1
A GUIDE
TO
INFORMAL ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
IN WISCONSIN
Developed by the
Wisconsin Register in Probate Association
Revised October 2022
Additional information is available at:
http://www.wripa.org/
https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/probate.htm
http://wilawlibrary.gov/topics/estate/probate.php
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Table of Contents
Definitions ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................................. 5
Intestate Succession Chart ................................................................................................................. 18
Forms .................................................................................................................................................. 20
Checklist for Opening an Informal Estate Administration ................................................................ 22
Application for Informal Administration......................................................................................... 23
Proof of Heirship (Informal and Formal Administration) ............................................................... 30
Waiver and Consent (Informal Administration) ............................................................................ 34
Consent to Serve (Informal, Formal and Special Administration) ................................................ 37
Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration) ............................................................................... 39
Notice Setting Time to Hear Application and Deadline for Filing Claims ...................................... 41
Statement of Informal Administration ........................................................................................... 45
Domiciliary Letters ....................................................................................................................... 48
Checklist for Closing an Informal Estate Administration ...................................................................... 50
Inventory (Informal and Formal Administration) ........................................................................... 51
Estate Account ............................................................................................................................. 57
Estate Receipt ............................................................................................................................. 64
Affidavit of Service ....................................................................................................................... 68
Statement of Personal Representative to Close Estate ............................................................... 70
Supplemental Forms ........................................................................................................................... 72
Declination to Serve or Resignation ............................................................................................. 73
Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem or Attorney ......................................................................... 75
Signature Bond (Estate or Trust Proceedings) ........................................................................... 78
Consent to Serve as Trustee ....................................................................................................... 81
Letters of Trust (Issued under Informal Administration) ............................................................... 83
Demand for Formal Proceedings (Informal Administration) ......................................................... 85
Notice of Distribution to Ward ...................................................................................................... 87
Sample Page for Recordkeeping ........................................................................................................ 89
Links for Other Potentially Required Actions ....................................................................................... 90
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Definitions
Administration: A court-supervised process to:
Give notice to creditors and interested persons.
Determine who the heirs and beneficiaries are.
Collect and inventory assets.
Determine and pay federal and state taxes.
Pay claims and administration expenses.
Transfer assets of a decedent to heirs or to beneficiaries under a Will or Codicil.
Account for the disposition of assets that are collected.
Beneficiary: A person named in the Will or Codicil to receive an interest in property from a decedent;
sometimes referred to as legatee.
Bequest and Devise: Used in a Will or Codicil to grant an interest in property.
Codicil: A written document made by the decedent that changes an existing Will. In Wisconsin a Codicil
and a Will, to be validly executed, must be executed with the signature of two witnesses and the
signature of the testator or someone under his or her direction.
Deceased: A person who has died.
Decedent: The person who has died whose estate is subject to administration.
Domicile: Is the place where a person has his or her fixed and permanent home or residence to which
he or she intends to return after any absence. It is not a special or temporary residence but a home or
residence intended to be permanent for an unlimited or indefinite period.
Fair Market Value: A property’s full value is defined as its fair market value, or the amount the
property will sell for in an arms-length transaction on the open market between a willing seller not
obliged to sell the property and a willing buyer not obliged to purchase it.
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Heir: Any person, including a surviving spouse, who under state law is entitled under the statutes of
intestate succession to an interest in property of the decedent.
Interested Person or Person Interested: Includes one or more of the following:
Any heir of the decedent (even if not named in the Will or Codicil).
Any beneficiary named in the Will or Codicil, and may include a beneficiary of a trust, the trustee of
any existing trust, and a nominated trustee in the Will or Codicil.
Personal Representative named in the Will.
Intestate: Not having made a valid Will. When a decedent has died “intestate,” the distribution of assets
follows the statutes of intestate succession.
Issue: “Issue” are children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and lineal descendants of more
remote degrees, including those who occupy that relation by reason of adoption (under § 854.20,
Wis. Stats.) and non-marital children and their lineal descendants (to the extent provided by § 852.05,
Wis. Stats.).
Legal Description: A complete description of land recorded in a document filed with the register of
deeds, such as occurs in a deed. Typically, this description is by lot number in a platted and recorded
subdivision, or by “metes and bounds”. A postal address is not a “legal description.”
Per Stirpes: Property is divided into equal shares for the decedent's children, one share for each
surviving child and one share for each deceased child; the deceased child’s share is divided among
the surviving issue of the deceased child (i.e. by right of representation).
Personal Representative: Any person authorized to administer a decedent’s estate. Evidence of this
authorization is found in Domiciliary Letters granted by the court or by the Probate Registrar. A
personal representative may be nominated in a Will or Codicil.
Probate: Technically speaking, probate is the proof of the validity of a Will in court proceedings and
the probate of the assets of a decedent involves the process of administering the assets as directed
under the Will. However, probate or probate administration are terms often associated with
administration of the property of persons who have died intestate (leaving no Will), as well as the
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property of minors, persons determined to be incompetent, and persons unwilling or unable to
manage their income or assets.
Probate Registrar: An officer of the court designated to perform the functions of the court in informal
estate proceedings.
Testate: Having made a valid Will. When a decedent has died “testate,” distribution of assets follow the
Will.
Testamentary Documents: In addition to a Will and Codicil, any other governing document can be
considered a testamentary document such as a marital property agreements.
Testamentary Trust: An arrangement outlined in a Will in which one party, appointed by the court as
trustee (sometimes a bank), holds and distributes property for the benefit of another.
Trustee: A person who holds in trust the title or power over property.
Will: A document, properly executed prior to death, which directs distribution of property after death and
nominates who will care for and distribute property. It may nominate someone to care for minor children
and/or handle assets in a testamentary trust. In Wisconsin a Codicil and a Will, to be validly executed,
must be executed with the signature of two witnesses and the signature of the testator or someone
under his or her direction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Purpose of this Booklet?
This booklet has been developed by the Wisconsin Register in Probate Association. It is NOT meant
to provide legal advice; it is merely a guide that may help you through the estate administration process.
We suggest that you review the terms under “Definitions” on page 3 before reading on.
Look for this check mark, it will give you tips on navigating the informal administration estate
process.
What Types of Administration are there?
Formal and Informal Administration
Formal Administration is the administration of the decedent’s estate,
intestate or testate, with exercise of continuous supervision by the Court. A
Formal Administration requires the assistance of an attorney.
Informal Administration may be granted without an attorney's assistance.
Informal Administration is the administration of the decedent’s estate without
continuous court supervision, and is supervised by a Probate Registrar.
Summary Settlement
Summary Settlement is a type of estate administration designed to assist in
settlement of small estates and does not require an attorney's assistance. Summary Settlement is
available for estates having a value of $50,000 or less, if the decedent had a surviving spouse/domestic
partner or had surviving minor children.
Summary Settlement is also available if the value of the estate does not exceed certain costs,
expenses, allowances and claims, regardless of whether there is a surviving spouse/domestic partner or
minor children. The value of the estate is calculated by subtracting from the gross amount of assets any
debts for which property of the estate is security.
Summary Assignment
Summary Assignment is a type of estate administration for estates of $50,000 or less and was
designed to assist in settlement of small estates that cannot be settled by a Summary Settlement.
It may be
appropriate for you to
consult with an
attorney before
attempting any of the
types of estate
administrations.
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Transfers of Property without Estate Administration
There is a method to transfer a decedent’s assets without a court supervised administration, called
"Transfer by Affidavit,” for estates having a value of $50,000 or less. The State Bar of Wisconsin
maintains and updates this form and you can find the guide for the forms at PR-1831. The person who
completes and uses this form has certain legal responsibilities and it may be appropriate to consult with
an attorney before deciding whether you should use a "Transfer by Affidavit”.
What is Informal Probate?
Informal probate is the administration of the decedent’s estate, testate or intestate, without
continuous supervision of the court. Informal Administration is started by filing an application with the
Probate Registrar in the county where the decedent domiciled (i.e. resided) and/or where the
decedent’s assets are located if the person did not domicile in Wisconsin. The Probate Registrar will
determine whether a Will is entitled to be probated and whether the application for Informal
Administration should be granted or denied.
Common reasons for denial of an application for Informal Administration can include;
The original Last Will and Testament of decedent cannot be found.
Improper execution/attestation and or validity of decedent’s Last Will and Testament.
Unclear or impossible provisions in the decedent’s Last Will and Testament.
The decedent’s Will prohibits Informal Administration.
If decedent died without a Will and all heirs do not consent in writing to Informal Administration or
the nominated personal representative.
If an interested person/heir/beneficiary demands Formal Administration.
The denial of an application does not prevent the filing of a petition for Formal Administration by a
person interested in the estate.
How Can I tell if Informal Probate is the Way to Go?
The choice of estate administration is a legal decision and court staff cannot provide this advice to
you. Decisions about which estate administration procedure would be most appropriate are often
affected by the presence or absence of interested persons who do not agree on what should be done,
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tax issues, the size of the estate, claims, and the need to have a judge determine or decide issues
such as disputed claims, the validity of a will, the meaning of the terms of a will, or who are the heirs.
You should determine if the decedent died testate (with a Last Will and Testament) or intestate
(without a Will). You must make a diligent search for a Will and/or Codicil of the decedent. If, after a
diligent search, you do not find a Will, it may be that the decedent has left no Will and any estate
administration must be done intestate (without a Will).
If the decedent has not advised you where his or her original Will can be located, some places to
search might include a safe deposit box in the decedent's bank; the safe, or firebox at the decedent’s
home, or wherever the decedent kept his or her other important papers. Sometimes the original Will may
be found in the Office of Register in Probate where a decedent deposited it for “safekeeping” before his
or her death. Not all counties, however, allow such deposits for “safekeeping.” Sometimes, the original
Will may be in the possession of the attorney who drafted it. There may also be an original Codicil or
Codicils that modify the Will.
Make a list of the heirs under the statutes, see Intestate Succession Chart. Then, if there is a Will
(including any Codicils), make a list of the beneficiaries (those named in the Will and Codicils).
Make a list of all assets in which the decedent had an interest. Include real estate and all personal
property (i.e. cash, CD's, stocks, bonds, vehicles, machinery, promissory notes, etc.). The list should
include the estimated value of each asset and how each asset is owned (i.e. solely, jointly, marital,
payable at death, etc.). If you are not able to obtain all this information because the assets are solely
owned, just make the best list you can for now; the exact details can be resolved later.
You are now ready to determine the type of estate administration procedure required to settle the final
affairs of the decedent. Choosing the right procedure is very important. You are encouraged to discuss
the decedent's Will, the working relationship among the heirs and/or beneficiaries and the decedent's
asset situation, as determined above, with an attorney.
If it appears that informal estate administration is the preferred procedure, read on.
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Where can an Application for Informal Estate Administration be Filed?
An application for informal estate administration is to be filed in the county where the decedent was
“domiciled” (i.e. resides) at the time of his or her death. However, if the decedent had no domicile in
Wisconsin, an application for informal estate administration may be filed in any county in Wisconsin
where property of the decedent is located.
Do I need an Attorney for Informal Estate Administration?
Wisconsin statutes do not require you to hire an attorney to assist with an informal estate
administration, however you may seek the advice or services of an attorney at any point during the
process. During the estate administration process, a demand for formal proceedings may be filed with
the court, at which time, the services of an attorney may be necessary.
It is important for you to remember that most Probate Registrars are not attorneys. Even if your local
Registrar is an attorney, statutes prohibit Registrars from giving legal advice. A Registrar's role is to
advise a personal representative, within the Registrar’s competence, in the preparation of any of the
documents required to be filed with the court in an informal estate administration. Think of this as
giving advice as to how the various forms should be completed, not giving advice as to how you
should proceed in any area. This guide is an attempt to assist the Registrar in giving a personal
representative the required document preparation direction.
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How Do I Start an Informal Estate Administration?
All forms are available on-line and can be found at: www.wicourts.gov.
You may file your documents by using one of these three methods:
Fill the forms in on-line as a Word document and then print; or
Print the forms and complete by hand in ink; or
You may also take advantage of the Wisconsin Court System’s electronic filing options and eFile
your probate paperwork at https://www.wicourts.gov/ecourts/efilecircuit/index.jsp.
Follow the instructions to register for an e account.
Create an eFiling account, pay the appropriate fee and electronically
file your paperwork.
