Probate is the court-supervised process for the orderly transfer of a decedent’s assets to those who are entitled to them. The process ensures that notice is properly given, that all debts, taxes, and expenses are paid, that the assets are distributed in accordance with the last Will or to the heirs as determined by statute. Typically, the process takes 12 to 18 months.
Probate is not needed every time a person passes away.
An attorney is recommended for probate, but it is not required for all types of probate proceedings. For additional Wisconsin probate information: http://www.wripa.org/probate.html