---
title: "Wisconsin Executor Checklist: First 30 Days | MCC Solutions"
description: "Wisconsin executor checklist: first 30 days, up to $50,000 small estate limit, notarized affidavit, 2 will witnesses, official court links."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/wisconsin-executor-checklist"
---

Executor checklist · Wisconsin

# Wisconsin executor and estate paperwork checklist

The first 30 days, the small estate route, the will at probate, and the official pages to ask, from this state's own court and statute pages.

**Quick answer.** In the first 30 days, an executor in Wisconsin orders certified death certificates, finds the original will, secures the home, car and mail, lists what the person owned and owed, and holds off on paying debts until it's clear who has authority. For the small estate route, Wisconsin's official pages give a limit of up to $50,000 and a notarized affidavit; the paperwork goes to the bank or other holder.

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

**Short answer.** Wisconsin: up to $50,000 small estate limit; notarized affidavit; handed to the bank or holder; 2 will witnesses; self-proving affidavit allowed. 11 of 11 state facts below are confirmed on official pages.

**This is an organizer, not legal advice.** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation.

## The first 30 days

Plain steps that apply wherever the person lived, with the small estate dates for this state. Ticks stay on your screen only.

- **Order certified death certificates**Through the funeral director or the vital records office. Order several: banks, insurers, pension plans and the court may each want one.
- **Make sure Social Security knows**Funeral homes generally report the death. If not, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A surviving spouse, or some children if there's no spouse, may get a one-time $255 payment.
- **Locate the signed will and any changes**The signed original matters more than a copy. Keep it whole and somewhere safe, and note who else has a copy.
- **Look at the last pages of the will**A sworn statement signed by the witnesses before an officer may be attached; what this state says about it is below.
- **Protect the property**Change locks if keys are out, keep insurance paid, and have the mail forwarded so bills and statements reach you.
- **Hold off on paying debts or giving things away**Wait until you know which route applies and who has authority. If something can't wait, ask the probate clerk or an attorney.
- **Know that a power of attorney has ended**A power of attorney ends when the principal dies; the agent's authority stops there.
- **List what the person owned and owed**Note how each asset is held: in the person's name alone, jointly, or with a named beneficiary. Accounts with a beneficiary or joint owner usually pass outside the will.
- **Compare the estate with $50,000**That's the small estate figure on this state's official page. Count only what the page says counts.
- **Open a simple money log**One line per payment or deposit, with the date, who, how much and the receipt. It makes the final accounting easy.
- **Get the estate its own tax number and bank account**The IRS asks for an EIN before the estate's Form 1041, which applies once the estate has more than $600 of gross income in a year.

Sources for the federal steps: [Social Security Administration: When someone dies](https://ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies) · [IRS: Deceased taxpayers, filing the estate income tax return (Form 1041)](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-estate-income-tax-return-form-1041) · power of attorney: [Power of attorney at a real estate closing](/notary/guides/power-of-attorney-at-a-real-estate-closing).

