Estate Planning in Wisconsin | WI Legal Resources | FastCounsel

What steps are required to file a petition claiming surplus funds from a foreclosure proceeding in Wisconsin?

Disclaimer: This article is educational only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer In Wisconsin, a foreclosure sale may produce funds in excess of the debt owed. Wis. Stat. § 846.18 governs surplus distributions. To claim those surplus funds, follow these steps: Verify the Surplus […]

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Do I get any ownership interest in the real property if I am paying the mortgage? (WI)

Detailed Answer In Wisconsin, simply paying the mortgage does not automatically give you an ownership interest in the real property. Ownership depends on whose name appears on the deed. A mortgage creates a lien that secures repayment of a loan. The lender holds a security interest, not you as the mortgage payer, unless your name […]

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Do I Get an Ownership Interest in Wisconsin Real Property if I Pay the Property Tax?

Detailed Answer Under Wisconsin law, paying property taxes on real estate does not automatically give you an ownership interest in that property. Property taxes create a lien against the real estate until they are paid (see Wis. Stat. ch. 70), but only the record owner listed in the county land records holds legal title. If […]

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How to Access and Review Unclaimed Property Accounts on nccash.com in Wisconsin

Detailed Answer Under Wisconsin's Unclaimed Property Law (Wis. Stat. Chapter 177), unclaimed property includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, contents of safe deposit boxes and other intangible assets. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) website, nccash.com, aggregates state unclaimed property databases, including Wisconsin's. Visit nccash.com. Navigate to https://www.nccash.com and select "Wisconsin" from the […]

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How to Determine if Other Creditors or Lienholders Could Have Claims to the Surplus Funds in Wisconsin

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for advice tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer Understanding Surplus Funds in Wisconsin Foreclosures When a mortgage foreclosure sale in Wisconsin yields money beyond what is needed to satisfy the mortgage, the extra amount is called “surplus funds.” […]

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What options exist for establishing authority over an elderly heir’s personal and financial decisions in Wisconsin?

Detailed Answer When an elderly heir can no longer manage money or make personal decisions safely, Wisconsin law offers several tools to grant a trusted individual legal authority. These options include durable powers of attorney for finances and health care, as well as court-appointed guardianships. Below is an overview of each option and how they […]

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How to Obtain and Document Medical Care When Concerned About Out-of-Pocket Costs in Wisconsin

Detailed Answer When you need medical care but worry about out-of-pocket costs, act proactively. Under Wisconsin law you can access records, dispute charges and negotiate payment terms. Follow these steps to obtain and document care: Verify your insurance benefits. Contact your insurer to confirm in-network providers, deductibles, copays and coinsurance amounts. Request a written cost […]

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How to Verify and Probate an Old Will Discovered Decades After Execution in Wisconsin

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney in Wisconsin for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer: Verifying and Probating an Old Will in Wisconsin Discovering a decedent’s will decades after execution raises two primary questions under Wisconsin law: (1) how to verify […]

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Where Do Insurance or Government Program Payments Appear on a Statement of Account in Wisconsin?

Detailed Answer When you receive a statement of account from a medical provider, creditor, or service vendor in Wisconsin, it lists all charges, payments, adjustments, and credits. Insurance or government program payments appear as a credit that reduces your outstanding balance. They usually show up under a titled section such as “Insurance Payments,” “Third-Party Payments,” […]

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How can service of process be handled for minors or individuals under guardianship in Wisconsin?

Detailed Answer In Wisconsin, special rules govern service of process on minors (individuals under 18) and those under guardianship. These rules ensure due process and compliance with Wis. Stat. §801.11. Below is an overview of how to serve these parties properly. Serving Minors Under Wis. Stat. §801.11(4), you may serve a minor in one of […]

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