Overview
Price County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 14,000. The Price 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 Wis. Stat. ch. 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 Transfer by Affidavit for estates valued at $50,000 or less (Form PR-1831). This allows heirs to collect assets without full probate.
Wisconsin law sets the probate filing fee at 0.2% of the estate's value (for estates over $10,000).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Price 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
Price County Circuit Court
Probate matters in Price County are handled at the Price County Courthouse.
Address: 126 Cherry St, Phillips, WI 54555
Phone: (715) 339-3078 (Register in Probate, Room 208)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
The Register in Probate office is located in Room 208 of the courthouse.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse square.
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.
- Summary Settlement/Assignment: Available for estates where the value does not exceed certain debts or if the estate is under $50,000 and there is a surviving spouse/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 Price County Circuit Court. Include:
- Application for Informal Administration (Form PR-1801)
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (0.2% of estate value)
- Order for Hearing and Notice (if formal)
Wisconsin offers an eFiling system for probate cases.
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 Price County for three successive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Set a deadline for creditor claims (usually 3-4 months from the date of the order)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 6 months
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Price County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for self-represented litigants.
- Filing Fees: 0.2% of the net value of the property subject to administration.
- Forms: Standard Wisconsin Circuit Court forms are used.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Price County for three consecutive weeks.
Price County generally follows standard Wisconsin probate procedures. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Price County)
- Petition for Administration: 0.2% of estate value (min $20)
- Objection to Probate: approximately $20
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $3 per certification + $1 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Copies: $1 per page
Wisconsin does not have a statutory percentage for attorney fees; fees must be "just and reasonable". Personal representatives are entitled to 2% of the estate value unless the will specifies otherwise.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, or money orders.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
Creditor claim periods (3-4 months) affect the timeline.
Local Resources
Price County Court Resources
- Court Website: pricecountywi.net
- Probate Self-Help: Wisconsin Probate Self-Help
- Wisconsin Probate Forms: Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin: (800) 362-9082 — Lawyer Referral and Information Service
- Judicare Legal Aid: (800) 472-1638 — Legal assistance for low-income residents in northern Wisconsin
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: wisbar.org
Publication
- The Price County Review: (715) 339-3036 — Official newspaper for publication
- Park Falls Herald: (715) 762-3276 — Serving northern Price County