Estate Planning & Probate
Protecting your legacy and your loved ones through wills, trusts, and comprehensive estate plans.
An unexpected illness or accident can leave your family without legal guidance. Don't wait to put a plan in place.
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are honored. Without a proper plan, Wisconsin's intestacy laws — not your intentions — will determine how your assets are distributed, and your loved ones may face a lengthy and costly probate process.
At Smith & Associates, we work with individuals and families at every stage of life to create estate plans that reflect their values and goals. We listen carefully to understand what matters most to you and craft documents that are clear, legally sound, and designed to minimize conflict.
Our estate planning services include wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, beneficiary designations, and Medicaid planning. We also guide families through Wisconsin probate under Wis. Stat. Ch. 851–882, handling court filings and administration efficiently.
Related Practice Areas
State law summary
Wisconsin probate is governed by Wis. Stat. Chapters 851–882. As a marital-property state, a surviving spouse's share interacts with marital property classifications from Wis. Stat. Ch. 766.
Key statutes
Intestate succession Wis. Stat. Ch. 852
Governs distribution when decedent dies without a will. Surviving spouse share depends on whether issue are from the marriage or prior relationships.
Wills Wis. Stat. Ch. 853
Execution and revocation requirements. Wisconsin recognizes self-proving affidavits.
Probate administration Wis. Stat. Ch. 856–865
Formal and informal probate procedures. Small estate settlement available for estates under $50,000 via transfer by affidavit.
Source: State_Legal_Data (verified per file). This summary is for general information only and is not legal advice.
Estate Planning & Probate FAQ
Answers to common questions about this area of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
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