Best Probate Lawyers in Green Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Green Bay, Wisconsin?

  (920)448-3200 is the non-emergency contact number for the Green Bay Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Green Bay, Wisconsin?

  Copies of police reports related to probate cases in Green Bay can be obtained from the Records Division of the Green Bay Police Department. Police reports can be availed in person Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Residents can also email recordrequest@greenbaywi.gov and send a mail with the required Permissible Uses Form and prepayment to Records Division, Green Bay Police Department, 307 S Adams Street, Green Bay WI 54301.

• How long does the probate process take in Green Bay and the rest of Wisconsin?

  The probate process in Green Bay might take anywhere from several months to several years. Probate administration can be a lengthy and complicated procedure because the court must decide how to divide assets fairly. Do note that probate in Wisconsin must be completed within 18 months, but extensions are common because each estate is diverse in size and value. An estate can generally be settled in six months through the probate process.

• What are the types of assets that do not go through probate in Green Bay?

  The assets that do not go through the Green Bay probate court when someone passes away include those placed in a living trust. Such assets can be transferred directly to the assigned beneficiary by the trustee. Assets held jointly, including retirement funds and a home purchased with someone, are transferred directly to beneficiaries. In addition, assets that do not have beneficiary designation go through the probate process.

• Can Green Bay beneficiaries ask the court to modify or terminate an active trust?

  Beneficiaries have the right to petition a Green Bay court to modify or terminate an active trust. However, Wisconsin law makes it more difficult for one beneficiary to change the terms of a trust without the permission of the other beneficiaries. Creating a trust in Wisconsin is not subject to court oversight unless one of the parties involved requests it.

• What is the worth of an estate that must go through the probate process in Green Bay and throughout Wisconsin?

  Green Bay follows a Wisconsin rule that requires any estate worth more than $50,000 to go through probate. The executor can distribute assets under this threshold without involving the courts. Also, most counties require that probate be completed within 12 to 18 months of the death of the estate's owner.

• Who pays probate fees in Green Bay and in Wisconsin?

  The estate pays for probate fees in Green Bay and throughout the state. These fees include income and estate taxes. It is difficult to predict the total cost of probate because it is dependent on the complexity of the estate. A beneficiary can expect to pay roughly 4% to 5% of the estate’s total value after the probate process has been completed. Attorney fees during the probate process may account for half or more of the legal cost, given the time and complexity of the estate settlement.