Back to Wisconsin
Clark County, WI Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Clark County information |
|---|---|
| Court and filing office | Circuit Court for Clark County, filings handled through the Clark County Register in Probate |
| Courthouse address | Clark County Courthouse, 517 Court Street, Room 403, Neillsville, WI 54456 |
| Mailing address | 517 Court Street, Room 403, Neillsville, WI 54456 |
| Phone | Clark County Register in Probate: (715) 743-5172 |
| Fax | No probate fax number is posted. Clark County local circuit court rules allow fax only for a short list of no-fee documents, and probate filings are not on that list. |
| Hours | 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call before going if you need to ask about holidays, appointments, or a same-day filing cutoff. |
| Courthouse entry | The county states that public entry is through door B103 on the north side of the building on 6th Street. |
| Estate fee | Through October 31, 2026, Wisconsin charges $20 if the property subject to administration, less encumbrances, liens, or charges, is $10,000 or less, and 0.2 percent of that value if it is more, paid when the inventory is filed (Wis. Stat. § 814.66(1)(a)2, (1)(a)3). Effective November 1, 2026, 2025 Wis. Act 179 raises the figures to $36 and $18,500; the 0.2 percent rate remains. |
| E-filing | Attorneys and high-volume filing agents e-file in Wisconsin circuit court. Self-represented parties may opt in or use paper filing methods (Wis. Stat. § 801.18(3)). The separate e-filing fee is $35 per party per case (Wis. Stat. § 758.19(4m), § 801.18(7)). |
| Local forms | No Clark County probate packet, checklist, or cover sheet is posted. Use the statewide Wisconsin PR forms. |
| Case search | Wisconsin Circuit Court Access: https://wcca.wicourts.gov/ |
| Remote appearance | No Clark County probate-specific remote appearance rule is posted. Ask the Register in Probate when a hearing is scheduled. |
| Website | https://www.clarkcountywi.gov/register-in-probate |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you choose a Wisconsin probate path in Clark County, make a working list of the decedent's assets, debts, titled property, accounts, beneficiary designations, and any real estate. Wisconsin fees and small-estate options depend on what is actually subject to administration, so the first estate settlement task is knowing what exists and how it is titled.
Sunset's asset discovery searches more than 2,300 financial institutions, helping families find accounts before they file forms or contact the Clark County Register in Probate. That asset map can make estate settlement cleaner, especially when a family is deciding between informal administration, formal administration, transfer by affidavit, or another Wisconsin route.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Clark County probate matters are filed in the Circuit Court for Clark County through the Clark County Register in Probate at the Clark County Courthouse in Neillsville. The probate counter is Room 403 at 517 Court Street, and the county states that the public courthouse entrance is door B103 on the north side of the building on 6th Street.
Wisconsin places administration of a decedent's estate in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. If the decedent was not domiciled in Wisconsin, the case may be brought in a Wisconsin county where the decedent's property is located, with the first Wisconsin county case controlling under the statute (Wis. Stat. § 856.01).
The jurisdiction process
- Identify the property that is actually subject to administration in Wisconsin. Separate probate assets from jointly held survivorship property, beneficiary-designated accounts, trust assets, and other property that may not pass through a court estate.
- Choose the Wisconsin path. Informal administration usually starts with PR-1801, Application for Informal Administration. Formal administration starts with PR-1901, Petition for Formal Administration, and the Wisconsin Court System guide says formal administration requires attorney assistance. If property subject to administration in Wisconsin does not exceed $50,000 in gross value, transfer by affidavit may be an option under Wis. Stat. § 867.03.
- File with the Clark County Register in Probate. Use Room 403 at the Clark County Courthouse, 517 Court Street, Neillsville, WI 54456, or the same address for mail. Attorneys and high-volume filing agents e-file. Self-represented parties may opt in to e-filing or use paper filing methods (Wis. Stat. § 801.18(3)).
- Handle the original will. Wisconsin requires a person with custody of a will, or a person named in a will to act as personal representative who knows of the death and the nomination, to file the will with the proper court within 30 days unless it has already been deposited with the court (Wis. Stat. § 856.05(1)).
- Pay the Wisconsin estate fee when the inventory is filed. Through October 31, 2026, the fee is $20 if the property subject to administration, less encumbrances, liens, or charges, is $10,000 or less, and 0.2 percent of that value if it is more (Wis. Stat. § 814.66(1)(a)2, (1)(a)3). Effective November 1, 2026, 2025 Wis. Act 179 raises the figures to $36 and $18,500; the 0.2 percent rate remains.
