Overview
Sheboygan County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 118,000. The Sheboygan 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 851-882 of the Wisconsin Statutes. 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 court administration.
Wisconsin sets a statutory fee for the personal representative (executor) at 2% of the inventory value of the estate, unless the will specifies otherwise or the executor agrees to a different rate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Sheboygan 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
Sheboygan County Courthouse
Probate matters in Sheboygan County are handled at the Sheboygan County Courthouse.
Address: 615 N 6th St, Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-3096 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Register in Probate office is located within the courthouse and assists with the administration of estates, guardianships, and mental commitments.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available around the courthouse square. There are also public parking lots nearby. Visitors should enter through the main security checkpoint at the 6th Street 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 via affidavit without court supervision.
- Summary Settlement: Available for estates where the value does not exceed certain debts and expenses, or if the estate is less than $50,000.
- 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 Sheboygan County Register in Probate. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Order for Hearing and Notice (Form PR-1803)
- Filing fee (based on estate value)
- Any additional required documents
Wisconsin mandates e-filing for attorneys and high-volume filers, but pro se litigants may still file in paper.
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 Sheboygan County (e.g., Sheboygan Press) 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 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 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 Estate Receipt (Form PR-1815) to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Sheboygan County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for self-represented litigants.
- Inventory Fee: A filing fee of 0.2% of the estate's inventory value is due when the inventory is filed.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Sheboygan County, such as the Sheboygan Press, for three consecutive weeks.
Consult the Register in Probate for specific local checklists or requirements regarding guardian ad litem appointments for minor heirs.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Sheboygan County)
- Petition for Administration: 0.2% of the value of the property (inventory fee). If estate is $10,000 or less, the fee is $20.
- Certified copies of Letters: $3.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page.
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$300 depending on the newspaper.
- Objection to Probate: $20.00
Wisconsin statute sets the personal representative's fee at 2% of the inventory value, though this can be waived or negotiated.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Transfer by Affidavit): 1-2 months
- Average estates (Informal Administration): 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Creditors typically have 3 to 4 months to file claims after notice is published.
Local Resources
Sheboygan County Court Resources
- Court Website: sheboygancounty.com
- 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
- Sheboygan Press: (888) 774-7744 — Official newspaper for legal notices.
- The Plymouth Review: (920) 893-6411 — Local circulation.