The following forms are required to initiate an informal proceeding:
The following startup forms are always required:
Application for Informal Administration (PR-1801)
Proof of Heirship (PR-1806)
Consent to Serve (PR-1807)
(Signed by nominated personal representative and may include Appointment/Acceptance of
Resident Agent.)
Statement of Informal Administration (PR-1808)
Domiciliary Letters (PR-1810)
If you have obtained the signatures of all interested persons on the Waiver and Consent form, the
following forms are also required:
Waiver and Consent (Informal Administration) (PR-1803)
Notice to Creditors (PR-1804)
If you have not obtained the signature of all the interested persons on the Waiver and Consent form,
you will be required to complete this form instead:
Notice Setting Time to Hear Application and Deadline for Filing Claims (Informal Administration)
(PR-1805)
The original
Will, Codicils and any
other testamentary
documents must be
delivered to the court.
Use black
ink, keep your
originals and file
legible copies.
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The Probate Registrar may require the following documents, depending on local practice and who the
heirs/beneficiaries are:
Signature Bond in Estate or Trust Proceedings (PR-1809A)
Surety Bond (obtained from an insurance agent) and the Court Approval of Signature Bond in
Estate or Trust Proceedings (PR-1809B)
Affidavit of Service (Probate) (PR-1817)
Consent to Serve as Trustee (PR-1930) (signed by nominated trustee – may include
Appointment/Acceptance of Resident Agent)
Letters of Trust (Informal and Formal Administration) (PR-1931)
Declination to Serve or Resignation (Informal and Formal
Administration) (PR-1802)
Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem or Attorney (GF-131A)
Consent to Act (GF-131B)
Petition to Dispense with Guardian ad Litem (Informal and Formal
Administration) (PR-1820)
Order Dispensing with Guardian ad Litem (Informal and Formal
Administration) (PR-1821)
You are now ready to apply for informal estate administration. It is always
advisable (and in some counties required) that you set an appointment to see the Probate Registrar or a
designated staff member when you are ready to file the above documents.
How Do I Complete the Informal Estate Administration?
The following documents are required to be filed in an informal estate administration:
Affidavit or Proof of Publication (Provided by the newspaper once publication has been paid.)
Inventory (Informal and Formal Administration) (PR-1811) (A statutory filing fee must
accompany this form.)
Affidavit of Service (Probate) (PR-1817) (of Inventory to Heirs/Beneficiaries)
Estate Receipt (Informal and Formal Administration) (PR-1815)(Signed by heirs/beneficiaries and
claimants.)
Statement of Personal Representative to Close Estate (Informal Administration)(PR-1816)
Don't
forget to deliver
the original Will,
Codicil, Marital
Property
Agreement, or
any other
testamentary
documents either
in person or by
mail.
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The Probate Registrar may require the following documents depending on local practice and/or the
particulars of the estate you are administering:
Estate Account (Informal and Formal Administration) (PR-1814)
Affidavit of Service (Probate) (PR-1817) (of final Estate Account to Heirs/Beneficiaries)
Notice of Distribution to Ward (Informal and Formal Administration) (PR-1822) (To notify the court
appointing a guardian of the estate of the total property to be distributed to the guardian of the
estate for the benefit of the guardian's ward at least ten days prior to the distribution.)
Closing Certificate for Fiduciaries (Obtained by filing a Schedule CC form with the Wisconsin
Department of Revenue)
Receipt for Perpetual Care or Funeral Receipt
Proof of Recording of Documents Transferring Real Estate (PR-1914)
Statement of Transfer of Interest in Property (Informal Administration) (PR-1828)
Statement of Termination and Confirmation of Interest(s) in Property (Informal Administration)
(PR-1827)
Can You Give Me Some Practical Suggestions?
Notice to Creditors/Interested Persons
It is your responsibility to take the Notice to Creditors or Notice Setting Time to Hear Application
and Deadline for Filing Claims (Informal Administration) to the newspaper for publication.
It is also your responsibility to mail a copy of the Notice(s) to all known creditors of the decedent.
When you pay the bill for the publication, the newspaper will provide you with an Affidavit or Proof
of Publication. File the Affidavit or Proof of Publication with the Court.
It is your responsibility to mail a copy of the Notice Setting Time to Hear Application, Application
for Informal Administration and a copy of the Will and Codicil to all interested persons.
An Affidavit of Service (PR-1817) provides evidence for the file that documents were sent to the
persons and/or businesses whose names and addresses are shown.
If a hearing on notice is required, the Personal Representative will be appointed after the hearing
once the following documents are filed:
Affidavit of Publication from newspaper;
Form PR-1817 Affidavit of Service showing proof Notice was mailed to all interested persons.
Bond, if required. Determination will be made by the Probate Registrar whether bond will be a
signature bond (Form PR-1809A) or a surety bond.
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Claims filed by Creditors
If a claim is paid/satisfied by you, the creditor must provide an Estate Receipt (PR-1815)
acknowledging complete satisfaction or settlement of the claim.
If you dispute the claim, you will be required to demand “formal administration” to have a judge
decide the dispute.
You must be represented by an attorney in proceedings before a judge. For this reason it is wise
to seek the assistance of an attorney as soon as you determine that a claim should be
disallowed.
If a claim has been served on you or mailed to you, your objection, offset or counterclaim must be
served upon or mailed to the claimant and filed with the court within 60 days of when the claim
was mailed to or served upon you as personal representative.
Inventory
As you gather the decedent's assets in preparation for filing the Inventory form, think of the
Inventory as a snapshot of the fair market value of all assets owned by the decedent on the date
of death.
The Inventory is an important legal document that establishes the fair market value of assets on
date of death and incorrect valuations can have a significant impact on the personal
representative and distributees of the assets listed in the Inventory.
Income tax basis problems and disputes about proportionate distribution of assets are examples of
issues that may arise from improper valuation.
o Although you are not required to hire a qualified and disinterested appraiser to assist you
in determining the value of assets, you should consider whether you have sufficient skills
to appraise inventoried assets on your own.
o You may also wish to consult with a tax advisor or attorney before filing your Inventory.
o Provide a copy of the Inventory to all interested persons and file an Affidavit of Service
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Final Account
You should prepare a final Estate Account and furnish
copies to all heirs/beneficiaries.
Think of the final Estate Account as a record of what came
into the estate and what went out of the estate between the
date of death and the completion of the estate.
This form should be completed only after you have paid all
the decedent's outstanding bills, including the funeral bill,
costs of administration of the estate, any proper claims and
all applicable taxes.
Any additional property listed in Schedule A of the Estate
Account is subject to an additional .2% filing fee.
Deadlines
The Inventory must be filed or exhibited no later than the
date set in the Notice of Estate Administration Deadlines
An estate can be closed any time after the final date to file
claims has passed and should be closed within 12 months of the date the estate was opened.
The deadlines are set in the Notice of Estate Administration Deadlines which is issued to the
Personal Representative upon appointment.
An extension of time may be granted by the Probate Registrar. You must complete the Petition for
Extension of Time (PR-1833) and Order for Extension of Time (PR-1834) and file these forms
with the Probate Registrar to consider.
Failure to meet any deadline established by the Probate Registrar will result in the personal
representative being required to appear in court to show cause as to why the personal
representative should not be removed or other sanctions imposed.
The Statement of Personal Representative to Close Estate is normally the final document filed in
an estate, but it does not mean that you are done. If, six months after filing the statement, no
other proceedings are pending in the court, your appointment as personal representative
terminates.
If you will be selling
or transferring an interest in
real estate, you will be
required to sign a deed or
transfer document with the
proper legal description (not
a postal address). You may
wish to have an attorney
prepare this important legal
document, as mistakes in
the legal description can
affect ownership interest in
the property.
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Wisconsin Statutes
You may need to review the statutes during this process.
Check your law library at your local courthouse, public library, the Wisconsin State Law Library
(http://wilawlibrary.gov/) or the Wisconsin State Legislature
(http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes).
Within the scope that has been discussed earlier in this booklet, your local Probate Registrar is here
to see you through the informal estate administration process. We hope this booklet is helpful and we
welcome your comments on ways that we may improve it to better assist others in the future.
What Should I Know About Being a Personal Representative?
A statement in a Will about who should serve as personal representative does not automatically allow
you to start performing the duties of a personal representative; the statement in the Will is simply a
nomination by the decedent. The Probate Registrar or Judge must appoint you before you assume the
duties of a personal representative. The document that shows others you are appointed as Personal
Representative is called “Domiciliary Letters.” For a nominal statutory fee, the Probate Registrar will
supply you as many certified copies of this document as you feel you will need at any time throughout
the estate administration process.
Serving as personal representative is a very important job. You may be required to post a bond to
protect the assets in the estate. You must keep all interested persons informed of the status of the estate
proceedings and complete the estate in a timely fashion. The Probate Registrar will send you a Notice of
Estate Administration Deadlines showing the Inventory due date and the date by which the estate is to
be closed.
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For all practical purposes, a personal representative is acting in place of the decedent. You are
expected to handle the assets of the decedent just as any prudent person would handle his or her own
assets.
Your duties will include taking possession (marshaling) of all the
decedent's assets and filing an Inventory with the date of death values
of all assets you have in your control. You may need to open a
checking account to assist you with keeping accurate records of
income and expenses. The Probate Registrar cannot require that you
use a checking account, nor is it always needed.
You will give notice to creditors and may give notice to interested
persons by publication in the newspaper. Your Registrar can identify
which papers are eligible for publication. Notice must also be given to
interested persons by mail or personal service if Waiver and Consent forms cannot be obtained.
You may be converting assets to cash, selling real estate, running a business, insuring and keeping
property in good repair.
You will collect any income due to the decedent like interest, dividends, rent, etc. You will pay bills,
settle proper claims or object to claims that are not appropriate.
You must file a Closing Certificate for Fiduciaries. This document is obtained by preparing and filing a
Schedule CC, Request for a Closing Certificate for Fiduciaries, with the Wisconsin Department of
Revenue. See link for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue at the end of this booklet. There may be
additional final and fiduciary tax returns to complete. You are encouraged to utilize the services of a
competent tax preparer or an attorney to help you with this aspect of the estate.
You must prepare a final Estate Account, showing all money and assets that came into the estate
between date of death and distribution, and all money and assets that were paid out of the estate. You
may be required to file the Estate Account with the Probate Registrar. To prepare an Estate Account,
you must keep accurate records. There are many ways to keep records. An inexpensive method is to
prepare a ring binder or spiral notebook for “scheduling” your financial activities, such as receiving
Applying for an
Employer Identification
Number (EIN) is a free
service offered by the
Internal Revenue
Service. Beware of
websites on the
Internet that charge for
this free service.
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assets, paying bills or making distributions. A sample “scheduling” page can be found on at the end of
this booklet. If you make entries in your notebook or ring binders as these activities occur, there is less
chance that you will make mistakes in your accounting and it will take less time to complete your Estate
Account. It will also be easier for someone to help you complete your accounting if you have kept
accurate records.
You will distribute assets according to the Will and/or
statutes and secure receipts from those receiving assets.
Finally, you will file a Statement of Personal
Representative to Close Estate. If no proceedings
challenging your Statement or otherwise involving you as
personal representative are pending in the court six
months after your Statement is filed, your appointment as
personal representative terminates.
As personal representative, you may obtain a
discharge from personal liability for federal tax
deficiencies by preparing and filing Form 5495 with the
Internal Revenue Service. A link to obtain Form 5495 is
included in this Guide at the end of this book. Please
note that the discharge from personal liability applies only
for tax returns that have been filed and are listed in your
Form 5495 or filed with it.
How do I Complete the Required Forms?
On the following pages you will find samples of the
"usual" informal administration forms you will need to
complete. A brief explanation appears just prior to each
“Sample” form.
As personal representative, you
are responsible for paying any taxes that
are owed by the estate or the decedent,
from the estate assets. These include the
decedent’s gift and income taxes, as well
as the income and estate taxes owed by
the estate. You may incur personal
liability for these taxes if they are owed
and not paid from available estate
assets. You should consult with an
attorney or tax advisor about these
issues if you have questions about
potential tax liabilities of the decedent or
the estate. You should investigate
whether all potential taxes owed by the
decedent were paid. A starting point
would be for you or your advisor to
review prior tax returns of the decedent,
as well as any actions of the decedent
that could give rise to income or gift tax
liability.
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Wisconsin requires that you use the mandatory probate forms you see in this booklet. Forms may be
available for purchase from your Probate Registrar. You may also access the most up-to-date forms on
the Internet at the State of Wisconsin Supreme Court website. The forms are available at no cost in
Word or PDF format to complete online or on your electronic device.
