Overview
Kewaunee County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 20,751. The Kewaunee 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. Summary Settlement and Summary Assignment are also available for certain smaller estates or when the estate is solvent but does not exceed costs and debts.
Wisconsin has a filing fee based on the value of the estate (0.2% of the net value of property subject to administration). There is no statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "just and reasonable."
This guide provides an informational overview of the Kewaunee 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
Kewaunee County Courthouse
Probate matters in Kewaunee County are handled at the Kewaunee County Courthouse.
Address: 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216
Phone: (920) 388-7143 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (hours may vary; contact the court to confirm)
The Register in Probate office is located within the courthouse. This office assists with the filing of probate documents and maintains the records of estate proceedings.
Parking and Access
The main entrance and public parking lot for the courthouse are located on the Juneau Street side of the building. Street parking may also be available on surrounding streets.
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/Assignment: Simplified court processes for estates with surviving spouses/minor children or limited assets.
- 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 Kewaunee County Circuit Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Order for Hearing and Notice to Creditors
- Filing fee (0.2% of estate value over $10,000)
- Waiver and Consent forms from interested parties (if applicable)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and voluntary 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 Kewaunee County (typically the Green Bay Press Gazette) 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 (Domiciliary Letters).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (deadline for claims is typically 3-4 months from the date of the court order)
- 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 to close the estate
Local Requirements
Kewaunee County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys; pro se litigants may opt in.
- Publication: The Green Bay Press Gazette is the officially designated newspaper for legal notices in Kewaunee County.
- Filing Fees: Fees are calculated based on the value of the estate assets.
- Local Forms: While state forms are standard, check with the Register in Probate for any specific local checklists or requirements.
Always check with the Register in Probate for the most current local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Kewaunee County)
- Petition for Administration: 0.2% of the value of property subject to administration (if value > $10,000); $20 if value is $10,000 or less.
- Certified copies of Letters: $3.00 per document + $1.00 per page
- Objection to Probate: $20.00
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Claims: $3.00 to file a claim against the estate
Wisconsin does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on services performed.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal Administration): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years or more
Factors affecting the timeline include the 3-4 month creditor claim period, the sale of real estate, and tax clearance from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Local Resources
Kewaunee County Court Resources
- Court Website: kewauneeco.org
- 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 — legalaction.org
Publication
- Green Bay Press Gazette: (888) 774-7744 — greenbaypressgazette.com
- Kewaunee County Star-News: (920) 388-2191