Consents: From heirs to speed up the process (optional).
Wisconsin courts utilize the eFiling 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 (unless waived).
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Juneau County (such as the Juneau County Star-Times) for three successive weeks if required by the court.
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 Domiciliary Letters (Letters Testamentary or Administration) appointing the Personal Representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: Set a deadline for claims (typically 3-4 months).
- 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 Estate Receipt and Statement of Personal Representative to Close Estate to conclude the matter.
Local Requirements
Juneau County-Specific Procedures
- eFiling: Juneau County participates in the Wisconsin circuit court eFiling system.
- Bond requirements: A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all heirs consent to waive it.
- Local court rules: Always check with the Register in Probate for specific local forms or checklists.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Juneau County, such as the Juneau County Star-Times or Messenger of Juneau County.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Juneau County)
- Estates valued at $10,000 or less: $20.00
- Estates valued over $10,000: 0.2% of the net value of property subject to administration
- Certified copies: $3.00 for certification + $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Claims against the estate: $3.00 filing fee
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (convenience 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
Factors affecting the timeline include the creditor claim period (3-4 months), sale of real estate, and tax clearance.
Local Resources
Juneau County Court Resources
- Court Website: Juneau County Clerk of Courts
- Probate Self-Help: Wisconsin Court System - Probate
- 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 — Civil legal aid for low-income residents.
Publication
- Juneau County Star-Times: (608) 847-6100 — General circulation
- Messenger of Juneau County: (608) 847-7351 — Certified newspaper