You may also take advantage of the Wisconsin Court
System’s electronic filing options and eFile your probate
paperwork at
https://www.wicourts.gov/ecourts/efilecircuit/index.jsp.
Follow the instructions to register for an e account.
Create an eFiling account, pay the appropriate fee and
electronically file your paperwork.
Remember, the Probate Registrar cannot fill out the forms for you unless you have a qualified
disability under the American with Disability Act. The Probate Registrar is, however, required by statute
to check the data you provide and, if necessary, request further information from you or to file an
amended document.
The original Will,
Codicils and any other
testamentary documents must
be delivered to the court.
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Intestate Succession Chart
If there is no will, the decedent’s heirs receive the property. Wisconsin Law defines who the heir is
when there is no will. Wis. Stats §852.01. To determine the heirs use this flow chart.
For this chart, if there is a surviving domestic partner, that person takes the place of the surviving
spouse.
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Per Stirpes: Property is divided at each generation, one share for each surviving person and
one share for each deceased person; any deceased person’s share is divided among that person’s
issue in the same way. (Also referred to as by right of representation). So if 3 children, the portion
going to decedent’s children is divided into thirds. Then if one of the children is also deceased and
had 2 children, that share is divided equally between the two grandchildren. If one of those
grandchildren is deceased then between their issue, but if none, that share goes to the others
surviving in that generation.
See Wis. Stats. §§ 990.001(16) Degrees of Kinship.
2
Grandparents
1
3
Parents
Uncles, Aunts
2
4
Person deceased
Brothers
Sisters
First Cousins
1
3
5
Children
Nephews
Nieces
First Cousins
Once Removed
2
4
6
Grandchildren
Grand
Nephews, Nieces
First Cousins
Twice Removed
3
5
7
Great
Grandchildren
Great-Grand
Nephews, Nieces
First Cousins
Thrice Removed
Each Succeeding
Generation
Adds One Degree
Each Succeeding
Generation
Adds One Degree
Each Succeeding
Generation
Adds One Degree
.
20
Forms
Please type or print in black ink legibly when filling out your forms, as it will make it easier for you to
make copies for filing and notice to interested persons. Please retain the originals in a safe place, as you
may be required to produce them at a later date.
The Probate Registrar cannot fill out the forms for you unless you have a qualified disability under the
American with Disability Act. The Probate Registrar is, however, required by statute to review the
information you provide and, if necessary, request further information from you or to file an amended
document.
Any form that requires notarization of your signature must be notarized. Remember to wait to sign the
document; a notary must see you actually sign the form. You may be required to produce identification. If
you are not going to come to your local Office of Register in Probate to sign the form, you can usually
find a notary public at your bank. If you live in another state, you may use a local notary.
21
Important Information about these Sample Forms
The following sample forms are completed as if the decedent had a valid Will. The decedent is
single.
This hypothetical Will provides for specific bequests to individuals and an equal sharing (25%
each) of remaining (residual) estate. The specific bequests are as follows:
Mary Smith, individually: the antique duck decoy collection, all personal property
Susan Brown, individually: Fishing Equipment and tackle and Tundra long range hunting rifle.
Mary Smith, as trustee of the Trust for the Benefit of John Miller: 250 shares of AT&T stock.
The hypothetical Will provides for any dividends paid before distribution of the specific bequests to
be considered income earned by the estate (not the beneficiary) and that distributions of property
shall be at the values listed in the personal representative’s Inventory and not current values at time
of distributions.
If you are administering an estate with a Will, distributions must follow the directions of the Will. It is
recommended that you obtain appropriate tax or legal advice if you will be attempting to distribute
proportionate shares of non-cash assets and if family members want to make alternative
arrangements.
There are special considerations for married persons due to marital property rules in Wisconsin. We
have provided an example of an inventory to show martial property designations.
22
Checklist for Opening an Informal Estate Administration
Application for Informal Administration (PR-1801)
Proof of Heirship (PR-1806)
Original Will (and Codicils, if any)
Waiver and Consent (Informal Administration) (PR-1803)
Consent to Serve (PR-1807)
Statement of Informal Administration (PR-1808)
Signature Bond in Estate or Trust Proceedings (PR-1809A) OR
Surety Bond (if required)
Domiciliary Letters (PR-1810)
Notice to Creditors (PR-1804) OR
Notice Setting Time to Hear Application and Deadline for Filing Claims (PR-1805)
Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship (IRS Form 56)
Declination to Serve or Resignation (if necessary) (PR-1802)
Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem or Attorney (if required) (GF-131A)
Consent to Serve as Trustee (if necessary) (PR-1930)
Letters of Trust (if necessary) (PR-1931)
Do not include confidential information on the document(s) such as;
• Social security numbers,
• Employer or tax ID numbers,
• Driver license numbers,
• Financial accounts numbers, and passport numbers.
If you must include this type of information use the Confidential Disclosure of
Protected Information form GF-241.
23
Application for Informal Administration
Form No.: PR-1801
Purpose of Form: To apply to the Court for informal administration of an estate.
Directions:
PAGE 1.
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the form and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Leave the case number blank, as
the Probate Registrar will assign the case number.
Question #1
Insert the decedents:
a) Date of birth
b) Date of death
c) County and state in which he/she was domiciled
d) Post office address
Question #2
You must indicate in what way you are an “interested person” in the estate. Are you an heir, a
beneficiary under a Will or Codicil, nominated as a Personal Representative in the Will or
Codicil, or a nominated Trustee or trust beneficiary, etc.?
Question #3
Check the appropriate box to indicate whether there is another estate open for this decedent. If
you check ARE, enter in the explain area which county and state the other probate is being
administered.
24
Question #4
You must insert an “estimate” of the total gross value of decedent’s assets that are subject to
this estate proceeding. This amount is not binding on you or anyone else; it is just an estimate.
Question #5
Check the appropriate boxes concerning assistance programs from which the decedent may
have received aid. If you are uncertain, check the box to indicate you lack information
concerning aid.
Question #6
This question must be answered. Indicate the name of the spouse, whether deceased or
previously divorced, and check the appropriate boxes concerning benefits. If you are uncertain,
check the box to indicate you lack information concerning aid. If there was more than one
spouse, check the box and attach a separate page with the name and other appropriate
information.
Question #7
If the decedent had a Will or Codicil, include that information at this time. Also indicate the
name of the person nominated in the decedent’s Will as the Personal Representative or
Executor. If more than one person has been nominated as “Co-Personal Representative,”
include the name for each party.
If any person nominated as Personal Representative is now deceased, include his or her name
and date of death. Also indicate the name of the alternate personal representative.
If the Will establishes a Testamentary Trust to be administered by a Trustee, insert the name
of the person nominated as Trustee.
25
PAGE 2.
Question #8
If you have made a diligent inquiry and are convinced that the decedent left no Will, then check
this box.
Question #9
Insert the name, relationship (what makes the person “interested”), and address of each
“interested person”.
Refer to the “definitions” section regarding who is an “interested person.” Make sure that you
list the names of all the “interested persons.” If there are minors, include their dates of birth. If
an interested person has been found by a court to be incompetent, include the name and
address of his or her guardian.
If there is an existing trust (not the Testamentary Trust established in the Will) that is named as
a beneficiary under the Will, insert the name of the trustee for that trust and the trustee’s
address.
If the Will provides for a Testamentary Trust and Trustee, you must also include the name and
address of the Trustee as an interested person and prepare a Consent to Serve (by Trustee)
and Letters of Trust that must be issued at the same time as the Domiciliary Letters.
Question #10
Any special fact requiring court action, you may insert here.
Below the words: “I request:” check all boxes that apply and indicate what you are asking the
Probate Registrar to do.
On the lines provided, type the name, address, email address and telephone number of the
person who is applying to open this proceeding. If the applicant is a lawyer, include the state bar
number.
26
Complete the “Form Completed by” box in the lower left corner of the form. This needs to be
done on all forms submitted to the court.
The applicant must sign this form in front of a Notary Public. The Probate Registrar may
instruct you to wait and sign the form at the time you bring it back to the office to open the estate. In
that case, the Registrar will notarize your signature.
27
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, Decedent’s County COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Name
AKA Bill Elliott
Amended
Application for
Informal Administration
Case No.
UNDER OATH, I STATE:
1.
The decedent, with date of birth December 30, 1940 and date of death April 10, 2022 , was domiciled in
Decedents’ County County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 123 Something Street, Someplace,
WI 51111.
2.
I am interested as an heir) (nominated personal representative/trustee) (beneficiary) .
3.
Other proceedings concerning the estate of the decedent are are not pending in this state or
elsewhere. Explain: .
4.
The estimated net value of decedent's property requiring administration is $250,000 .
5.
The decedent
did did not receive Medical Assistance/Medicaid.
did did not receive Family Care and/or Partnership benefits (through a Managed Care Organization – MCO/CMO).
did did not receive benefits from the Community Options Program (COP).
did did not receive benefits from Wisconsin Chronic Disease Program.
was was not a patient or inmate of a state or county hospital or institution, or responsible for any person owing an
obligation to the state or county.
Explain:
I lack information to complete this section.
6.
If the decedent was ever married, complete the following: (If more than one spouse See attached.)
Name of spouse ( living or deceased) Sally Elliot .
Married to decedent Divorced from decedent at time of decedent’s death.
The spouse did did not receive benefits from the Community Options Program (COP).
The spouse did did not receive benefits from the Wisconsin Chronic Disease Program.
I lack information to complete this section.
(Complete question 7 OR 8 below, whichever is applicable.)
7.
The decedent died leaving a will, dated October 1, 2020 .
codicil(s) (If any), dated .
I believe these documents were executed properly and are valid. I made diligent inquiry and am unaware of
any revocation by decedent.
The original will, including any codicil(s),
is in the possession of the court.
accompanies this application.
was probated elsewhere and an authenticated copy accompanies this application.
is en route to the court by mail or personal delivery (for eFilers only).
The personal representative(s) named by the decedent in the will and/or any codicil is:
Name(s) Albert Elliott, who has declined to act, Mary Smith, alternate
I nominate Mary Smith to serve as personal representative(s).
The trustee(s) named by the decedent in the will and/or codicil is:
Name(s) Mary Smith
28
I nominate Mary Smith to serve as trustee(s).
8.
I made diligent inquiry and am unaware of any unrevoked will of the decedent and believe that the decedent
died leaving no will.
I nominate to serve as personal representative(s).
9.
The names and mailing addresses of all interested persons are:
(For any person with disabilities, also list any guardian of estate; for any person in the military, also list attorney or attorney in fact; and for
any minor, list date of birth.) See attached
Name
Relationship
[e.g. Heir, Beneficiary, Fiduciary]
Mailing Address
[Street, City, State, Zip]
If Minor,
Date of Birth
Mary Smith
John Miller
Susan Brown
Jane Jones
Jacob Jones
Heir, Beneficiary,
Nominated Personal
Representative & Trustee
Heir, Beneficiary, Trust
Beneficiary
Heir, Beneficiary
Heir, Beneficiary
Guardian of Estate of Jane
Jones
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
100 First Street, Someplace, WI 51111
100 Second Street, Someplace, WI 51111
100 Third Street, Someplace, WI 51111
100 Third Street, Someplace, WI 51111
June 1, 2019
10.
Other:
I REQUEST:
1.
A statement of informal administration be issued.
2.
The will, including any codicil(s), be admitted to informal administration.
3.
Domiciliary letters be issued to Mary Smith
4.
Letters of trust be issued to Mary Smith
for the following trust: Trust under the Will of William Elliott for the Benefit of John Miller
Letters of trust be issued to
for the following trust:
5.
Other:
State of
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
►
Applicant
Mary Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank St., Someplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com (715) 999-9999
Email Address Telephone Number
May 24, 2022
Date State Bar No. (if any)
PR-1801, 05/20 Application for Informal Administration §§851.21, 856.09, 865.06 and 879.01, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 28 of 91
29
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
Address
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith.Address.email.com
Telephone Number
State Bar Number (if any)
PR-1801, 05/20 Application for Informal Administration §§851.21, 856.09, 865.06 and 879.01, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 29 of 3
30
Proof of Heirship (Informal and Formal Administration)
Form No.: PR-1806
Purpose of Form: To document, under oath, the person(s) who are the heirs of the decedent.
To be completed by an individual with knowledge of the decedent’s heirs.
Directions:
PAGE 1.
