A Short Outline of Wisconsin Probate Forms The loss of a loved one is hard, and sadly it is only made harder by the Wisconsin probate process. Ostensibly, its purpose is simply to insure that all estates are handled properly so that the directives of wills are followed as long as all creditors are heard from and all taxes are paid. Yet probate can last for years and place an inextricable burden upon heirs and descendants. Often times, the worst part are all the Wisconsin probate forms. Not only are their dozens of them, but an incredible importance is placed upon them, so that individuals who do not file them on time or who file them improperly may be punished, either with fees or with vast delays. That is why it is so important to keep track of all the different Wisconsin probate forms. Once you visit your court and learn what you need to turn in when, consult with this outline to have an understanding of some of the most important Wisconsin probate forms. • Application for Informal Administration The majority of probate proceedings are informal ones, which means that either there is an uncontested will or, without a will, that all the heirs agree to an informal administration, which simply means that formal hearings will not be held and most payments will be undertaken informally by the estate’s administrator or executor. This Wisconsin probate form will begin the informal probate process and will name the administrator in charge of distributing the estate’s property and filling out all other Wisconsin probate forms. • Application for Formal Administration If the will is being contested or the heirs cannot agree upon a single administrator, then further complications are put upon the probate process, complications that begin with this Wisconsin probate form which requires additional details regarding the deceased’s assets. • Notice of Hearing In a formal probate procedure, all interested parties such as heirs are entitled to know about and to attend all hearings related to the estate. Thus, these Wisconsin probate forms notifying parties of hearings must go out when ever a hearing is declared. • Inventory No matter whether your probate proceedings are formal or informal, as long as assets need to be divided by the court, every asset has to be known by the court. This is done through the inventory Wisconsin probate form, which lists all property belonging to an estate and lists its value. For assets without clear value, appraisals of value may be legally required.