What to do when someone dies in Wisconsin

Wisconsin uses the term 'marital property' instead of 'community property,' but the effect is the same: each spouse owns half of property acquired during the marriage. Probate runs through Circuit Court, and the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) covers most state and local employees.

What this guide covers

How probate works in this state
Estate and inheritance taxes
Surviving spouse rights and protections
Small estate shortcuts and affidavit thresholds
Step-by-step checklist for your family

Order walks your family through every task — from filing the will with the court to closing the final accounts. Use it to stay organized, assign tasks to family members, and make sure nothing gets missed.