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the form and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Leave the case number blank, as
the Probate Registrar will assign the case number.
Question #1
Fill in your name, address and relationship to the decedent.
Question #2
Check the appropriate box.
If the decedent was survived by a spouse or domestic partner, fill in the name of that person.
Question #3
Under 3A, check the appropriate box. If the decedent had children, list the names of all children.
If any child is deceased, indicate the date of death.
Under 3B, for each deceased child, list the name(s) of his or her children. If any of those children
are deceased, indicate the date of death.
Question #4
Indicate whether all of the decedent’s children are also the children of any surviving spouse or
domestic partner. If the answer to this question is “no,” then provide details.
Instructions: If there are living persons named in questions 2 through 4 on page 1, then go to
question number 8.
If there are no living persons named in questions 2 through 4, then go to question number 5.
Question #5
Check the appropriate box; if the answer was “yes,” then fill in the name of the parent(s).
PAGE 2.
Question #6
Under 6A, check the appropriate box; if the answer was “yes,” fill in the name(s) of the living and
deceased brothers or sisters and indicate the date of death if deceased.
31
Under 6B, list the name of each deceased brother or sister as noted in 6a and also list the names
of his or her children. If any of those children are deceased, indicate the date of death and the
names of his or her children.
Question #7
Read the information on the form and fill in any names if applicable.
Question #8
Must be answered.
The person signing must sign and date the form in front of a Notary Public.
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
This form must be sent to or served upon all interested persons by you, the petitioner.
32
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, Decedent’s County COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Name
AKA Bill Elliott
Amended
Proof of Heirship
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No.
UNDER OATH, I ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
1.
What is your name, mailing address and relationship to the decedent?
Name
Mailing Address
Relationship
Mary Smith
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Daughter
2.
Was the decedent survived by a spouse or domestic partner?
Yes No
If YES, give name:
3.
A.
Did the decedent have any children? (Living or deceased; natural or adopted.)
Yes No
If YES, list all names. (If deceased, indicate date of death.) See attached
Name of Decedent’s Children
If Deceased, Date of Death
Mary Smith
Joan Miller
Susan Brown
Jane Jones
December 1, 2016
B.
For each deceased child listed in 3A., list his or her name and the names of his or her children (Living or
deceased; natural or adopted). If any of his or her children are deceased, indicate the date of death of that child
and the names of his or her descendants. (Living or deceased; natural or adopted.) See attached
Name of Deceased Child in (3A)
Name of Deceased Child’s Child(ren)
Date of Death
Joan Miller
John Miller
4.
If there is a surviving spouse or domestic partner, are all of the decedent's children listed in 3A., also the children
of the surviving spouse or domestic partner?
Yes No
If NO, give details:
Instructions:
Are there living persons listed in answers to questions 2. through 4.?
• If Yes, skip to question 8.
• If No, continue with question 5.
5.
Did the decedent leave surviving parents?
Yes No
If YES, list names.
Name(s)
6.
A.
If no surviving parent, did the decedent have brothers or sisters? (Living or deceased; whole blood, half blood, adopted)
33
If YES, list all names. (If deceased, indicate date of death.)
No Yes
Name of Decedent’s Brothers or Sisters
If Deceased, Date of Death
B.
For each deceased brother or sister listed in 6A., list his or her name and the names of his or her children
(Living or deceased; natural or adopted). If any of his or her children is deceased, indicate the date of death of that
child and the names of his or her descendants. (Living or deceased; natural or adopted) See attached
Name of Deceased Brother or Sister in (6A)
Date of Death
Name of Deceased
Brother’s or Sister’s Children
7.
If there are no living persons listed in questions 2. through 6B., list names of maternal (mother) and paternal (father)
grandparents and the descendants of any deceased grandparent and whether the person is living or deceased.
Please continue listing children of deceased persons until a living person is named. See attached
MATERNAL (Mother)
PATERNAL (Father)
Grandfather:
Grandfather:
Grandmother:
Grandmother:
Descendants:
Descendants:
8.
Did any of the persons named in #2 through #7 die within 120 hours (5 days) after the death of the decedent?
No Yes
If YES, list name(s), date of death and descendant(s).
Name
Date of Death
Descendant(s)
State of
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
►
Signature
Mary Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank St., Someplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com (715) 999-9999
Email Address Telephone Number
May 24, 2022
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
Address
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
34
Waiver and Consent (Informal Administration)
Form No.: PR-1803
Purpose of Form: To obtain consent of interested persons to use informal administration and
appoint the proposed personal representative. Also waives notice requirements for a hearing to open
the estate. A waiver and consent form is required from each interested person in the estate before
Domiciliary Letters can be issued to the Personal Representative. If the waiver and consent cannot
be obtained and there is a Will nominating a personal representative
willing to act, a hearing before the Probate Registrar will be required
to open the estate.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the form
and insert the name of the decedent below the words “In the Matter
of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any alternative
names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Leave the
case number blank, as the Probate Registrar will assign the case
number, unless a number has already been assigned.
Check the appropriate boxes on Line 5 and insert the dates, as
applicable.
If there is a Will, check the box on Line 6 and insert the date
of the Will and date of any Codicil to the Will.
In line 7 insert the name of the person seeking to be appointed
as Personal Representative.
The name of each interested person or beneficiary must be printed or typed in the box for this
purpose and each must sign and date the form.
Verification of any person’s authority to act on behalf of another, i.e.: guardian, agent, etc.,
must accompany the Waiver and Consent.
More than one interested person may sign on one form
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
If there is no Will,
informal administration will
be permitted only if all
interested persons request
or consent in writing to
informal administration and
the appointment of the
same person as personal
representative. Any
disagreement requires the
use of formal probate,
which requires hiring an
attorney.
35
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DECEDENT’S COUNTY COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
AKA Bill Elliot
Amended
Waiver and Consent
(Informal Administration)
Case No.
1.
I am by law an interested person in this estate.
2.
I am not a minor.
3.
I have not been found incompetent and I do not have a guardian.
4.
I waive any further notice of the hearing on the application for informal administration. I enter
my appearance in this matter, and consent to the requests made in the application for
informal administration.
5.
I have received a list of all interested persons, and (Choose one)
a copy of the will dated October 1, 2020 and codicil(s) (if any), dated
.
a notice of the nature and amount of the bequest contained in the will dated
or codicil(s) (if any), dated .
decedent died leaving no will.
6.
I consent to the admission of the will dated October 1, 2020 and
codicil(s) (if any), dated .
7.
I consent to the appointment of Mary Smith as personal representative(s) in
this estate.
8.
Other:
►
Signature
Mary Smith, individually and as nominated PR
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com 715-999-9999
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
►
Signature
John Miller, by his Guardian Ad Litem, George Johnson
Name Printed or Typed
200 First Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
►
Signature
Susan Brown
Name Printed or Typed
400 Second Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
►
Signature
Jane Jones by her Guardian of the Estate Jacob Jones
Name Printed or Typed
100 Third Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
36
►
Signature
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
►
Signature
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
►
Signature
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
►
Signature
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Form completed by: (Name)
Address
Email Address
Telephone
Bar Number (If any)
PR-1803, 11/19 Waiver and Consent (Informal Administration) Chapter 865, §§851.21 and 879.09, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
37
Consent to Serve (Informal, Formal and Special Administration)
Form No.: PR-1807
Purpose of Form: To provide a written consent to serve as personal representative and acceptance
of duties of the office, including designation of resident agent for service of
process by a nonresident personal representative.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the form and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Leave
the case number blank, as the Probate Registrar will assign the case
number, unless a number has already been assigned.
Read Line 1 of the Consent to Serve. You are accepting the duties
and responsibilities of personal representative and agree that the
court has personal jurisdiction over you in any court proceedings
relating to the estate.
This paragraph applies only if you are required by the Probate
Registrar to post a bond before you become the Personal
Representative.
If you live outside the State of Wisconsin, check the box in No. 3
and fill in the name of the Wisconsin resident you wish to appoint to
accept service of process on your behalf if that becomes necessary.
This person is then known as the “Resident Agent.”
Check with the Office of Register in Probate to see if you must sign this
form prior to meeting with the Registrar or if you must wait until you meet
with the Registrar to open the estate.
On the bottom portion of the form: Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
A Resident
Agent is only required
if a Personal
Representative lives
outside the State of
Wisconsin. If you have
to appoint a Wisconsin
resident as your
“Resident Agent,” then
that person must sign
the bottom of this
form, including his or
her address and the
date of signing.
38
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DECEDENT’S COUNTY COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
aka Bill Elliot
Amended
Consent to Serve
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No.
1.
I consent to serve as personal representative special administrator of this estate.
I accept the duties, submit personally to the jurisdiction of the court in any proceeding relating to the estate
that may be instituted by any interested person and agree to be bound by the laws of Wisconsin.
2.
I will file any required bond.
3.
I am a nonresident of Wisconsin.
I appoint [Name] as resident agent to accept service of
process.
Signature
Mary Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street
Address
Someplace, WI 511111 (715) 999-9999
Email Address Telephone Number
May 25, 2022 N/A
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Acceptance by Resident Agent
I accept appointment as resident agent for this estate to accept service of process.
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
Resident Agent
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith.address@email.com
Telephone Number
(715)999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1807, 11/19 Consent to Serve (Informal, Formal, and Special Administration) §§856.23, 865.08(2), 867.17 and 879.67, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
39
Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration)
Form No.: PR-1804
Purpose of Form: To set a deadline for filing claims in an informal administration in which all
interested persons have signed waivers consenting to informal administration.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the form and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Leave the case number blank, as
the Probate Registrar will assign the case number, unless a number has already been assigned.
Line 2: fill in decedent’s date of birth, date of death, county, state and
address.
The Probate Registrar will fill in the claims date on Line 4, the location
for filing the claim on Line 5.
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
Your Registrar will identify the eligible newspapers for publication.
The Probate Registrar will provide a copy to the Personal
Representative.
The Personal Representative is responsible for forwarding a copy of the
Notice to Creditors to the newspaper for publication. It must be sent
promptly, as the first publication must occur within 15 days of the date the
Probate Registrar signed the Notice to Creditors. Failure to do so will result with having to resubmit the
Notice to Creditors.
The Personal Representative is also responsible for serving a copy of the Notice to Creditors to “all
known or reasonably ascertainable creditors,” as indicated on the form.
Check with
your Probate
Registrar as to which
newspapers are
available for
publication and how to
deliver the Notice of
Creditors to the
newspaper.
40
SAMPLE
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DECEDENT’S COUNTY COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Name
Aka Bill Elliot
Amended
Notice to Creditors
(Informal Administration)
Case No.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1.
An application for informal administration was filed.
2.
The decedent, with date of birth December 30, 1940 and date of death January 10, 2022 , was domiciled
in Decedent’s County County, State of Wisconsin , with a mailing address of 123
Something Street, Someplace, WI 51111 .
3.
All interested persons waived notice.
4.
The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is [Date] .
5.
A claim may be filed at the Decedent’s County County
Courthouse,
Address , Wisconsin, Room ### .
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Telephone
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
DO NOT PRINT the following text when publishing this notice.
Notice to Newspaper and Personal Representative:
Notice must be given by publication of this notice in the following newspaper: County's Official Paper
once a week for three consecutive weeks; the first publication date must be within 15 days from the date of this notice.
The personal representative is responsible for providing the deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate to all known or
reasonably ascertainable creditors.
PR-1804, 10/10 Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration) §§859.01, 859.07, 879.03 and 879.05, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
41
Notice Setting Time to Hear Application and Deadline for Filing Claims
(Informal Administration)
Form No.: PR-1805
Purpose of Form: To give notice to interested persons of the hearing time and date on the
Application for Informal Administration; to give notice to creditors and set the
deadline for filing claims. If the decedent did not
have Will, this form cannot be used. You must then
have Waiver and Consents from ALL interested
persons, or you must proceed with a formal
administration.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the form and
insert the name of the decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line
can be used for any alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Leave the case
number blank, as the Probate Registrar will assign the case number, unless a number has already
been assigned.
Line 2: fill in decedent’s date of birth, date of death, county, state and address.
The Probate Registrar will fill in the necessary information on Line 3, claims date on Line 4, the
location for filing the claim on Line 5.
In the lower left-hand corner of the form fill in the name, address and telephone number of the
Personal Representative.
Your Registrar will identify the eligible newspapers for publication.
