Wisconsin Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Wisconsin, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Wisconsin guide.
- Will
- Wisconsin will requirements: the sound-mind-and-18 rule, two-witness signing under Wis. Stat. 853.03, self-proving affidavits, no holographic wills, revocation. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Wisconsin revocable living trust explained under the Wisconsin Trust Code, ch. 701: how it avoids probate, funding by retitling assets, and the pour-over will. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Wisconsin durable power of attorney basics: durable by default, signing and notary rules, springing POAs, express-grant powers, and how it ends at death. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How Wisconsin advance directives work: a health care power of attorney under ch. 155, a living will under ch. 154, and the witness signing rules. Read the guide
Wisconsin estate planning guides
Wisconsin Estate Planning Basics: A Plain-Language Starter Guide
Wisconsin estate planning basics: the will, power of attorney, and health care directive every adult needs, plus probate, taxes, and intestacy under ch. 851.
Wisconsin Will Requirements
Wisconsin will requirements: the sound-mind-and-18 rule, two-witness signing under Wis. Stat. 853.03, self-proving affidavits, no holographic wills, revocation.
Wisconsin Power of Attorney
Wisconsin durable power of attorney basics: durable by default, signing and notary rules, springing POAs, express-grant powers, and how it ends at death.
Wisconsin Advance Directive
How Wisconsin advance directives work: a health care power of attorney under ch. 155, a living will under ch. 154, and the witness signing rules.
Wisconsin Guardianship and Conservatorship Planning
Plan ahead to avoid a Wisconsin guardianship with a durable POA and advance directive, plus how guardianship, protective placement, and minor guardianship work.
Wisconsin Revocable Living Trust Guide
Wisconsin revocable living trust explained under the Wisconsin Trust Code, ch. 701: how it avoids probate, funding by retitling assets, and the pour-over will.
Wisconsin Trust Administration Guide
Wisconsin successor trustee duties after death under the Wisconsin Trust Code, Wis. Stat. ch. 701: accept the role, notify beneficiaries, pay debts, distribute.
Wisconsin Transfer on Death Deed Guide
How a Wisconsin transfer on death deed works under Wis. Stat. 705.15: name a real estate beneficiary, record it before death, and skip probate for it.
Not sure what you need in Wisconsin?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.