Yes, you can provide your will for safe keeping to the Register of Probate. There is a statutory fee of $10 for this service (Sec. 853.09, Wis. Stats.).
When providing your will, it needs to be the original will contained within a sealed envelope with the name and address of the person making the will listed on the outside. Submit a self-addressed, stamped envelope and the Register in Probate will provide a receipt at the time of deposit.
In addition, the envelope must contain the following:
- Name of the person making the will
- Address of the person making the will
- Date the will was signed
- Name of the personal representative as well as any alternates
- Name of the attorney who prepared the will
If you need to withdraw your original will, you must provide the original receipt and photo ID. The original will can only be removed by you personally or by someone authorized in writing by you and two witnesses, other than the person withdrawing the will.
If no probate proceeding is required, please complete and file an Affidavit of No Probate at the same time you file the original Will. As of May 2024, there is no longer a requirement that documents be notarized.
Please call the Register in Probate to set up safekeeping a will at (920) 386-3550
