What to Do When Someone Dies in Wisconsin
A complete guide to death certificates, probate, estate taxes, and funeral costs in Wisconsin. Everything you need to know about handling a death in the state of Wisconsin.
Quick Facts: Wisconsin
Death Certificates in Wisconsin
Cost Per Certified Copy
The first certified copy costs $20. Additional copies cost $3 each.
How Many to Order
We recommend ordering 10 to 15 copies. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, the DMV, employers, and other institutions typically require original certified copies. Ordering extras upfront saves time and money compared to requesting more later. Ten copies in Wisconsin would cost approximately $47.
Where to Order
Death certificates in Wisconsin are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records. Your funeral home will typically order the initial copies for you as part of their services.
Visit Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital RecordsFiling Deadline
In Wisconsin, a death must be registered within 5 days. The funeral home or attending physician typically handles the filing.
Probate in Wisconsin
Small Estate Threshold
Estates valued under $50,000 may qualify for simplified probate or a small estate affidavit. Estates under $50,000 may use transfer by affidavit after 30 days.
Probate Court
Probate in Wisconsin is handled by the Circuit Court (Probate).
Visit Circuit Court (Probate) websiteTypical Timeline
Probate in Wisconsin typically takes 6-12 months. The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether anyone contests the will, and the court's caseload.
Small Estate Affidavit
If the estate is valued below the small estate threshold of $50,000, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of going through formal probate. This is a simplified process that allows heirs to collect assets by presenting a sworn statement to banks and other institutions. Waiting periods and specific requirements vary, so check with the Circuit Court (Probate) in your county for exact procedures.
Key Things to Know in Wisconsin
Community Property State
Wisconsin is a community property state. This means most assets acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses, regardless of whose name is on the title. When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse automatically owns their half of community property. Only the deceased spouse's half passes through the will or probate. This can simplify estate settlement for married couples but may complicate matters if assets were commingled with separate property.
State-Specific Notes
Wisconsin adopted the Marital Property Act, making it a community property state (the only one to use this specific framework). Community property passes to the surviving spouse without probate. Wisconsin also allows "transfer on death" designations for bank accounts, securities, and real property.
No State Death Taxes
Wisconsin does not have a state estate tax or inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax applies, and it only affects estates exceeding $13.61 million.
Funeral Costs in Wisconsin
These are median costs in Wisconsin. Actual costs vary significantly based on the funeral home, location within the state, and services selected. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide itemized pricing when you ask. You are not required to purchase a package and can choose individual services.
Major Cities in Wisconsin
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Probate Guide
How probate works, when you can skip it, and what it costs in your state.
Estate Tax
Federal and state estate tax thresholds, exemptions, and filing deadlines.
Funeral Costs
Average funeral costs by type and practical ways to reduce expenses.
Master Checklist
Track every task from day one through closing the estate.