Register in Probate
NOTICE:
Rusk County Circuit Court and the Register in Probate's office remains open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for Court hearings, filings, payments, obtaining forms, and any other questions you may have pertaining to the Court. If you have any questions please contact the office at 715-532-2150.
Mission Statement:
It is the mission of the Register in Probate to expediently handle all probate, guardianship and adoption cases that may legally come before the office in a timely and judicious fashion and to serve the people of Rusk County in a knowledgeable, precise and understanding manner.
DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE:
The Office of the Register in Probate coordinates the judicial duties and administrative functions of the Probate Court. The position is a multi-function position and assists in the probate of all estate proceedings:
- Manages all probate files and administrative proceedings, wills filed for safekeeping, trusts, guardianship's, conservatorships, protective placements, mental, alcohold and drug abuse commitment records and adoptions;
- Provides assistance to the public and attorneys with court procedure for wills, probate, guardianship, conservatorship, protective placement, mental health and adoption cases;
- Protects all court records for probate and juvenile cases;
- Maintains confidentiality status of appropriate files.
- Provides assistance to the public regarding access to open records;
- Collects fees required by statute.
This is a statutory office, with the position of Register in Probate appointed by Honorable Steven P Anderson, Circuit Court Judge of Rusk County.
The Probate Registrar handles the administration of all informal proceedings, testate, and intestate. The Probate Registrar advises as to the legal preparation of any documents but may not give legal advice to the personal representative.
The goal of the Probate Office is to perform the duties as stated in Sections 851.72, 851.73, 851.74 and 865 of the Wisconsin Statutes and to follow the guidelines established by the judges in the 10th Judicial District.
Probate
Probate is the process which transfers a deceased person's property to those who are entitled to it, but only after the rights of all interested parties are protected, creditor's claims are paid and taxes are determined and paid. Click on the heading to learn more about the different types of probate.
Guardianship & Protective Placement
Guardianship is a trust relationship of the most sacred character, created by the Court, in which one person, called a "guardian", acts for another, called the "ward", whom the law regards as incapable of managing his or her own affairs and the Court has determined incompetent. The guardian is required to make and file a verified account annually to the Court on the ward's assets, along with a report on the ward's well-being. Protective Placements are also reviewed annually by the Court. Click on the heading to view guidelines and additional information and links.
Wills
If the decedent left a Will, it must be filed with the Probate office within 30 days of death. Click on the heading to view additional information on Wills.
Advance Directives
Advance Directives include Power of Attorney for Health Care, Power of Attorney for Finance and Property, Declaration to Physicians (Wisconsin Living Will), and Authorization for Final Disposition. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has advanced directive forms available online. My office does not provide these forms to the public; however, you may click on the link above to view Wisconsin Department of Health Services' forms and additional links to applicable websites. If you have questions or are interested in more information on advance directives, you should contact an attorney to discuss your options and to obtain forms, or variations of these forms.