The Applicant is responsible for
Mailing a copy of this Notice, a copy of the Application for Informal Administration, and a copy of
the Will and Codicil (if any) to all interested persons.
Mailing a copy of this Notice to “all known or reasonably ascertainable creditors,” as indicated on
the form.
Completing an Affidavit of Service (Probate) PR-1817 indicating when a copy of this Notice,
Application for Informal Administration and Will and Codicil were provided to all interested
persons.
42
Forwarding a copy of this Notice to the newspaper for publication. It must be delivered to the
newspaper promptly, as the first publication must occur within 15 days of the date the Probate
Registrar signed the Notice.
If there are persons interested in the estate but you do not know their names and/or
addresses, on line 6 of this form, check the box and insert the names of the persons who are
unknown for example: unknown heirs of John Miller or unknown issue of Joseph Miller; father of
Joseph A. Miller; grandfather of John Miller; a specific person (for example, James Smith) has no
known address. Do not check this box unless you are missing addresses and/or names and
addresses of unknown persons. A Guardian ad Litem may be required to represent these unknown
persons. The Probate Registrar will tell you if this is a requirement.
43
SAMPLE
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
William Elliott
Name
AKA Bill Elliot
Amended
Notice Setting Time to Hear Application
and Deadline for Filing Claims
(Informal Administration)
Case No.
1.
An application for informal administration was filed.
2.
The decedent, with date of birth December 30, 1940 and date of death January 10, 2022 was
domiciled in (decedent’s county) County, State of , with a
mailing address of 123 Something Street, Someplace, WI 51111 .
3.
The application will be heard at the (decedent’s county) County Courthouse,
(decedent’s city) , Wisconsin, Room , before ,Probate Registrar, on
[Date] at [Time] .
You do not need to appear unless you object. The application may be granted if there is no objection.
4.
The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is [Date] .
5.
A claim may be filed at the Decedent’s County County Courthouse,
Someplace , Wisconsin, Room .
6.
This publication is notice to any persons whose names or address are unknown.
*DO NOT PRINT the following if left blank:
* The names or addresses of the following interested persons (if any) are not known or reasonably ascertainable:
If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call
prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation.
Please check with person named below for exact time and date.
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
DO NOT PRINT the following text when publishing this notice.
44
Notice to Newspaper and applicant:
Notice must be given by publication of this notice in the following newspaper: County’s Official Newspaper
once a week for three consecutive weeks; the first publication date must be within 15 days from the date of this notice.
The applicant is responsible for providing a copy of this notice, a copy of the will and codicils (if any) or notice of the nature and amount
of devise or bequest to all interested persons
1.
by mailing at least 20 days before the hearing; OR
2.
by personal service at least 10 days before the hearing.
The applicant/personal representative is responsible for providing the deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate to all
known or reasonably ascertainable creditors.
PR-1805, 10/10 Notice Setting Time to Hear Application and Deadline for Filing Claims (Informal Administration)
§§859.01, 859.07, 865.05, 879.03 and 879.05, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 44 of 91
45
Statement of Informal Administration
Form No.: PR-1808
Purpose of Form: To grant the Application for Informal Administration and allow Domiciliary Letters
to be issued to the proposed Personal Representative.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the form and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Leave the case number blank, as
the Probate Registrar will assign the case number, unless a number has already been assigned.
Page 1
In Line 4, place a check in the appropriate box:
o Check the first box if notice to interested persons had to be published.
o Check the second box if all interested persons signed a Waiver and Consent form
In Line 5, insert the date of death and:
o Check the box if there is no Will.
o Check the box if there is a Will and insert the date of the Will and codicil.
o Check the appropriate box indicating where the Will is located.
In Line 6, insert the name of the nominated Personal
Representative.
Read Line 7 and check the appropriate box.
Page 2
Below the words “THE PROBATE REGISTRAR STATES:”
In Line 2, if there is a Will, insert the date of the Will.
In Line 3, if there is a Codicil, insert the date of the Codicil.
In Line 4, insert the name of the nominated Personal Representative and check the appropriate
box about a bond.
In Line 5, if Letters of Trust must also be issued, insert the name of the Trustee and check the
appropriate box concerning a bond
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
The Probate Registrar will insert any additional information required on this form and sign and date it.
Complete this form
with the best of your
ability. The Registrar will
review and complete as
necessary.
46
SAMPLE
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DECEDENT’S COUNTY COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
AKA Bill Elliot
Amended
Statement of Informal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000111
An Application for Informal Administration was filed.
THE PROBATE REGISTRAR FINDS:
1.
The application is complete, including verification.
2.
The applicant is an interested person.
3.
The court has jurisdiction and is the proper venue.
4.
The requests and consents regarding use of informal administration are complete and
notice is
given to all persons entitled to notice.
waived.
5.
The decedent died on [Date] January 10, 2022 , leaving
A.
no will.
B.
a will dated October 1, 2020 ; and codicil(s) (if any) dated ; that
are in possession of the court
accompanied the application
were probated elsewhere and an authenticated copy accompanies the
application
and is a valid uncontested document(s) executed in compliance with the statutes and
does not expressly prohibit informal administration.
6.
The nominated personal representative(s) Mary Smith
are not disqualified by law or otherwise deemed unsuitable.
47
7.
No administration is pending either before the court or in another jurisdiction, OR
Administration is pending either before the court or in another jurisdiction and no
demand was made for formal administration. Proof of probate accompanies the
application.
8.
Other: The Will nominated Albert Elliott, as personal representative. He has declined to act.
THE PROBATE REGISTRAR STATES:
1.
The application for informal administration is granted.
2.
The will dated October 1, 2020 is admitted.
3.
The codicil(s) (if any) dated are admitted.
4.
Domiciliary letters are issued to Mary Smith
and no bond is required.
upon filing and acceptance of a signature bond. a surety bond in the sum of
$ 200,000.00 .
5.
Letters of trust are issued to Mary Smith
for the following trust: Trust under the Will of William Elliott f/b/o John Miller ,
and no bond is required.
upon filing and acceptance of a signature bond. a surety bond in the sum of
$ 10,000.00 .
6.
Other:
See attached for any additional trusts.
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1808, 10/21 Statement of Informal Administration §853.04 and Chapters 865 and 879, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
48
Domiciliary Letters
Form No.: PR-1810
Purpose of the Form: To provide written evidence that a person has been authorized by the court
to act as Personal Representative
on behalf of the estate.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the
form and insert the name of the decedent below the words
“In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be
used for any alternative names with the designation “a/k/a”
for also known as. Leave the case number blank, as the
Probate Registrar will assign the case number, unless a number has already been assigned.
Fill in the section after “To:” with the name and address of the Personal Representative.
Fill in the decedent’s date of birth, date of death, county and state.
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
Certified copies of the
Domiciliary Letters are
available for a fee from the
Office of Register in Probate.
Co-Personal
Representative are required to
act jointly unless the Will allows
them to serve independently.
49
SAMPLE
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DECEDENT’S COUNTY COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
AKA Bill Elliot
Amended
Domiciliary Letters
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000111
To:
Mary Smith
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
The decedent, with date of birth December 30, 1940 and date of death January 10, 2022 , was domiciled in
Decedent’s County County, State of Wisconsin .
You are granted domiciliary letters with general powers and duties of a personal representative.
You are authorized to administer the estate as required by law.
Other:
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1810, 10/10 Domiciliary Letters (Informal Administration and Formal Administration) §§856.21 and 865.08, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
50
Checklist for Closing an Informal Estate Administration
Affidavit of Service (Probate) (PR-1817)
Stating:
A copy of Will/Application/Notice was mailed to all interested persons who have not
signed a Waiver and Consent (PR-1803).
The Notice to Creditors or Notice Setting Time was sent to creditors if any creditor claims
able to file after claims date.
A copy of the Inventory was mailed to all interested persons.
A copy of the Estate Account was mailed to all interested persons.
Proof of Publication
(Obtained from newspaper where the Notice was published.)
Inventory (with schedules) (PR-1811)
A filing fee of .2% (assets subject to probate x .002) is required when filing the inventory
document within 6 months from date Personal Representative is appointed unless time to file
has been shortened by Notice of Estate Deadlines or lengthen by an approved extension.
Final Estate Account (Informal and Formal Administration) with schedules
(PR-1814) If there are additional found assets, there may be an additional filing fee.
Estate Receipt (PR-1815)
Each distributee must provide a receipt for all distributions received.
Estate receipt form is used to demonstrate that claims have been paid in full and satisfied.
Closing Certificate for Fiduciaries
(Obtained from the State of Wisconsin after filing a Fiduciary Tax Return and/or Schedule CC)
Statement of Personal Representative to Close Estate (Informal Administration)
(PR-1816)
Page 51 of 91
Inventory (Informal and Formal Administration)
Form No.: PR-1811
Purpose of Form: To identify any property and assets in which the
decedent had any interest and list the fair market
value of such interests on the date of death that are
subject to estate administration.
Directions:
Complete Page 2 first; your totals from Page 2 are carried over to the
summary section of Page 1
PAGE 1.
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the form and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Fill in the case number assigned.
Fill in date of death where designated.
Fill in total value of property/assets subject to administration (from page 2).
Fill in total value of encumbrances, liens or other charges (from page 2).
Fill in net value of property/assets subject to administration (from page 2).
Sign inventory in front of a notary public (after all Schedules are completed on page 2).
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
PAGE 2.
Fill in case number.
List/describe, by numbered item the property subject to administration and fair market values as of
date of death. Include accrued interest and dividends, if any.
Identify each item of property that is marital property. Remember for married persons, each owns
one half of the items of marital property regardless of title. You may want to consult a lawyer
regarding this issue.
List with each item of property any encumbrance, lien, or charge.
This is not meant for listing “charge cards.” A “charge” is something like a lien or encumbrance on
a specific item of property. A mortgage, for example, is an encumbrance on real estate.
Even if the charge exceeds the value, the net value of the asset cannot be less than -0-
Attach supporting schedule, if necessary - read the form carefully.
The second Inventory example on page 53 shows how martial property would be classified.
Do not
prepare this form
before the granting
of Domiciliary
Letters
Page 52 of 91
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, Decedent’s County COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Name
AKA Bill Elliott
Amended
Inventory
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
UNDER OATH, I STATE:
As personal representative, I certify that to the best of my knowledge this inventory with schedules includes:
1.
All property subject to administration.
2.
Any encumbrance, lien or other charge against each item of property.
3.
Identification of marital property, if any.
I will furnish a copy of this inventory to all persons interested as required by law.
SUMMARY OF PROPERTY SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATION
(Value of Decedent's Interest on date of death)
Date of Death
04/10/2022
Total value of property subject to administration
$
446,432.39
Minus total value of encumbrances, liens or other charges against each item of property
$
(307,206.37)
Net Value of Property Subject to Administration (cannot be less than $0)
$
139,226.02
Provide itemized lists on attached schedules and clearly designate any marital property interests.
Note: A statutory filing fee must accompany this form.
State of Wisconsin
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
Personal Representative
Mary P. Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank St., Someplace, WI51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com 262-666-5555
Email Address Telephone Number
November 15, 2022
Date State Bar No. (if any)
State of
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
Personal Representative
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary P. Smith
Address
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com
Telephone Number
262-666-5555
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
Page 53 of 91
Number
Supporting Inventory Schedules
(Description of property including digital property as defined under
§711.03(10), Wis. Stats., legal description of real estate, and related
encumbrances, liens or other charges against each item.)
Clearly designate marital property.
