How Do Heirs in Wisconsin Locate and Claim a Deceased Relative’s Unclaimed Property?
Disclaimer This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Understanding Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin Under Wisconsin’s Unclaimed Property Law, property deemed abandoned—such as bank accounts, safe deposit contents, insurance benefits or securities—reverts to the State Treasurer if the owner fails to claim it within a specific dormancy period. […]
Read article →What factors influence the timeline for completing the probate process in Wisconsin?
Detailed Answer Probate in Wisconsin unfolds through a series of court-supervised steps. The time to complete the process depends on several key factors. Understanding each stage helps set realistic expectations. 1. Type of Probate Administration Wisconsin offers informal and formal probate. Informal probate suits estates with a valid will and no objections. It often wraps […]
Read article →How do I confirm if workers’ compensation payments were applied to my medical bills in Wisconsin?
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult a qualified attorney or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer Under Wisconsin law, employers or their insurers must pay all reasonable and necessary medical bills related to a work injury. […]
Read article →What are the Risks of Probating My Father’s Estate Without Legal Representation in Wisconsin?
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer Handling your father’s estate without a lawyer can save on attorney fees initially, but Wisconsin’s probate process under Wis. Stat. ch. 859–865 carries strict rules and deadlines. Failure to […]
Read article →If real property passes automatically at death, why do I have to probate the will? Wisconsin
Detailed Answer When someone dies in Wisconsin, their assets transfer through either non-probate mechanisms or through probate. Real property can pass automatically at death if it holds a transfer-on-death deed or if the decedent owned it jointly with rights of survivorship. Otherwise, the property is part of the probate estate and requires court supervision to […]
Read article →What steps are involved in notifying creditors and handling claims after a death in Wisconsin?
Losing a loved one brings emotional and administrative challenges. One key responsibility for the personal representative in Wisconsin probate is notifying creditors and resolving estate claims. Understanding the process helps ensure compliance with state law and timely estate administration. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer […]
Read article →Can I Use an Obituary as Proof of Death to Open an Estate Without a Death Certificate in Wisconsin?
Can I Use an Obituary as Proof of Death to Open an Estate Without a Death Certificate in Wisconsin? Can I Use an Obituary as Proof of Death to Open an Estate Without a Death Certificate in Wisconsin? Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific […]
Read article →How to Prepare an Heirship Affidavit in Wisconsin
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney in Wisconsin for advice about your situation. Detailed Answer In Wisconsin, you can collect personal property of a deceased person without formal probate using a small estate affidavit under Wis. Stat. § 856.02 (856.02). This affidavit substitutes for formal […]
Read article →Can I Elect a Life Estate Instead of an Intestate Share in Wisconsin?
Detailed Answer Under Wisconsin law, a surviving spouse may in certain cases elect to take a life estate in the decedent’s homestead instead of accepting the intestate share apportioned under chapters 853 and 863 of the Wisconsin Statutes. This option allows the spouse to retain use and possession of the residence for life while the […]
Read article →What Is the Difference Between Informal and Formal Probate in Wisconsin?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under Wisconsin law, probate can proceed either by informal administration or by formal administration. Both processes settle a decedent’s estate, but they differ in complexity, court involvement and cost. […]
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