## The small estate route

- #### ConfirmedSmall estate limit Property subject to administration in the state with a gross value of $50,000 or less. Real property can be transferred, with notice to the heirs at least 30 days before the affidavit is recorded."that does not exceed $50,000 in gross value" Sources: [Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit, and 867.02, Summary assignment (Wisconsin Legislature, chapter 867)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/867/03); [Wisconsin Court System form PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit (07/2019)](https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?FormNumber=PR-1831); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Wisconsin (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-probate-shortcuts-32038.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit (2024 Wisconsin Statutes, Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-867/section-867-03); [State Bar of Wisconsin (secondary source): State of Wisconsin Transfer by Affidavit instructions (State Bar of Wisconsin, 7.17.19)](https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedInformation/Documents/Transfer%20by%20Affidavit%20Instructions.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedReal estate Real estate counts toward the value, and the procedure can reach it. Sources: [Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit, and 867.02, Summary assignment (Wisconsin Legislature, chapter 867)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/867/03); [Wisconsin Court System form PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit (07/2019)](https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?FormNumber=PR-1831); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Wisconsin (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-probate-shortcuts-32038.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit (2024 Wisconsin Statutes, Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-867/section-867-03); [State Bar of Wisconsin (secondary source): State of Wisconsin Transfer by Affidavit instructions (State Bar of Wisconsin, 7.17.19)](https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedInformation/Documents/Transfer%20by%20Affidavit%20Instructions.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWaiting period after the death No waiting period after the death: Wis. Stat. 867.03 sets none (2024 statute text on Justia; the State Bar's instructions agree). Two 30-day waits apply to later steps: a holder may not transfer until 30 days after receiving an affidavit from a personal representative named in the will, and real estate needs 30 days' notice to the heirs before recording. Sources: [Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit, and 867.02, Summary assignment (Wisconsin Legislature, chapter 867)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/867/03); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit (2024 Wisconsin Statutes, Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-867/section-867-03), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedNotary or oath Signed before a notary. The heir signs the transfer-by-affidavit under oath and has it notarized, per Nolo's Wisconsin summary of Wis. Stat. 867.03."after signing the document (and swearing to its truthfulness) and having it notarized" Sources: [Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit, and 867.02, Summary assignment (Wisconsin Legislature, chapter 867)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/867/03); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Wisconsin (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-probate-shortcuts-32038.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit (2024 Wisconsin Statutes, Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-867/section-867-03), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWhere the paperwork goes Handed to the bank or other holder. Not filed with the court: given to whoever owes the money or holds the property; for real estate, recorded with the register of deeds. Sources: [Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit, and 867.02, Summary assignment (Wisconsin Legislature, chapter 867)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/867/03); [Wisconsin Court System form PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit (07/2019)](https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?FormNumber=PR-1831); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Wisconsin (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-probate-shortcuts-32038.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit (2024 Wisconsin Statutes, Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-867/section-867-03); [State Bar of Wisconsin (secondary source): State of Wisconsin Transfer by Affidavit instructions (State Bar of Wisconsin, 7.17.19)](https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedInformation/Documents/Transfer%20by%20Affidavit%20Instructions.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedOfficial form PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit. Wisconsin Court System form, revised 07/2019. Source: [Wisconsin Court System form PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit (07/2019)](https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?FormNumber=PR-1831), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSimplified court procedure Summary assignment (Wis. Stat. 867.02): When the estate is worth $50,000 or less after debts secured by estate property, anyone with standing to petition for administration can ask the court to assign the property summarily. Summary settlement (Wis. Stat. 867.01) is a separate court procedure. Source: [Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit, and 867.02, Summary assignment (Wisconsin Legislature, chapter 867)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/867/03), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWorth knowing When the affiant is named personal representative in the will but isn't an heir, trustee or guardian, the holder waits 30 days after receiving the affidavit before transferring. Sources: [Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit, and 867.02, Summary assignment (Wisconsin Legislature, chapter 867)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/867/03); [Wisconsin Court System form PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit (07/2019)](https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?FormNumber=PR-1831); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Wisconsin (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-probate-shortcuts-32038.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): Wis. Stat. 867.03, Transfer by affidavit (2024 Wisconsin Statutes, Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-867/section-867-03); [State Bar of Wisconsin (secondary source): State of Wisconsin Transfer by Affidavit instructions (State Bar of Wisconsin, 7.17.19)](https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedInformation/Documents/Transfer%20by%20Affidavit%20Instructions.pdf), checked November 2026

## The will at probate

Signing rules for wills, as they bear on getting the will accepted.

- #### ConfirmedWitnesses the will needed Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after the signing or acknowledgment."at least 2 witnesses who signed within a reasonable time after any of the following:" Sources: [Wis. Stat. Chapter 853, Wills (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853); [Wis. Stat. 853.03, Execution of wills (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853/_4?up=1); [Wis. Stat. 853.04 and 853.07, Self-proved will; Witnesses (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853/I/04); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Wisconsin (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-make-will-32065.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSelf-proving affidavit Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal."An attested will may be made self-proved at any time after its execution" Sources: [Wis. Stat. Chapter 853, Wills (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853); [Wis. Stat. 853.03, Execution of wills (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853/_4?up=1); [Wis. Stat. 853.04 and 853.07, Self-proved will; Witnesses (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853/I/04); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Wisconsin (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-make-will-32065.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedIf the will is handwritten Not recognized unless witnessed: every will must be in writing and signed with two witnesses to be validly executed (Wis. Stat. 853.03). A separate written list can leave certain tangible personal property (853.32)."Every will in order to be validly executed must be in writing and executed with all of the following formalities" Source: [Wis. Stat. 853.03, Execution of wills (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853/_4?up=1), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedA witness who inherits The will stays valid, but gifts to an interested witness or the witness's spouse are invalid beyond an intestate share unless an exception applies."a will is not invalidated because it is signed by an interested witness" Sources: [Wis. Stat. Chapter 853, Wills (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853); [Wis. Stat. 853.03, Execution of wills (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853/_4?up=1); [Wis. Stat. 853.04 and 853.07, Self-proved will; Witnesses (Wisconsin Legislature)](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853/I/04); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Wisconsin (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-make-will-32065.html), checked November 2026