Value of Decedent's Interest
on Date of Death
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Lot 1, Block 2 in Avondale Gardens Subdivision, Section 4, Township 12
South, Range 22 East, in the City of Someplace, County of Decedent,
State of Wisconsin.
a/k/a 123 Someplace Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Solely in the name of William Elliott valued as of date of death
Mortgage with Big Bank, N.A. in the amount of $175,625.32
2nd Mortgage with Prairie Credit Union in the amount of $96,054.69
Savings Account with Big Bank N.A. in the name of William Elliott,
value as of date of death
Checking Account with Prairie Credit Union in the name of William
Elliott, valued as of date of death
2018 GMC Yukon VIN 1TY125VX121111 in the name of William Elliot,
Blue Book value as of date of death
Car loan with Prairie Credit Union in the amount of $24,251.36
250 shares of AT&T stock at $21.17/share with ABC Investments in the
name of William Elliott, with a date of death value of
175 shares of Apple stock at $139.77/share with ABC Investments in the
name of William Elliott, with a date of death value of
2019 Polaris Sportsman Hunt edition in the name of William Elliott, value
as of date of death
Metropolitan Life Insurance policy #6521589452 payable to the estate of
William Elliott, value as of date of death
Collection of antique duck decoys appraised value as of date of death
Fishing equipment and tackle appraised value as of date of death
Tundra long range hunting rifle appraised value as of date of death
2014 Ford Explorer VIN 6PR222MN151515 in the name of William
Elliott, Blue Book Value as of date of death
Car Loan with Prairie Credit Union in the amount of $14,216.33
(deductible amount is $11,275.00)
Personal property (Household furnishings, tools, yard equipment, jewelry)
value as of date of death
$350,000.00
$12,262.82
$10,525.98
$27,625.00
$5,292.50
$2,376.09
$4,725.00
$10,000.00
$1,250.00
$375.00
$3225.00
$11,275.00
$7,500.00
PR-1811, 05/20 Inventory (Informal Administration and Formal Administration)§§711.03(10), 814.66, 858.01, 858.03, 858.07 and 865.11, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 54 of 91
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, Decedent’s County COUNTY
MARITAL
PROPERTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Name
AKA Bill Elliott
Amended
Inventory
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
UNDER OATH, I STATE:
As personal representative, I certify that to the best of my knowledge this inventory with schedules includes:
1.
All property subject to administration.
2.
Any encumbrance, lien or other charge against each item of property.
3.
Identification of marital property, if any.
I will furnish a copy of this inventory to all persons interested as required by law.
SUMMARY OF PROPERTY SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATION
(Value of Decedent's Interest on date of death)
Date of Death
4/10/2022
Total value of property subject to administration
$
446,432.39
Minus total value of encumbrances, liens or other charges against each item of property
$
(307,206.37)
Net Value of Property Subject to Administration (cannot be less than $0)
$
139,226.02
Provide itemized lists on attached schedules and clearly designate any marital property interests.
Note: A statutory filing fee must accompany this form.
State of Wisconsin
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
Personal Representative
Mary P. Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank St., Someplace, WI51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com 262-666-5555
Email Address Telephone Number
November 15, 2022
Date State Bar No. (if any)
State of
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
Personal Representative
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary P. Smith
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com
Page 55 of 91
Telephone Number
262-666-5555
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
Number
Supporting Inventory Schedules
(Description of property including digital property as defined under
§711.03(10), Wis. Stats., legal description of real estate, and related
encumbrances, liens or other charges against each item.)
Clearly designate marital property.
Value of Decedent's Interest
on Date of Death
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Lot 1, Block 2 in Avondale Gardens Subdivision, Section 4, Township 12
South, Range 22 East, in the Town of Someplace, County of Someplace,
State of Wisconsin.
a/k/a 2525 West Rosemary Court, Someplace, WI 53149
Solely in the name of James R. Smith valued as of date of death
This is marital property
Mortgage with Big Bank, N.A. in the amount of $175,625.32
2
nd
Mortgage with Prairie Credit Union in the amount of $96,054.69
Savings Account with Big Bank N.A. value as of date of death
This is marital property
Checking Account with Prairie Credit Union valued as of date of death
This is marital property
2018 GMC Yukon Blue Book value as of date of death
This is marital property
Car loan with Prairie Credit Union in the amount of $24,251.36
250 shares of AT&T stock at $21.17/share with ABC Investments with a
date of death value of
This is marital property
175 shares of Apple stock at $139.77/share with ABC Investments with a
date of death value of
This is marital property
GMT Engineering LLC member interest, appraised value as of the date of
death
This is marital property
Metropolitan Life Insurance policy #6521589452 payable to the estate,
value as of date of death
Collection of antique duck decoys appraised value as of date of death
This is marital property
Tundra long range hunting rifle appraised value as of date of death
This is marital property
Fishing equipment and tackle appraised value as of date of death
this is marital property
2019 Polaris Sportsman Hunt edition value as of date of death
This is marital property
$350,000.00
$12,262.82
$10,525.98
$27,625.00
$5,292.50
$2,376.09
$275,000.00
$10,000.00
$1,250.00
$3,225.00
$375.00
$4,725.00
Page 56 of 91
13.
Personal property (Household furnishings, tools, yard equipment, jewelry)
value as of date of death
This is marital property
Total encumbrances, liens or other charges:
Big Bank Mortgage: $175,625.32
Prairie Credit Union 2nd Mortgage
$96,054.69
Prairie Credit Union Car Loan $24,251.36
Prairie Credit Union Car Loan $14,216.33
Total $310,147.70
Less adjustment for car loan in excess of value of asset (2,941.33)
Total Deductible encumbrances $307,206.37
$7,500.00
PR-1811, 05/20 Inventory (Informal Administration and Formal Administration)§§711.03(10), 814.66, 858.01, 858.03, 858.07 and 865.11, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 57 of 91
Estate Account
Form No.: PR-1814
Purpose of the Form: For the Personal Representative to make a written accounting of all receipts,
expenses and distributions affecting the property subject to administration.
Directions:
PAGE 1.
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the form and insert the name of the decedent
below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any alternative
names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the appropriate box (interim), (final) or
(supplemental) and the box for “Informal Administration.” Fill in the case number assigned.
Check the box for personal representative and fill in the date of death of the decedent and the date on
which you are completing the form.
Start on page three.
Page one is a summary of the total figures from the schedules located on page 3.
Under “Receipts:”
Inventoried Assets: Insert the Net Value of Property figure from the Inventory on file;
Schedule A – Added Property: List the total of any property found after filing the Inventory other
than dividends, interest or capital gains; an additional filing fee may be required. (adds to the
value of the property subject to administration)
Schedule B – Dividends: List the total of any dividends received and not already listed in the
Inventory;
Schedule C – Interest: List the total of any interest received and not already listed in the Inventory;
Schedule D – Capital Gains/Losses: List the total of any capital gains or losses;
Schedule E – Other Receipts: List the total of any other property received and not accounted for in
Schedules A-D.
Balancing Totals: Add all the amounts in the “TOTAL” column regarding receipts (Schedules A-E)
and enter it in the space next to “Total”.
Under “Disbursements:” Paid by Estate Assets:
Schedule F – Funeral Expenses: List the total of the funeral expenses.
Schedule G – Debts of Decedent: List the total of all debts.
Page 58
Schedule H – Claims: List the total of all claims.
Schedule I – Taxes Paid: List the total of all taxes.
Schedule J – Interest Paid: List the total of all interest.
Schedule K – Administration Expenses: List the total of all administrative expenses.
Schedule L – Other payments: List the total of all other bills paid other than attorney fees.
Schedule M – Distributions Paid to Date: List the total of all partial payments made to each
individual beneficiary (or heir, if there has been no Will admitted to administration) up to the
date of preparing this Estate Account.
Total Disbursements: Add all the amounts in the “TOTAL” column regarding disbursements
(Schedules F-M) and enter it in the space next to the “total disbursements”.
Schedule N – Assets on Hand: Value of assets that remain to be distributed.
Balancing Totals: Add the total disbursements and the total assets on hand and enter that total as
the “TOTAL” for the disbursements column.
Proposed Distribution of Assets on Hand (Schedule O): Should be the same figure as shown in
Schedule N, above.
List the total of all payments to be made to each individual beneficiary (or
heir, if there has been no Will admitted to administration).
“Total Fees:” Insert the amount of any personal representative fees,
guardian ad litem fees, special administrator fees, and attorney fees (if
none, state) paid during the administration of the estate.
The Personal Representative or Co-Personal Representatives must sign
this document in front of a Notary Public.
The totals for
Receipts and for
Disbursements
and Assets on
Hand MUST be
the same. If they
are not, there is
an error.
Page 59
PAGE 2.
Insert the case number.
Provide the information required in the “Form Completed by” box.
Insert the names of the interested persons, their addresses and, if minors, their dates of birth.
PAGE 3.
Insert the case number.
List Schedules A-O: List in detail the amounts for each schedule, for example:
Schedule F – Funeral Expenses:
Sunset Monuments ………………………...……........................................ $2,700.00
John’s Funeral Home………………………….………………………………..5,580.47
The total of this Schedule…………………………..…………………….......$8,280.47
(This should then be inserted on Page 1 of the Estate Account in the
Disbursements column, Funeral Expenses Schedule F.)
Page 60
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DECEDENT'S COUNTY COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
William Elliott
Name
a/k/a Bill Elliott
Amended
Interim
Final
Supplemental
Estate Account
Informal
Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
UNDER OATH I VERIFY:
I am the personal representative special administrator of this estate and this estate account is true and
correct. The following is my account of the administration of this estate from [Date of Death or Date of prior estate account]
04/10/2022 to [Date] 03/22/2023 . List interested persons on page 2.
RECEIPTS
TOTAL
DISBURSEMENTS
TOTAL
Net Value of property, subject to administration from
Inventory (or assets on hand as of last estate account)
139,226.02
Funeral Expenses Schedule (F)
15,877.26
Added Property to which the decedent was entitled to
on Date of Death not included in Inventory or prior
Estate Account, including refunds. Schedule (A)
3,250.00
Debts of Decedent (G)
351.36
Dividends (B)
181.88
Claims (including those by judgment) (H)
7,586.98
Interest (C)
4.26
Taxes Paid (I)
9,771.50
Capital Gains (Losses) (D)
($10,620.53)
Interest Paid (J)
7,437.09
Other Receipts (E)
Administration Expenses (K)
3,358.65
Other Payments (L)
2,278.27
Distributions Paid to Date (M)
40,000.00
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS
86,661.11
Assets on Hand (N)
45,380.52
TOTAL
132,041.63
TOTAL
132,041.63
Totals in each column must be the same.
Proposed distribution of Assets on Hand (Schedule O)
132,041.63
Total Fees paid during administration:
Personal Representative:
$8,602.61
Guardian Ad Litem:
$375.00
Special Administrator:
Attorney:
State of Wisconsin
County of Wherever
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
Personal Representative/Special Administrator
Mary P. Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Page 61
State of
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
Personal Representative/Special Administrator
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Form completed by: (Name)
Address
Email Address
Telephone Number
Bar Number (If any)
ESTATE ACCOUNT SUPPORTING SCHEDULE
List of Interested Persons
The names and mailing addresses of all interested persons are as follows:
(For any person with disabilities, also list any guardian of estate; for any person in the military, also list attorney or attorney in fact; and for any
minor, list date of birth.)
Name
Mailing Address
If Minor, Date of
Birth
Mary Smith, individually and as Trustee
John Miller
George Johnson, Guardian ad Litem for
John Miller
Susan Brown
Jane Jones
Jacob Jones, Guardian of Estate for Jane
Jones
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
100 First Street, Someplace, WI 51111
200 First Street, Someplace, WI 51111
100 Second Street, Someplace, WI 51111
100 Third Street, Anyplace, WI 52222
100 Third Street, Anyplace, WI 52222
June 1, 2015
Page 62
Schedule
(A - O)
Estate Account Supporting Schedules
(List details of each schedule)
Amount
A.
A.
A.
Refund from Hartland Insurance Company for car insurance
Refund from IRS
Refund form Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue
$175.00
$2,200.00
$875.00
B.
B.
AT&T stock
Apple stock
$53.52
$128.36
C.
C.
C.
Savings account at Big Bank, N.A.
Checking Account at Prairie Credit Union
Estate checking account at Prairie Credit Union
$3.63
$0.52
$0.11
D.
D.
D.
D.
Capital Loss from sale of 2525 W. Rosemary Ct., Anywhere,
WI
Capital Gain from sale of GMT Engineering LLC
Capital Gain from sale of AT&T stock
Capital Loss from Sale of Apple stock
($11,056.32)
$26,525.00
$625.00
($189.21)
F.
F.
F.
F.
Shady Pines Funeral Home
Amazing Grace Cemetery and Mausoleum
Rock of Ages Monuments
Williams Restaurant (funeral buffet)
$13,251.52
$750.00
$1,250.00
$625.74
G.
Checks written prior to death but cashed after death
$351.36
H.
H.
H.
H.
H.
Phillips Collection service for Menard's Mastercard
Dr. John Franks
Metro Ambulance Co.
American Express
Donald's Plumbing Service
$1,256.36
$675.00
$125.00
$5,265.99
$264.63
I
I
Prorated Real Estate Taxes from Closing on 2525 W. Rosemary
Ct., Anywhere
2022 Real Estate Taxes 2525 W. Rosemary Ct., Anywhere
$1,315.26
$8,456.24
J.