- Give required notices. The court in a formal administration, or the probate registrar in an informal administration, sets the claim-filing deadline by order at a date not less than three nor more than four months from the date of the order (Wis. Stat. § 859.01). Notice of that deadline is published as required by Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 859.07; Wis. Stat. § 879.05(4)).
- Attend any hearing that is set. Formal administration and some summary matters may involve a hearing. No Clark County probate-specific remote appearance rule is posted, so ask the Register in Probate about appearance options when a hearing notice is issued.
- Receive authority to act. When a personal representative is appointed and qualifies, the authority document is Domiciliary Letters, form PR-1810, for both informal and formal administration.
- Administer and close the estate. File the inventory within a reasonable time and no later than 6 months after appointment unless the court changes the time (Wis. Stat. § 858.01). Informal administration may close with PR-1816, Personal Representative's Statement to Close Estate, and formal administration closes through final judgment and discharge forms.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Clark County
Clark County does not post a local probate packet, checklist, or cover sheet. The Clark County Register in Probate page links families to Wisconsin's statewide court forms, so use the PR-series probate forms from the Wisconsin Court System's Category 26 probate form index.
| Form source | What to use it for | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin PR-series probate forms | Informal administration, formal administration, transfer by affidavit, summary settlement, summary assignment, special administration, termination, descent, and ancillary matters | https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?Category=26&SubCat=All |
| Clark County Register in Probate | Local contact page for the probate office, address, phone, and links to state forms | https://www.clarkcountywi.gov/register-in-probate |
| Informal estate administration guide | Statewide self-help guide prepared by the Wisconsin Register in Probate Association and hosted by the Wisconsin Court System | https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/docs/probateguide.pdf |
Local nuance
Clark County-specific considerations
| Local point | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Separate probate counter | The Clark County Register in Probate is in Room 403 and uses the direct phone number (715) 743-5172. The Clerk of Circuit Court counter is a separate office in Room 405 with different phone lines. |
| Single courthouse entry | The county states that the public entrance is door B103 on the north side of the courthouse on 6th Street. Build in extra time if you are going to Room 403 in person. |
| Fax is narrow | Clark County local circuit court rules allow fax only for a short list of no-fee documents. Probate papers are not on that list, so use e-filing when required, paper filing in person, or paper filing by mail. |
| Real estate recording is separate | If a Wisconsin transfer by affidavit under Wis. Stat. § 867.03, a summary order under Wis. Stat. § 867.01 or § 867.02, or a Wisconsin confirmation document affects Clark County real estate, recording is handled through the Clark County Register of Deeds, a separate county office. |
Recent updates
Scenarios
| Archetype | Likely Clark County path | Local step | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| surviving spouse w/ co-owned home | Start by checking how the home is titled and whether Wisconsin survivorship marital property, joint tenancy, beneficiary designations, or a probate proceeding is needed. A real estate transfer or confirmation may require recording with the Clark County Register of Deeds. | Call the Clark County Register in Probate at (715) 743-5172 before filing if the home is the main asset and you are not sure whether a court estate is needed. | Sunset helps identify accounts, title clues, and beneficiary-designated assets so the spouse does not open a larger estate than needed. |
| out-of-state adult child w/ small estate | If property subject to administration in Wisconsin does not exceed $50,000 in gross value, transfer by affidavit may fit (Wis. Stat. § 867.03). If a court summary path is needed, Wisconsin distinguishes summary settlement under Wis. Stat. § 867.01 from summary assignment under Wis. Stat. § 867.02. | Use the Clark County Register in Probate mailing address, 517 Court Street, Room 403, Neillsville, WI 54456, for paper filings. Ask the office about any hearing before making travel plans. | Sunset helps gather account information and prepare a probate packet so an out-of-state child can avoid repeated calls and missing documents. |
| parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | A sale of a home often needs clear authority from the estate or a recorded transfer document. Formal administration may be needed if there is disagreement, a title issue, or a supervised court step. | File probate papers through the Register in Probate in Room 403. If an order or other probate document affects Clark County real estate, coordinate the recording step with the Register of Deeds. | Sunset helps find assets and debts, generate the Clark County filing packet, and connect the parent with a local probate attorney when a sale or formal administration calls for counsel. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | What it provides | Contact or URL |
|---|---|---|
| Clark County Register in Probate | Local probate office contact, address, room number, phone, and links to state probate forms | (715) 743-5172; https://www.clarkcountywi.gov/register-in-probate |
