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Grant County, WI Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Court | The Circuit Court for Grant County. Estate filings go through the Grant County Register in Probate. |
| Courthouse address | Grant County Register in Probate, 130 W. Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813 |
| Mailing address | Grant County Register in Probate, 130 W. Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813 |
| Phone | (608) 723-2697 |
| Fax | (608) 723-3101 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No lunch closure is published. |
| Estate fee | Through October 31, 2026, the statewide estate fee is $20 where the property subject to administration, less encumbrances, liens or charges, is $10,000 or less, and 0.2 percent of that value where it is more, payable when the inventory is filed (Wis. Stat. § 814.66(1)(a)2, (1)(a)3). 2025 Wis. Act 179 raises those figures to $36 and $18,500 effective November 1, 2026; the 0.2 percent rate does not change. |
| Local forms | Grant County does not publish a separate local probate packet on its Register in Probate page. Use the statewide Wisconsin PR forms. Grant County Local Rule 1406 names local overdue-notice forms PR-1453 and PR-1454. |
| E-filing | Attorneys and high-volume filing agents must e-file in Wisconsin circuit court. Self-represented filers may opt in voluntarily or use traditional paper methods. The e-filing fee is $35 per party per case (Wis. Stat. § 758.19(4m), § 801.18(7)). |
| Case search | Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, WCCA: https://wcca.wicourts.gov/ |
| Remote appearance | No Grant County probate-specific remote-appearance procedure is published in the local rules. Ask the Register in Probate before planning to appear remotely. |
| Website | https://gcinternetwebsite.co.grant.wi.gov/register-in-probate/ |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you file in Grant County, make a list of the decedent's assets, debts, real estate, marital property, beneficiary designations and jointly owned property. Wisconsin's estate fee is based on property subject to administration, less encumbrances, liens or charges, so the first estate settlement task is knowing what is actually in the estate.
Sunset's asset discovery searches more than 2,300 financial institutions to help families find accounts, insurance, retirement assets and other property before they choose a Grant County probate path. That inventory work also helps you decide what to ask the Grant County Register in Probate before filing.
Which court handles jurisdiction
The Circuit Court for Grant County serves Grant County from the courthouse in Lancaster. The filing office for a decedent's estate is the Grant County Register in Probate at 130 W. Maple Street.
For a Wisconsin decedent, estate administration is filed in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. If the decedent was not domiciled in Wisconsin, it may be filed in a Wisconsin county where the decedent's property is located, and the first Wisconsin court to exercise jurisdiction has exclusive jurisdiction (Wis. Stat. § 856.01).
The jurisdiction process
- Choose the Wisconsin path before you file. Informal administration starts with the probate registrar and is usually used when the will permits it or all interested persons agree. Formal administration is a court proceeding. Transfer by affidavit, summary settlement and summary assignment are separate Wisconsin routes when their statutes fit.
- Prepare the statewide PR forms. Grant County does not publish a separate local probate packet on its Register in Probate page, so use the Wisconsin Court System probate forms in Category 26. Common forms include PR-1801 for informal administration, PR-1806 for proof of heirship, PR-1810 for Domiciliary Letters, PR-1811 for the inventory, PR-1816 for informal closing and PR-1901 for formal administration.
- File with the Grant County Register in Probate. The office is at 130 W. Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Attorneys and high-volume filing agents e-file; self-represented filers may opt in or file by traditional paper methods (Wis. Stat. § 801.18(3)).
- Account for the estate fee. Through October 31, 2026, the statewide estate fee is $20 at $10,000 or less and 0.2 percent above that amount, based on property subject to administration after encumbrances, liens or charges, and paid when the inventory is filed (Wis. Stat. § 814.66(1)(a)2, (1)(a)3). 2025 Wis. Act 179 changes the minimum to $36 and the threshold to $18,500 effective November 1, 2026.
- Give notice and watch the claims order. In Wisconsin, the court or the probate registrar sets a claim-filing deadline by order at a date not less than 3 months and not more than 4 months from the date of the order (Wis. Stat. § 859.01). Notice of that deadline is published, and the first insertion must be made within 15 days after the order (Wis. Stat. § 859.07).
- Schedule hearings if the case requires them. Grant County local rules assign probate cases through the Register in Probate's office across the court's two branches. The local rules also allow the Register in Probate, when designated and when the assigned judge is unavailable, to sign certain orders and handle testimony on heirship matters.
- Use remote appearance only if the court allows it in your matter. Grant County's local rules publish a video rule for certain in-custody criminal appearances, not for probate matters. Call the Grant County Register in Probate before assuming a remote appearance will be allowed.
- Receive authority to act. If appointed and qualified, the personal representative receives Domiciliary Letters, form PR-1810, which is the Wisconsin authority document for both informal and formal administration.
