Overview
Manitowoc County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 81,513. The Manitowoc 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 851-879. The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration (Form PR-1901) or 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.
For smaller estates, Wisconsin offers a Transfer by Affidavit procedure if the estate is valued at $50,000 or less. This allows heirs to collect assets without full probate administration.
Wisconsin charges a probate filing fee based on the value of the estate. For estates valued over $10,000, the fee is 0.2% of the net value of the property subject to administration.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Manitowoc 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
Manitowoc County Circuit Court
Probate matters in Manitowoc County are handled by the Register in Probate at the Manitowoc County Courthouse.
Address: 1010 S 8th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220
Phone: 920-683-4015 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Tuesday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register in Probate office is located on the first floor (Room B-11) of the courthouse. They assist with the administrative aspects of probate but cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in street spots surrounding the courthouse and in nearby municipal lots. Be sure to check posted signs for time limits. The courthouse has a single point of entry with security screening; allow extra time to pass through security.
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 the Transfer by Affidavit (Form PR-1831) to collect assets without court supervision.
- Transfer on Death (TOD): Real estate or accounts with TOD or POD designations pass directly to beneficiaries.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal or informal probate is needed, file the appropriate forms with the Manitowoc County Register in Probate. Common forms include:
- Application for Informal Administration (PR-1801) or Petition for Formal Administration (PR-1901)
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Order for Hearing (if formal) or Statement of Informal Administration (if informal)
E-filing: Wisconsin requires mandatory e-filing for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may choose to e-file or file paper documents.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Manitowoc County, such as the Herald Times Reporter, typically for three successive weeks, to alert creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For formal administration, a court hearing is required. For informal administration, the Register in Probate may process the application without a hearing if all waivers and consents are filed. Once approved, the court issues Domiciliary Letters appointing the Personal Representative.
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.
- 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
Manitowoc County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys; voluntary for pro se litigants.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Herald Times Reporter.
- Filing Fees: Fees must be paid at the time of filing. The court accepts cash, checks, and credit cards (with a service fee).
- Local Forms: While Wisconsin uses standard state forms (PR- series), always check with the Register in Probate for any specific local checklists or cover sheets.
The Register in Probate requires the original Will to be filed even if no probate is opened (within 30 days of death).
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Manitowoc County)
- Estate value $10,000 or less: $20.00
- Estate value over $10,000: 0.2% of the value of property subject to administration
- Certified copies: $3.00 per document + $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: Varies by newspaper (approx. $150-$300)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (convenience fees apply).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years+
Creditors have a statutory period (usually 3-4 months from the order date) to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for the process.
Local Resources
Manitowoc County Court Resources
- Court Website: manitowoccountywi.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Wisconsin Court System Self-Help
- 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 — Provides civil legal aid to low-income residents.
Publication
- Herald Times Reporter: (888) 774-7744 — Common newspaper for probate notices in Manitowoc County.