J.
J.
Big Bank N.A. (first mortgage)
Prairie Credit Union (second mortgage)
Prairie Credit Union (car loan)
$5,253.26
$1,528.98
$654.85
K.
K.
K.
K.
K.
Konkel Publications
Inventory Filing Fee
Filing Fee on Added Property (schedule A)
Attorney John Findem (GAL)
Mary Smith PR Fees
$61.59
$828.45
$6.50
$375.00
$8,602.61
L.
L.
L.
L.
L.
L.
L.
L.
L.
L.
L.
WE Enegies
Spectrum Cable Service
Fair Market Appraisal Services
A-1 Disposal Service
Radiology Physicians Inc.
Fairway Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.
Green Yardcare and Maintenance Inc.
Top of the Hill Water and Septic Service
Newsome Pharmacy
Big Bank N.A. service charges
Prairie Credit Union check charges
$175.16
$75.26
$550.00
$450.00
$35.25
$215.35
$425.00
$215.00
$62.25
$50.00
$25.00
Page 63
M.
M.
M.
M.
Mary P. Smith
James J. Smith
Jane R. Jones
Judy A. Case
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
N.
O.
O.
O.
O.
Estate Checking Account at Prairie Credit Union
Mary P. Smith
Mary Smith as Trustee
Susan Brown
Jacob Jones as guardian of the estate for Jane R. Jones
$38,865.02
$11,345.13
$11,345.13
$11,345.13
$11,345.13
PR-1814, 05/20 Estate Account (Informal Administration and Formal Administration) §§862.01, 862.05, 862.07, 862.11 and 865.16(1)(c), Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 63 of 91
Page 64
Estate Receipt
Form No.: PR-1815
Purpose of Form: To show that creditors, heirs, beneficiaries or trustees have received what is due
them from the decedent’s estate.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Fill in the case number assigned.
Check the “personal representative” box and describe the property covered by the issuance of the
receipt. (Cash payment, items of personal property, stocks, bonds, etc.)
Check the appropriate No. 2 box if this is a distribution to an heir/beneficiary other than a trust.
If the receipt is for a claim against the estate, place a check in No. 3, fill in the name of the
claimant and the amount of the claim.
If this is a distribution to a living or testamentary trust, place a check in No. 4 and insert the name
of the trust.
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
Recipient signs the receipt, adding his or her address and the date signed.
NOTE: A receipt is required for all distributions in an estate.
Page 65
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
Aka Bill Elliot
Amended
Estate Receipt
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
1.
I received from the personal representative special administrator of this estate the following:
Describe items of property or monies received
Cash $3,277.42
2.
This is a partial full distribution of my share of the estate.
3.
This is a full satisfaction of the claim filed by Someplace Hospital in the amount of $3,277.42 .
4.
This is a distribution of funds to trust. [Identify Trust] .
5.
Other: .
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
►
Signature
Someplace Hospital
Name Printed or Typed
100 Twelfth Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
Email Address
(715) 888-2222
Telephone Number Date
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
PR-1815, 11/19 Estate Receipt (Informal Administration or Formal Administration) §§863.41, 865.21, and 867.21, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 66
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
Aka Bill Elliot
Amended
Estate Receipt
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
1.
I received from the personal representative special administrator of this estate the following:
Describe items of property or monies received
Toy Train Sets $ 2,500.00
100 Shares GHI Company $ 5,831.00
Household Furnishings, Tools, Riding Lawn Tractor, Jewelry $ 7,850.00
Cash - 1/4 residual share $ 38,709.80
2.
This is a partial full distribution of my share of the estate.
3.
This is a full satisfaction of the claim filed by in the amount of $ .
4.
This is a distribution of funds to trust. [Identify Trust] .
5.
Other: I waived Personal Representative's fee .
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
►
Signature
Mary Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com
Email Address
(715) 999-9999
Telephone Number Date
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
PR-1815, 11/19 Estate Receipt (Informal Administration or Formal Administration) §§863.41, 865.21, and 867.21, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 67
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
Aka Bill Elliot
Amended
Estate Receipt
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
1.
I received from the personal representative special administrator of this estate the following:
Describe items of property or monies received
150 Shares EDF, Inc. $ 2,284.50
311 Shares XYZ Co. $ 4,546.82
100 Shares Ltd. Foods, Inc. $ 12, 011.00
200 Shares ACME Corporation $ 4,910.00
Cash – ¼ Residual Share $ 38,709.82
2.
This is a partial full distribution of my share of the estate.
3.
This is a full satisfaction of the claim filed by in the amount of $ .
4.
This is a distribution of funds to trust. [Identify Trust] Trust under the Will of William Elliott For the Benefit of John
Miller .
5.
Other: .
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
►
Signature
Mary Smith, Trustee
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com
Email Address
(715) 999-9999
Telephone Number Date
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
PR-1815, 11/19 Estate Receipt (Informal Administration or Formal Administration) §§863.41, 865.21, and 867.21, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 68
Affidavit of Service
Form No.: PR-1817
Purpose of Form: A sworn statement indicating the names and addresses of all interested persons
to whom various documents are mailed.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Fill in the case number assigned.
When you complete this form, you are swearing that you mailed a copy of a specific document OR
documents to a certain party or parties concerned with the estate.
Insert your name where indicated and the city and state where you live.
Insert the mailing or service date next.
In the “Documents Provided” section, insert the name of the document or documents that you
have mailed or served. (i.e. Estate Inventory or Estate Account)
Check the box to indicate whether a copy is already in the estate file in the Office of Register in
Probate or if a copy of that document(s) is attached to the affidavit.
Insert the names and addresses of all the individuals/businesses/creditors to which you have
mailed a copy of the document you inserted earlier in this form and state the type of service (i.e.
mail, personal service).
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM until you are in front of a Notary Public. The Probate Registrar may also
witness your signature.
Page 69
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DECEDENT’S COUNTY COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
AKA Bill Elliot
Amended
Affidavit of Service
(Probate)
Case No. 2022PR000011
I, [Name] Mary Smith of [City] Someplace ,
State of Wisconsin , being sworn, state that on [Date] , I provided copies of the following documents:
Documents Provided
Notice to Creditors
the original of which is on file, OR
a copy of which is attached (no original on file)
to the following named persons at the mailing address as listed: See attached
NAME
MAILING ADDRESS
TYPE OF SERVICE***
Northwest Savings Bank
Southeast Savings &
Loan
1 Northwest Plaza, Someplace, WI 51111
101 South Fifth Street, Someplace, WI 51111
First Class Mail
First Class Mail
*** TYPE OF SERVICE: Refer to Wisconsin Statutes for proper manner of service. Type of Service:
Personal Service
Mail
Certified mail return receipt requested
State of
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
►
Signature
Mary Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com (715) 999-9999
Email Address Telephone Number
N/A
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
Address
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1817, 05/20 Affidavit of Service (Probate) §§865.11(2), 865.16(1)(c), 879.05 and 879.07, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 70
Statement of Personal Representative to Close Estate
Form No.: PR-1816
Purpose of Form: To verify that the Personal Representative has completed the estate.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Fill in the case number assigned.
Read paragraphs 1-3 and 5-6 and determine if you have completed all tasks.
In No. 4, check the appropriate box and if claims have not been paid, insert the arrangements
made to accommodate those unpaid claims.
In No. 7, insert the amount of any attorney fees paid.
The Personal Representative must sign the Statement in front of a Notary Public.
Page 71
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DECEDENT’S COUNTY COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
AKA Bill Elliot
Amended
Personal Representative’s
Statement to Close Estate
(Informal Administration)
Case No. 2022PR000011
I VERIFY THAT I, OR A PRIOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE WHOM I HAVE SUCCEEDED:
1.
Gave notice to interested persons and to creditors as required by law and the time for filing claims expired
prior to the date of this statement.
2.
Fully administered the estate by making payment, settlement, or other disposition of all claims presented,
expenses of administration, reasonable funeral and burial expenses, death and other taxes, except as
otherwise specified below.
3.
Inventoried the assets of the estate, furnished a copy of the inventory to interested persons and distributed the
assets to the persons entitled to them.
4.
Am aware of no unpaid claims, expenses or taxes outstanding.
Made the following detailed arrangements to accommodate any outstanding liabilities:
See attached
5.
Sent a copy of this statement to all distributees of this estate and to all creditors or other claimants of whom I
am aware whose claims are neither paid nor barred.
6.
Furnished a full account of the administration, in writing, to all persons whose interests are affected.
7.
The amount of attorney fees paid or to be paid from estate assets is $0.00 .
8.
Understand that if no proceedings challenging this statement or otherwise involving me as personal
representative are pending in the court 6 months after this statement is filed, my appointment as the personal
representative terminates.
State of
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
►
Personal Representative
Mary Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith.address@email.com (715)999-9999
Email Address Telephone Number
N/A
Date State Bar No. (if any)
State of
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
►
Personal Representative
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
PR-1816, 05/20 Personal Representative’s Statement to Close Estate (Informal Administration) §865.16, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 72
Supplemental Forms
Page 73
Declination to Serve or Resignation
Form No.: PR-1802
Purpose of the Form: To allow the person who has been nominated in the Will as personal
representative or executor to decline to act as such personal representative
or executor. This form may also be used if a Personal Representative,
Special Administrator or Trustee must resign.
Directions for Resignation:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Leave the case number blank, as the Probate Registrar will assign the case number,
unless a number has already been assigned.
In 1, check the appropriate box or boxes that apply.
The person who is declining to act must sign and date this form where indicated and fill in the
“Form completed by” box.
Directions for Resignation:
At the top of the form insert the name of the decedent’s county of residence and add the decedent’s
name just below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” Check the box for “Informal Administration.”
Fill in the case number.
Check the box for your title.
Give the reason for your resignation.
The person who is resigning must sign and date where indicated and fill in the “Form completed
by” box.
Page 74
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
William Elliott
Name
AKA Bill Elliot
Amended
Declination to Serve
or Resignation
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
DECLINATION TO SERVE
1.
I was named in the will or codicil of the decedent to serve as
personal representative.
testamentary trustee.
2.
I have not undertaken any duties in this capacity.
3.
I decline to serve in this capacity.
RESIGNATION
1.
I am the personal representative.
testamentary trustee.
special administrator.
2.
I resign for the following reason(s):
3.
I request that the court accept my resignation.
4.
I understand that I will not be discharged until
A.
I have completed all required duties and filed any required documents;
B.
a successor is appointed (if needed), AND
C.
the Court issues an order of discharge.
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
►
Signature
Albert Elliot
Name Printed or Typed
500 Ninth Street, Sompleace, WI 51111
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1802, 11/19 Declination to Serve or Resignation (Informal Administration and Formal Administration) §§701.17 and 857.21, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 75
Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem or Attorney
Form No.: GF-131A
Purpose of the Form: Appoints either Guardian ad Litem or Attorney for an individual.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Leave the case number blank, as the Probate Registrar will assign the case number,
unless a number has already been assigned.
Insert the name of the individual for whom a guardian ad litem or attorney will be appointed.
Check the appropriate box for either a guardian ad litem or an attorney.
Enter the name and address of the attorney/person who will be appointed, if known.
If an attorney is appointed as the guardian ad litem, the fees and expenses shall be paid out of the
estate assets.
Page 76
SAMPLE
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:
WILLIAM ELLIOT
AKA Bill Elliot
Amended
Order Appointing
Guardian ad Litem or Attorney
Case No. 2022PR000011
A matter is pending in this court and [Individual(s)] John Miller require(s) the appointment of
a guardian ad litem.
an attorney.
THE COURT ORDERS:
1.
The appointment of the following person as guardian ad litem attorney for the
above-named individual(s).
Name: George Johnson
Address: 200 First Street, Somplace, WI 51111
Telephone Number: (715) 999-1234
2.
Consent to Act is is not required to be signed.
3.
The Petition is denied because .
4.
Other:
GF-131A, 05/16 Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem or Attorney
§§48.23, 48.235, 51.60, 54.40, 55.105, 757.52, 757.48, 767.407, 813.123(3)(b), 879.23, and 879.25, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 77
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
SAMPLE
Case Caption:
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:
WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Consent to Act
Case No. 2022PR000011
An Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem or Attorney was filed on [Date] March 1, 2022 .
I consent to my appointment as guardian ad litem attorney for John Miller .