| Clark County Clerk of Courts | Clerk of circuit court contact page and Clark County local circuit court rules | https://www.clarkcountywi.gov/clerk-of-courts |
| Wisconsin Court System self-help law center, probate | State probate self-help page | https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/probate.htm |
| A Personal Representative's Guide to Informal Estate Administration in Wisconsin | Statewide guide for informal administration, hosted by the Wisconsin Court System | https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/docs/probateguide.pdf |
| Circuit court probate forms | Statewide PR-series probate forms, Category 26 | https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?Category=26&SubCat=All |
| Wisconsin Circuit Court Access | Statewide case search for Wisconsin circuit court cases | https://wcca.wicourts.gov/ |
| Legal Action of Wisconsin | Free civil legal aid intake for eligible low-income Wisconsin residents | (855) 947-2529; https://legalaction.org/ |
| Wisconsin State Law Library, Clark County legal resources | County legal-resource directory for court and local legal contacts | https://wilawlibrary.gov/topics/county.php?c=Clark&a=a&l=l&f=f&r=r |
When to hire an attorney
In a Wisconsin court proceeding, a personal representative appears by attorney (Wis. Stat. § 879.15(2)). The Wisconsin Court System's informal administration guide says formal administration requires the assistance of an attorney and that informal administration may be granted without attorney assistance; a contested or court-supervised turn can change the practical need for counsel. Counsel is especially important when Clark County real estate must be sold, heirs disagree, creditor issues are complex, or a formal administration is needed. Sunset connects you to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset helps families locate accounts, policies, debts, and property details before they choose a Wisconsin probate path. That makes the first Clark County estate settlement conversation more productive.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the information you provide into an organized packet for the Wisconsin path you are using, including the Clark County courthouse address and the statewide PR forms that fit the situation.
Find a local probate attorney. If formal administration, a home sale, a dispute, or a court appearance requires legal help, Sunset connects families with a vetted probate attorney who handles Wisconsin matters.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize the estate, find assets, generate forms, and request an attorney connection without paying Sunset.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Clark County, Wisconsin?
File through the Clark County Register in Probate at the Clark County Courthouse, 517 Court Street, Room 403, Neillsville, WI 54456. The Register in Probate's direct phone number is (715) 743-5172.
What is the difference between the Register in Probate and the Clerk of Circuit Court in Clark County?
The Clark County Register in Probate handles the probate filing counter in Room 403. The Clerk of Circuit Court is a separate office in Room 405. For probate questions, call the Register in Probate at (715) 743-5172.
Can I e-file a Clark County probate case?
Yes, Wisconsin circuit court e-filing covers probate. Attorneys and high-volume filing agents e-file, while self-represented parties may opt in or use paper filing methods (Wis. Stat. § 801.18(3)). The separate e-filing fee is $35 per party per case (Wis. Stat. § 758.19(4m), § 801.18(7)).
Does Clark County have local probate forms?
Clark County does not post a local probate packet, checklist, or cover sheet. Use the statewide Wisconsin PR forms in Category 26 and call the Register in Probate if you are unsure which form set fits your case.
How much is the Wisconsin estate fee in Clark County?
The estate fee is statewide. Through October 31, 2026, Wisconsin charges $20 if the property subject to administration, less encumbrances, liens, or charges, is $10,000 or less, and 0.2 percent of that value if it is more, paid when the inventory is filed (Wis. Stat. § 814.66(1)(a)2, (1)(a)3). Effective November 1, 2026, 2025 Wis. Act 179 raises the figures to $36 and $18,500; the 0.2 percent rate remains.
Can I appear remotely for a Clark County probate hearing?
No Clark County probate-specific remote appearance rule is posted. If a hearing is scheduled, ask the Register in Probate what the court expects before the hearing date.
Can I look up a Clark County probate case online?
Use Wisconsin Circuit Court Access at https://wcca.wicourts.gov/. Wisconsin probate cases are circuit court cases, and Wisconsin uses PR and IN case-type labels for formal and informal probate case types. Do not assume that every paper in the court file can be viewed through the case search.
Do I have to travel to Neillsville to start the case?
Not always. Attorneys e-file, and self-represented parties may opt in to e-filing or use paper filing methods. If you are using paper, use the Register in Probate address at 517 Court Street, Room 403, Neillsville, WI 54456, and ask the office about any hearing before you make travel plans.
Can the Clark County Register in Probate help with informal administration forms?
Wisconsin law says the probate registrar, staff, or other designated persons shall advise, within their competence, in preparing documents required under informal administration (Wis. Stat. § 865.065(2)). That is not the same as legal advice, and a disputed or formal court proceeding may require an attorney.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.