- Administer the estate and file the inventory. The personal representative gathers assets, addresses creditor claims, handles taxes and distributions, and files the inventory no later than 6 months after appointment unless the court changes the time (Wis. Stat. § 858.01). Grant County Local Rule 1406 says the Register in Probate sends a notice of overdue inventory after that deadline has passed.
- Close the estate. Informal administration closes by filing PR-1816, the Personal Representative's Statement to Close Estate, and the appointment terminates 6 months later if no challenge or other proceeding is pending (Wis. Stat. § 865.16(2)). Formal administration closes through final judgment and discharge documents.
Executor duties
Grant County adds two local practice details to the statewide duties of a personal representative. First, Local Rule 1406 says the Register in Probate sends a Notice of Overdue Inventory after the inventory deadline has passed and a Notice of Delinquent Estate after 18 months. Second, Local Rule 1405 says that when an estate is closing on waiver or notice and the court is unavailable, the final account and closing documents are reviewed before the Register in Probate, who certifies that the file is ready for the assigned judge's action.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Grant County
Probate forms in Grant County are primarily the statewide Wisconsin PR forms published by the Wisconsin Court System. Grant County does not publish a separate county probate packet or cover sheet on its Register in Probate page.
| Form | Use |
|---|---|
| PR-1801 | Application for Informal Administration |
| PR-1806 | Proof of Heirship for informal and formal administration |
| PR-1810 | Domiciliary Letters for informal and formal administration |
| PR-1811 | Inventory for informal and formal administration |
| PR-1816 | Personal Representative's Statement to Close Estate for informal administration |
| PR-1831 | Transfer by Affidavit when the statute applies to property that does not exceed $50,000 in gross value (Wis. Stat. § 867.03) |
| PR-1901 | Petition for Formal Administration |
| PR-1453 and PR-1454 | Grant County Local Rule 1406 names these as the local overdue-inventory and delinquent-estate notice forms |
The statewide probate forms are at https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?Category=26&SubCat=All.
Timeline
- When the case opens, the court or probate registrar sets the creditor claim deadline by order at a date not less than 3 months and not more than 4 months from the date of the order (Wis. Stat. § 859.01).
- The inventory is due no later than 6 months after appointment unless the court changes the time (Wis. Stat. § 858.01). Grant County Local Rule 1406 says the Register in Probate sends a Notice of Overdue Inventory after that deadline has passed.
- Grant County Local Rule 1406 also says the Register in Probate sends a Notice of Delinquent Estate after 18 months.
- In an informal administration, the personal representative's appointment terminates 6 months after PR-1816 is filed if no challenge or other proceeding is pending (Wis. Stat. § 865.16(2)).
Local nuance
Grant County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means in Grant County |
|---|---|
| Local probate rules | Grant County publishes local circuit court rules with Part 14 devoted to probate law practice, effective September 1, 2011. |
| Register in Probate role | Local Rule 1402 designates the Grant County Register in Probate to act as a commissioner for probate matters and to sign certain probate orders when the assigned judge is absent or unavailable, consistent with the local rule's limits. |
| Heirship testimony | Local Rule 1403 designates the Register in Probate to receive testimony proving heirship and certify it under the local rule. |
| Closing review | Local Rule 1405 says closing documents may be reviewed before the Register in Probate when an estate is closing on waiver or notice and the court is unavailable. |
| Overdue notices | Local Rule 1406 sets the Grant County notice practice for overdue inventories and delinquent estates. |
Recent updates
Scenarios
| Situation | Likely Grant County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | Start by identifying how the home is titled. Some Wisconsin survivorship or marital property transfers may be handled outside a full estate administration, while other Grant County real estate may require a probate filing or a recording step with the register of deeds after the court order or certificate. | Sunset helps find accounts, insurance and debts so the spouse can see whether the home is the main estate settlement issue or part of a larger estate. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | If the Wisconsin property subject to administration does not exceed $50,000 in gross value, transfer by affidavit may fit (Wis. Stat. § 867.03). If a court order is needed, summary settlement or summary assignment may be considered under their separate statutes (Wis. Stat. § 867.01, § 867.02). Paper filing and mail may reduce travel, but the child should call the Grant County Register in Probate before relying on remote appearance. | Sunset helps organize the asset list, locate accounts and generate a form packet so the child can ask focused questions before filing in Lancaster. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | If the home is titled only in the child's name and must be sold, Grant County probate or a related Wisconsin property-transfer procedure may be needed before marketable title can pass. Local Rule 1405 is relevant at closing because it describes the Register in Probate's review process when an estate is closing on waiver or notice and the court is unavailable. | Sunset helps build the estate settlement checklist, identify mortgages and accounts, and connect the parent with a local probate attorney when a sale, title issue or formal administration requires counsel. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Grant County Register in Probate | Local filing office, hours and contact information for Grant County probate matters. | https://gcinternetwebsite.co.grant.wi.gov/register-in-probate/; (608) 723-2697 |
