Overview
Taylor County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 20,167. The Taylor 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.
For smaller estates, Wisconsin offers a Transfer by Affidavit procedure if the decedent's solely owned assets do not exceed $50,000. This allows heirs to collect assets without full court supervision.
Wisconsin does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees are typically reasonable based on the services performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Taylor 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
Taylor County Courthouse
Probate matters in Taylor County are handled at the Taylor County Courthouse.
Address: 224 South Second Street, Medford, WI 54451
Phone: 715-748-1435 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register in Probate office is located within the courthouse and assists with the administrative aspects of estate proceedings.
Parking and Access
There is street parking available around the courthouse square. Additionally, a small free parking lot is located behind the courthouse, accessible from South Wisconsin Avenue.
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 to collect assets without opening a court case.
- Summary Settlement/Assignment: Available for estates where the value does not exceed certain thresholds (e.g., $50,000) or where the estate is insufficient to pay debts.
- 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 Taylor County Register in Probate. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Order for Hearing and Notice (Form PR-1803)
- Filing fee (0.2% of estate value for estates over $10,000)
- Waiver and Consent forms from heirs (if applicable)
Wisconsin courts mandate e-filing for attorneys and allow it 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 Taylor County, such as The Star News, for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge or probate registrar reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (Form PR-1810), granting the personal representative authority to act.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish a deadline for creditor 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
Taylor County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Electronic filing is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented parties in Taylor County.
- Inventory Fee: A filing fee of 0.2% of the net value of the property subject to administration is due when the inventory is filed (for estates over $10,000).
- Publication: Notice is typically published in The Star News, the local newspaper of record for Taylor County.
Always check with the Register in Probate for any specific local forms or checklists that may be required.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Taylor County)
- Petition for Administration: $20 (if estate ≤ $10,000) or 0.2% of estate value (if > $10,000)
- Inventory Filing Fee: 0.2% of the value of property subject to administration (minus liens)
- Certified copies: $3.00 per certificate + $1.00 per page
- Objection to Probate: $20.00
- Claims: $3.00
- Publication costs: Approximately $100-$300 depending on the length of the notice
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee, especially for e-filing.
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
Creditors typically have 3 to 4 months to file claims after notice is published.
Local Resources
Taylor County Court Resources
- Court Website: Taylor County Register in Probate
- Probate Self-Help: Wisconsin Court System Self-Help
- Wisconsin Probate Forms: Circuit Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral: wisbar.org
- Judicare Legal Aid: 800-472-1638 — Serving northern Wisconsin residents
Publication
- The Star News: 715-748-2626 — centralwinews.com/star-news