State guide
Wisconsin
Wisconsin probate publication runs through the county’s official paper, and the probate registrar or court sets the claim deadline on the notice itself. Wisconsin also has a well-developed official forms and guidance system, including a statewide probate self-help page and a current Department of Administration list of certified newspapers. ([wicourts.gov](https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/docs/probateguide.pdf))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Publishing the notice
- Publication is required in the county’s official paper once a week for three consecutive weeks; the probate registrar identifies eligible newspapers, and Wisconsin DOA certifies newspapers for legal notices under Chapter 985. ([wicourts.gov](https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/docs/probateguide.pdf))
- Creditor claim deadline
- Date set by the court or probate registrar on the notice
- Law
- Wis. Stat. §§ 859.01, 859.02, 859.07, 859.48, 985
- Small-estate limit
- $50,000 gross for transfer by affidavit
- Legal newspaper list
- Official page →
Official resources in Wisconsin
Official probate self-help page linking to procedures, forms, and the personal representative handbook.
Official handbook used by residents and probate staff for informal estate administration steps and notices.
Official statewide probate forms, including transfer-by-affidavit and informal-administration notices.
Official Department of Administration legal-notice page with Chapter 985 references and links to certified newspapers.
Official current list of newspapers certified to publish Wisconsin legal notices.
Key facts for Wisconsin
- Probate notice is published in the county’s official paper once a week for three consecutive weeks. ([wicourts.gov](https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/docs/probateguide.pdf))
- The first publication must occur within 15 days after the notice is signed. ([wicourts.gov](https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/docs/probateguide.pdf))
- Known or reasonably ascertainable creditors must be sent the filing deadline by the applicant or personal representative. ([wicourts.gov](https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/docs/probateguide.pdf))
- The probate registrar identifies eligible newspapers for publication. ([wicourts.gov](https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/docs/probateguide.pdf))
- Wisconsin’s transfer-by-affidavit form is for estates not exceeding $50,000 gross. ([wicourts.gov](https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?Category=32&FormName=&FormNumber=&StatuteCite=&utm_source=openai))
- DOA maintains an official list of certified newspapers that may publish legal notices. ([doa.wi.gov](https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LegalNotices.aspx))
What to do next
- Contact the county Register in Probate early; the registrar identifies the eligible newspaper and sets the claim deadline on the notice.
- If the estate is $50,000 or less gross, review Transfer by Affidavit before filing a full probate.
- Mail the notice promptly to all known or reasonably ascertainable creditors and keep a Declaration of Service for the file.
Helpful guides
- What is a notice to creditors in probate?
- How to publish a probate notice in a newspaper
- How much does it cost to publish a probate notice?
- What counts as a legal newspaper for probate notices
Creditor deadline calculator →