Register in Probate/Juvenile

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 of an adult:   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.   Click on the heading to view guidelines and links to forms.

 Minor Guardianship of the Person:   A legal guardian is appointed by a Court to have care, custody and control of a minor child.  The four types of minor guardianship of the person are Full, Limited, Temporary and Emergency.   Please click here for more information on minor guardianship or consult an attorney.   When you have determined the type of guardianship you will be filing, click on the heading to view the guideline and links to forms.

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.

The Probate office has paper files for estates beginning in the year 1948.   These files are open to the public.   Click on the heading to view additional information.

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.

In 2005, Barron County developed a Volunteer Guardian Program to recruit, train and support qualified citizens in the surrounding communities to serve as court appointed volunteer guardians.   The purpose of creating the program, was to develop a database of qualified and caring citizens to act as volunteer guardians when the County was having a difficult time finding family members willing or able to serve.   Since 2005, 45 individuals in need of a guardian have been served by our volunteer guardians.   In addition, 30 community members have served and/or continue to serve as a volunteer guardian.