Transfer by affidavit is a legal procedure in Wisconsin used to transfer small estates without going through a formal probate process. This affidavit allows successors to claim the deceased's assets without the need for court approval. Here are detailed instructions on how to complete a Transfer by affidavit in Wisconsin. 1. Determine eligibility: To utilize the Transfer by affidavit process, the total value of the deceased person's assets, excluding exempt property and liens, must be $50,000 or less. 2. Identify successors: The person seeking to transfer the assets, known as the "successor," should gather information about other interested parties who may have a claim on the estate. Successors may include surviving spouses, adult children, or other heirs. 3. Obtain necessary documents: Collect essential documents such as the original death certificate, the deceased's will (if any), and any other relevant paperwork proving ownership of assets. 4. Locate the correct form: Obtain the Wisconsin Transfer by affidavit form (Form PR-1851) from the local county courthouse or download it from the Wisconsin Court System website. 5. Complete the form: Fill out the Transfer by affidavit form accurately and legibly. Provide the deceased's relevant information, including their name, address, and date of death. List all assets (real estate, vehicles, bank accounts) to be transferred, along with their estimated values. Indicate the relationship between the successor(s) and the deceased. 6. Sign the affidavit: The successor(s) must sign the Transfer by affidavit form. If multiple successors are transferring assets, each one must sign a separate affidavit. Notarization is not required in Wisconsin unless specifically requested by a financial institution. 7. File the affidavit: Take the completed and signed Transfer by affidavit form, along with the original death certificate, to the county courthouse where the deceased resided. The form must be filed within 30 days from the date of death. 8. Pay the filing fee: Pay the required filing fee, which varies by county. Check with the courthouse for the exact fee amount and accepted payment methods. 9. Obtain certified copies: Request certified copies of the filed affidavit from the courthouse. These will be useful when dealing with financial institutions or other agencies holding the deceased's assets. 10. Distribute the assets: Once the Transfer by affidavit is granted, the successor(s) can legally claim and distribute the assets according to the deceased's wishes and Wisconsin law. Note: There are no different types of Transfer by affidavit instructions in Wisconsin. The process remains relatively consistent across the state. Make sure to consult an attorney if you encounter any complex legal situations or have questions regarding specific assets or beneficiaries.