Signature
George Johnson
Name Printed or Typed
200 First Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
N/A
Date State Bar No. (if any)
GF-131B, 11/19 Consent to Act §§48.23, 48.235, 51.60, 54.40, 55.105, 757.52, 757.48, 767.407, 813.123(3)(b), 879.23, and 879.25, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 78
Signature Bond (Estate or Trust Proceedings)
Form No.: PR-1809A
Purpose of Form: Guarantees compliance with the terms of the bond, and is the proposed personal
representative’s promise to faithfully perform his or her duties in the
administration of the estate.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Leave the case number blank, as the Probate Registrar will assign the case number,
unless a number has already been assigned.
Principal and Surety can be either the same individual or separate individuals. The Principal is the
personal representative. The surety is the individual willing to be personally liable to the estate
should there be a loss of assets as a result of wrongdoing or mismanagement.
Insert the amount of bond as determined by the Probate Registrar (based on the estimated value
of the estate).
Check the box which corresponds with your title.
The Principal must sign where indicated and the signature must be witnessed by two people.
Any Surety must sign where indicated, in front of a Notary Public.
In the lower left-hand corner of the form, complete the “Form completed by” box.
If the bond is approved, the Probate Registrar will complete the remainder of the form.
Page 79
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
For the following trust:
Trust under the Will of William Elliott f/b/o John Miller
June 1, 2009
Date of Birth
Amended
Signature Bond In Estate
or Trust Proceedings
Case No. 2022PR000011
I/we [Names] Mary Smith , principal(s)
and [Names] Larry Smith , surety(ies)
are liable to the Circuit Court in the sum of $200,000.00 for which payment I/we bind my/ourselves and my/our
estate(s), jointly and severally.
If the principal faithfully performs duties as
personal representative; special administrator; testamentary trustee;
petitioner in summary settlement/assignment;
assignee in summary assignment, to satisfy liability to creditors or other persons interested in the estate;
Other:
then this bond obligation shall be void; otherwise it shall remain in full force and effect.
Witnessed By:
Signature
Signature
SIGNATURE OF PRINCIPAL
Signature of Principal
Signature of Principal
I, being sworn as a surety, state that I am an adult resident of Wisconsin, residing in
County. I am financially responsible for the actions of the principal(s) in the amount of this bond. I shall provide
satisfactory evidence to the designated court officer.
State of
County of
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
Notary Public/Court Official
Name Printed or Typed
My commission/term expires:
This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.
Signature of Surety
Larry Smith
Name Printed or Typed
111 Westside Steet, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
Email Address
(715) 888-9999
Telephone Number Date
Form completed by: [Name]
Mary Smith
Signature of Surety
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address
Telephone Number Date
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1809A, 05/20 Signature Bond in Estate or Trust Proceedings §701.0702 and Chapters 851 – 879, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 80
SAMPLE
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
For the following trust:
Trust under the Will of William Elliott f/b/o John Miller
June 1, 2009
Amended
Court Approval of Signature Bond
In Estate or Trust Proceedings
Case No. 2022PR000011
A Signature Bond In Estate or Trust Proceedings was filed on [Date] .
Satisfactory evidence as to financial responsibility of surety has been reviewed by the designated
court officer.
Date Bond Approved: .
DISTRIBUTION:
1. Court
2. Personal Representative/Attorney
PR-1809B, 02/18 Court Approval of Signature Bond in Estate or Trust Proceedings §701.0702 and Chapters 851 – 879, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 81
Consent to Serve as Trustee
Form No.: PR-1930
Purpose of Form: To consent to serve as trustee and designate resident agent for nonresident
trustee.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Leave the case number blank, as the Probate Registrar will assign the case number,
unless a number has already been assigned.
If you live outside the State of Wisconsin, check the box in No. 3 and fill in the name of the
Wisconsin resident you wish to appoint to accept service of process on your behalf if that
becomes necessary. This person is then known as the “Resident Agent.”
If you have to appoint a Wisconsin resident as your “Resident Agent,” then that person must sign
the bottom of this form, including his or her address and the date of signing
In the lower left-hand corner of the form, fill in the “Form completed
by” box.
Check with the
Office of Register in
Probate to see if you
must sign this form
prior to meeting with
the Registrar or if you
must wait until you
meet with the
Registrar to open the
estate.
Page 82
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY)
COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Name
For the following trust:
Trust under the Will of W. Elliott fbo John Miller
Amended
Consent to Serve as Trustee
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
1.
I consent to serve as trustee and agree to carry out the terms of the trust according to the will.
I submit personally to the jurisdiction of the court in any proceeding relating to the trust that
may be instituted by any interested person and agree to be bound by the laws of Wisconsin.
2.
I will file any required bond.
3.
I am a nonresident of Wisconsin and have applied for letters in this trust.
I appoint [Name] as resident agent to accept service of process.
►
Trustee
Mary Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street, Somplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith. Address@email.com (715) 999-9999
Email Address Telephone Number
N/A
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Acceptance by Resident Agent
I accept this appointment as resident agent.
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
►
Resident Agent
Name Printed or Typed
Address
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith. [email protected]
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1930, 11/19 Trustee (Informal Administration and Formal Administration) §§223.105(2) and 223.03(7), Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 83
Letters of Trust (Issued under Informal Administration)
Form No.: PR-1931
Purpose of Form: Written authority of a Trustee as outlined in a Will to act on behalf of a
testamentary trust in an estate.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Leave the case number blank, as the Probate Registrar will assign the case number,
unless a number has already been assigned.
Fill in the section after “To:” with the name and address of the Trustee.
Insert the decedent’s date of birth, date of death, county and state.
In the lower left-hand corner of the form fill in the name, address and telephone number of the
Trustee.
Certified copies of the Trust Letters are available for a fee from the Office of Register in Probate.
NOTE: Pursuant to state statute, Letters of Trust must be issued at the same time that Domiciliary
Letters are issued.
Page 84
SAMPLE
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
William Elliott
Name
For the following trust:
Trust under the Will of William Elliott f/b/o John Miller
Amended
Letters of Trust
Informal Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
To:
Mary Smith
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
The decedent, with date of birth December 30, 1940 and date of death January 10, 2022 ,
was domiciled in (decedent’s county) County, State of Wisconsin .
The decedent’s will was admitted to probate. You are granted Letters of Trust with the general
powers and duties of trustee(s). You are authorized to administer the trust as required by law.
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
(COURT SEAL)
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1931, 02/15 Letters of Trust (Informal Administration and Formal Administration) §§856.29 and 865.08(6), Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.Page 84 of 91
Page 85
Demand for Formal Proceedings (Informal Administration)
Form No.: PR-1813
Purpose of Form: To initiate formal proceedings as to a particular issue or the entire subsequent
administration of informal estate proceedings. Sometimes during the
administration of an “informal estate” it becomes necessary for a judge to make a
determination about a specific issue. This form is used to transfer from informal
proceedings to formal proceedings so that a judge can hear the matter.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Fill in the case number.
Check the appropriate box to indicate whether you are the personal representative for the
estate/interested person/representative of interested person/court official.
Check the appropriate box to indicate whether you are asking the court to determine a particular
issue or if you wish for the court to supervise all the remaining proceedings for this estate.
If you are requesting the court to determine a particular issue, provide a complete explanation of
your demand and specify the action you are requesting of the court. You may attach additional
information to the form, if necessary for a complete explanation.
Sign and date the form at the bottom.
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
A copy of this Demand must be provided to the Personal Representative who in turn provides a copy
to all the interested persons.
Read the Demand carefully regarding suspension of powers of the Personal Representative.
Page 86
STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, (DECEDENT’S COUNTY) COUNTY
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIAM ELLIOT
Name
January 10, 2022
Date of Death
Amended
Demand for Formal Proceedings
(Informal Administration)
Case No. 2022PR000011
1
.
I am the personal representative in this estate.
an interested person in this estate.
representatives of interested person.
a court official.
2
.
This matter is pending under informal administration and I demand formal proceedings for
the remaining administration of the estate.
limited issue(s): [Explain] I am objecting to the claim of XYZ, Collections, Inc. and it will be
necessary for me to present my objection to the Court for a hearing and a decision.
Signature
Mary Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com (715) 999-9999
Email Address Telephone Number
Date State Bar No. (if any)
The signer of this document is required to serve a copy of this document on the personal
representative.
If there is a personal representative, service of this document suspends:
the powers of the personal representative
the informal administration of this estate
until reinstated by the court.
Form completed by: [Name]
Mary Smith
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1813, 11/19 Demand for Formal Proceedings (Informal Administration) §§865.03 and 865.05(3), Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material.
Page 87
Notice of Distribution to Ward
Form No.: PR-1822
Purpose of Form: To notify the court appointing a guardian of the estate of property to be
distributed to the guardian of the estate for the benefit of the guardian’s ward. If
an incompetent or minor is an heir/beneficiary of the estate, distributions may
have to be made to that person’s guardian of estate. Consult with the Probate
Registrar to determine if this is necessary. If so, you must complete this form and
send it to the court appointing the guardian of estate at least ten (10) days prior
to the distribution.
Directions:
Type or print the name of decedent’s county at the top of the Application and insert the name of the
decedent below the words “In the Matter of the Estate of…” The second line can be used for any
alternative names with the designation “a/k/a” for also known as. Check the box for “Informal
Administration.” Fill in the case number.
Insert the name of the court which appointed the guardian of estate.
Insert the name of the guardian of estate.
Describe the property distributed (cash payment, items of personal property, interest in real estate,
etc.).
Sign and date.
Fill in the “Form completed by” box.
Copies of Notice of
Distribution to Ward must be filed in
both the guardianship and probate
court file.
Page 88
SAMPLE
IN THE MATTER OF ESTATE OF
William Elliott
Name
deceased
Amended
Notice of
Distribution to Ward
Informal
Administration
Formal Administration
Case No. 2022PR000011
To: [Name of Court] Circuit Court for Blue County, Wisconsin the court that appointed the guardian of estate for
[Name of Ward] Jane Jones .
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
As personal representative, I will distribute from this estate proceeding to [Name of guardian of estate] Jacob Jones ,
guardian of estate for [Name of Ward] Jane Jones the following property: See attached
Description of Property
Value
Cash
$38,709.83
I am providing this notice to you at least ten (10) days prior to the distribution.
Form completed by: (Name)
Mary Smith
Personal Representative
Mary Smith
Name Printed or Typed
555 Blank Street, Someplace, WI 51111
Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com (715) 999-9999
Email Address Telephone Number
N/A
Date State Bar No. (if any)
Address
555 Blank Street
Someplace, WI 51111
Email Address
M.Smith.Address@email.com
Telephone Number
(715) 999-9999
Bar Number (If any)
N/A
PR-1822, 11/19 Notice of Distribution to Ward (Informal Administration and Formal Administration) §863.43, Wisconsin Statutes
This form shall not be modified. It may be supplemented with additional material
Page 89
Sample Page for Recordkeeping
O
Estate Account
Schedule Letter (A-O)
Name of Estate Account Schedule
Date of Payment/Receipt
Description and/or Check Number
Dollar Amount
O
O
Page 90
Links for Other Potentially Required Actions
Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service.
Form: SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number
Purpose of Form: Use Form SS-4 to apply for an employer identification number (EIN). An EIN is a 9-digit
number (for example, 12-3456789) assigned to employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships,
estates, trusts, certain individuals, and other entities for tax filing and reporting purposes.
Downloadable forms with instructions (printable and fillable) are available on the web at:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf
For more information go to:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-to-apply-for-an-ein
Probate Claims Notice (F- 13033)
Purpose of Form: To provide written notice to the Department of Health Services and County Clerk of the
decedent’s date of death and whether the decedent or decedent’s spouse received medical assistance.
Downloadable forms with instructions (printable and fillable) are available on the web at:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/f1/f13033.pdf
Fiduciary Schedule CC – Request for a Closing Certificate for Fiduciaries
Form: Wisconsin Department of Revenue Schedule CC
Purpose of the Form: To request a Closing Certificate from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Downloadable forms with instructions (printable and fillable) are available on the web at:
https://www.revenue.wi.gov/TaxForms2020/2020-ScheduleCCf.pdf
For more information go to https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-estate.aspx
Request for Discharge from Personal Liability Internal Revenue Code Section 2204 or 6905
Form: IRS Form 5495 (Rev. 12/2008)
Purpose of the Form: To request from the Internal Revenue Service a discharge, as an “executor” of a
decedent’s estate, from personal liability for a decedent’s income, gift and estate tax deficiencies.
For more information go to https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5495.pdf
