Where do I file for probate in Ozaukee County, WI?

Probate petitions for estates in Ozaukee County are filed at the Ozaukee County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Ozaukee County?

Probate filing fees in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Ozaukee County?

While not always legally required in Wisconsin, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Wisconsin, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Ozaukee County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Ozaukee County Probate Court, Wisconsin

Q: How long does probate take in Wisconsin?

Probate in Wisconsin typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Court Location & Contact

Address

1201 S. Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074

Phone

262-284-8409

Fax

262-284-8491

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Ozaukee County, Wisconsin

Fee Type	Amount
Inventory Filing Fee for estate valued at $10,000 or less	$20
Inventory Filing Fee for estate valued at more than $10,000	0.2% of the value of property subject to administration, less encumbrances, liens or charges
Guardianship of Estate or Conservatorship if the value of property is less than $50,000	$20
Guardianship of Estate or Conservatorship if the value of property is more than $50,000	0.2% of the value of the property, less encumbrances, liens or charges
Certificate Terminating Life Estate	$3
Certificate or judgement of descent of lands	Same as 814.66(1)(a)2
Objection to Probate of Will	$20
Will for Safekeeping	$10
Certificate signed by Register in Probate or a Circuit Court Judge	$3
Copies, certified or otherwise	$1 per page
Claim Against Estate	$3
Searching for file or record when case number is not given	$4
Power of Attorney for Health Care for Safekeeping	$8
Declaration for Safekeeping	$8
Petition to commence an independent action (Petition for Grandparent Visitation)	$60

Probate Guide

Probate in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin

The Ozaukee County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Ozaukee County, WI, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Wisconsin, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Wisconsin?

Probate is generally required when:

The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
The estate contains assets above Wisconsin's small estate threshold
There are disputes among heirs or creditors
Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Ozaukee County

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the Ozaukee County Probate Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Wisconsin law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Wisconsin, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Wisconsin does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Ozaukee County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Ozaukee County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Register in Probate assists in the probate of all estate proceedings, Conservatorship, Trusts, Wills filed for safekeeping, Manages all formal probate files and administrative proceedings, Guardianship, Protective Placement, Mental Commitment.

Ozaukee County