When a loved one passes away, handling their estate can be overwhelming. One of the biggest questions families have is, “How much will probate cost?” That’s where our Wisconsin Probate Cost Calculator comes in—it’s a tool to help you estimate the basic fees involved in the probate process so you can plan ahead.
Let’s go through what each input means and why it matters.
Total Value of Estate
This is the total value of everything the person owned when they passed away. It includes real estate, cars, bank accounts, retirement accounts, personal property and business interests. This number determines attorney fees and whether the estate qualifies for simplified probate options.
Debts Owed by the Estate
These are any outstanding bills or loans that need to be paid before assets are passed on to beneficiaries. Common examples are mortgages, credit cards, medical bills or personal loans. Subtracting these from the estate value gives a clearer picture of what’s really available.
Attorney Fee Estimate (%)
Wisconsin doesn’t have a standard attorney fee for probate but attorneys often charge between 2% and 5% of the gross estate value. This fee covers preparing legal documents, filing with the court and guiding the executor through the process.
Court Filing Fees
Filing fees vary by county but in Wisconsin they typically range from $20 to $300. These are required to open the probate case and cover administrative court costs.
Executor Compensation
The person responsible for managing the estate—the personal representative or executor—can be paid for their time. Wisconsin allows reasonable compensation which can be based on an hourly rate, a flat fee or a percentage of the estate. If the executor is a family member they may choose to waive the fee.
Estimated Probate Costs
After entering the values above the calculator gives you an estimate of the total probate costs. This includes attorney fees, court fees and any payment to the executor. It’s not a final quote but a good place to start when trying to figure out what you’ll pay.
Simplified procedures are available for smaller estates but most families will need to prepare for some court involvement and legal fees. Knowing the cost upfront can help avoid surprises and keep things moving.
Our calculator is a good start but probate can still be complicated—especially during a tough time. If you need help managing the process or just want to make sure you’re doing everything right our team is here for you.
Contact O’Flaherty Law today to schedule a consultation and get guidance every step of the way.
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