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Register in Probate
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Register in Probate to provide circuit courts, attorneys and the general public with courteous, professional and proficient services that facilitate proceedings for administration of decedent's estates (formal and informal), testamentary trusts, guardianship (minor and incompetent), protective placements, civil mental health commitment proceedings (mental, alcohol and drug), adoptions, terminations of parental rights and other related proceedings in the Circuit Courts or Register in Probate office.
About Us
The Office of the Register in Probate coordinates the judicial duties and administrative functions of the Probate Court. The position is a multi-function position and assists in the probate of all estate proceedings.
- Manages all probate files and administrative proceedings, wills filed for safekeeping, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, protective placements, mental, alcohol, and drug abuse commitment records, terminations of parental rights, and adoptions
- Provides assistance to the public and attorneys with court procedure for wills, probate, guardianship, conservatorship, protective placement, termination of parental rights, and adoption cases
- Protects all court records for probate cases
- Maintains the confidentiality status of appropriate files
- Provides assistance to the public regarding access to open records
- Collects fees required by statute
The Register in Probate is an appointed position by the Circuit Court Judges of Chippewa County.
The Probate Registrar handles the administration of all informal proceedings, testate and intestate. The Probate Registrar advises as to the legal preparation of any documents, but may not give legal advice to the personal representative.
As we want to give you our full attention, we suggest that you call or make an appointment before coming in. We may be in court or in a meeting and would be unavailable to be of assistance.
Legal Advice: The Register in Probate office staff cannot give legal advice. Please contact an attorney if you have legal questions, or call the lawyer referral service at 800-362-9082.
Probate Information
- Types of Probate
- Formal Probate
- Informal Probate
- Summary Settlement
- Summary Assignment
- Special Administration
- Transfer by Affidavit
- Termination of Testamentary Trust
- Last Will and Testament
- Fee Schedule
Guardianship / Conservatorship / Termination of Parental Rights / Adoptions
- Guardianship
- Guardianship of Incompetent Person
- Guardianship of Minor
- Protective Placement
- Conservatorship
- Court-appointed individual to manage finances of another
- Termination of Parental Rights
- Adoptions
- Step-Parent Adoptions
- Foreign Adoption and Re-Adoption
- What if there is no Will? What happens then?
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If there are assets that need to go through probate, the family may recommend to the Court who should be appointed Personal Representative. That person then transfers the assets to the decedent's heirs per the State's intestate statutes.
- If there is a Will, do I have to file it with the Register in Probate Office even though there is no probate estate?
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Yes. Wisconsin Statutes require a decedent’s ORIGINAL Will be filed with the Register in Probate Office within 30 days of the decedent’s death.
- Do we have to hire an attorney?
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In a Formal Administration, you must hire an attorney. In the other probate proceedings it is not required. However, an attorney with knowledge of probate proceedings is able to assist the family in handling all estate matters from filing the paperwork to transferring the assets to the heirs of the estate. He/She may be able to complete an estate faster than an individual due to his/her expertise.