## Want us to handle it?

We order certified records, pick up and deliver documents, get the small estate affidavit signed and notarized, and file papers near where the estate is, in any state. We are not lawyers.

**Price:** Quote-based, from $199 per job plus government and court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.

[Ask for estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state#request)

## Documents to gather

- Certified death certificates
- The original will and any codicils
- Deeds and mortgage statements
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Recent bank, brokerage and retirement statements
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- The last few years of tax returns
- Recent bills, loan and credit card statements
- Pension, Social Security and benefit letters
- Safe deposit box location and keys
- The official small estate form: PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit

## Who to notify

Social Security (if the funeral home hasn't), Banks and credit unions, Brokerage and retirement accounts, Life insurance companies, Utilities and phone, Landlord or mortgage servicer, Credit card companies, Pension or employer. A brief letter and a copy of the death certificate usually start each one; note the date and the person you reached.

## Documents needed abroad

- #### ConfirmedA death certificate needed abroad Apostilles for this state's documents come from the Department of Financial Institutions (apostilles) and the Secretary of State's Certification Desk. $10 per document. Source: [Department of Financial Institutions (apostilles) and the Secretary of State's Certification Desk](https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/ConsumerServices/ApostilleServices/GeneralInformation.aspx), checked November 2026

## Where to ask

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Official pages for Wisconsin:

- [Wisconsin Court System form PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit (07/2019)](https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?FormNumber=PR-1831)
- [Probate Shortcuts in Wisconsin (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-probate-shortcuts-32038.html)

Wisconsin kit

## Wisconsin Executor and Estate Kit

This checklist as printable Word and PDF files: a start-here guide, the first 30 days, the small estate route with its official links, a documents and accounts tracker, plain notification letters (bank, utilities, Social Security), and an Excel estate ledger for assets, debts, payments and distributions.

[Get the kit, $25](/toolkits/wi-executor-kit)

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Facts checked November 2026.

## Common questions

**Is there a small estate route in Wisconsin?**

On the official pages we read: Property subject to administration in the state with a gross value of $50,000 or less. Real property can be transferred, with notice to the heirs at least 30 days before the affidavit is recorded. Handed to the bank or other holder. Not filed with the court: given to whoever owes the money or holds the property; for real estate, recorded with the register of deeds.

**How soon after the death can the Wisconsin small estate paperwork be used?**

No waiting period after the death: Wis. Stat. 867.03 sets none (2024 statute text on Justia; the State Bar's instructions agree). Two 30-day waits apply to later steps: a holder may not transfer until 30 days after receiving an affidavit from a personal representative named in the will, and real estate needs 30 days' notice to the heirs before recording.

**Does the small estate paperwork in Wisconsin need a notary?**

Signed before a notary. The heir signs the transfer-by-affidavit under oath and has it notarized, per Nolo's Wisconsin summary of Wis. Stat. 867.03.

**Is there an official Wisconsin form?**

PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit. Wisconsin Court System form, revised 07/2019. Link: https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?FormNumber=PR-1831

**How many witnesses did a will in Wisconsin need?**

Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after the signing or acknowledgment.

**What about a self-proving affidavit in Wisconsin?**

Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal.

**Who answers questions about an estate in Wisconsin?**

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. The official pages behind this checklist: Wisconsin Court System form PR-1831, Transfer by Affidavit (07/2019).

Related: [Executor guide by state](/notary/executor-guide-by-state) · [Will signing requirements](/notary/will-signing-requirements-wisconsin) · [Apostille steps](/notary/apostille-wisconsin) · [Estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)

## Family far from the estate?

[See estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)