| Grant County Circuit Court Rules | Local Part 14 probate practice rules for assignment, Register in Probate duties, closing review and overdue notices. | https://www.wisbar.org/directories/courtrules/wisconsin%20county%20circuit%20court%20rules/grant%20county%20circuit%20court%20rules.pdf |
| A Personal Representative's Guide to Informal Estate Administration in Wisconsin | Statewide court-hosted guide prepared by the Wisconsin Register in Probate Association. | https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/docs/probateguide.pdf |
| Wisconsin Court System self-help law center, probate | Statewide probate self-help hub and links to forms and resources. | https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/probate.htm |
| Circuit court probate forms | Statewide PR form set for Wisconsin probate matters. | https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?Category=26&SubCat=All |
| Wisconsin Circuit Court Access | Statewide circuit court case search for case information. | https://wcca.wicourts.gov/ |
| Legal Action of Wisconsin | Free civil legal aid intake for eligible Wisconsin residents. Intake determines whether the organization can help with a specific issue. | https://legalaction.org/; (855) 947-2529 |
| Wisconsin State Law Library, Grant County legal resources | County legal resources index. | https://wilawlibrary.gov/topics/county.php?c=Grant&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)). Informal administration under Wis. Stat. ch. 865 runs administratively before the probate registrar, and the court system's self-help guide prepared by the Wisconsin Register in Probate Association says formal administration requires an attorney's assistance while informal administration may be granted without one. Summary settlement and summary assignment also carry their own express right to appear in person (Wis. Stat. § 867.01(5), § 867.02(5)). Counsel is especially important if a Grant County estate is contested, must sell real estate, has creditor disputes, needs formal administration or involves uncertain title. Sunset connects families to a vetted local probate attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches more than 2,300 financial institutions to help identify bank accounts, retirement assets, insurance, investments and debts. That gives families a clearer starting point for estate settlement before they contact the Grant County Register in Probate.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the information you provide into a probate packet using the Wisconsin statewide PR forms, tailored to the path you select. You can review the packet before filing with the Grant County Register in Probate.
Find a local probate attorney. If the estate needs formal administration, a home sale, a contested hearing or legal advice, Sunset can connect you with a vetted Wisconsin probate attorney familiar with local practice.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset's estate settlement tools, asset discovery and attorney connection at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Grant County?
File with the Grant County Register in Probate at 130 W. Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813. The office phone is (608) 723-2697.
Does Grant County have its own probate forms?
Grant County does not publish a separate local probate packet on its Register in Probate page. Use the statewide Wisconsin PR forms in Category 26. Grant County Local Rule 1406 names PR-1453 and PR-1454 for local overdue and delinquent estate notices.
Can I e-file a Grant County probate case?
Wisconsin's statewide e-filing rule applies. Attorneys and high-volume filing agents must e-file, while self-represented filers may opt in voluntarily or use traditional paper methods (Wis. Stat. § 801.18(3)). The e-filing fee is $35 per party per case (Wis. Stat. § 758.19(4m), § 801.18(7)).
What does it cost to open and administer an estate in Grant County?
The estate fee is statewide, not local. Through October 31, 2026, it 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, payable when the inventory is filed (Wis. Stat. § 814.66(1)(a)2, (1)(a)3). 2025 Wis. Act 179 raises those figures to $36 and $18,500 effective November 1, 2026.
Can I appear remotely in a Grant County probate matter?
No Grant County probate-specific remote-appearance procedure is published in the local rules. Call the Grant County Register in Probate before assuming the court will allow a remote appearance.
How are Grant County probate matters assigned?
Grant County local rules say probate cases are assigned by the Register in Probate's office across the court's two branches. The rules describe assignment mechanics, not a standalone court.
Can I look up a Grant County probate case online?
Wisconsin circuit court cases, including probate case types, are searched through Wisconsin Circuit Court Access at https://wcca.wicourts.gov/. Use WCCA for case information, but do not assume every estate document is available there.
Do I have to travel to Lancaster for every Grant County estate task?
Not always. Attorneys e-file, and self-represented filers may ask the Register in Probate about paper filing by traditional methods. If a hearing or real estate issue is involved, call the Register in Probate before making travel plans.
What happens if the inventory is late in Grant County?
Wisconsin requires the inventory no later than 6 months after appointment unless the court changes the time (Wis. Stat. § 858.01). Grant County Local Rule 1406 says the Register in Probate sends a Notice of Overdue Inventory after that deadline has passed and a Notice of Delinquent Estate after 18 months.
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.