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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.

In general, there are two types of probate formal and informal. Formal probate is what most people think about when they hear the word probate.

Informal probate allows the estate to be probated through an administrative process without any court involvement and no court hearings.Formal probate is necessary if the decedent left a will but the original will cannot be located.

How long does probate take? Probate can take two years, even longer, for a large or contested estate. But the process may last up to six months even for a small, uncomplicated estate.

Summary administration limits what you can do with the estate. This process may go faster than formal administration. No personal representative is appointed.

Probate matters in Wisconsin are handled at the local circuit court level. If there is a will, it must be filed with the court, even if probate isn't needed to distribute the decedent's property.

There is a $3 filing fee to file a claim against an estate. Probate office or online at Wisconsin Court System Circuit Court forms. File the completed form with the Register in Probate together with the $3.00 statutory filing fee. Send a copy to the Personal Representative and the estate attorney.

Although Wisconsin law requires that probate be completed within 18 months, a court may choose to grant an extension. On average, probate in Wisconsin takes no less than six months. The probate process must allow time for creditors to be notified, file required income tax returns, and resolve any disputes.

Formal probate involves a petition , a hearing or trial before a Judge or Court Commissioner who resolves the issues with a final court order . Informal Probate only requires an application, no hearing or trial, and is administered by a court official known as the Probate Registrar .