Estate Planning & Probate in Dane County, Wisconsin
There are two reasons people look up Dane County probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through it. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Circuit Court.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Circuit Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Dane County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Dane County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Dane County→The Probate Process in Dane County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Dane County, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 215 S Hamilton St, Madison. The court sits in the 5th Judicial District. The same 5th Judicial District also serves Green, Lafayette and Rock.
Full Dane Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Circuit Court
Dane County · 5th Judicial District
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Register of Deeds
Dane County · Kristi Chlebowski
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$30 flat, regardless of page count; a 2-page TOD deed records for $30; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 9, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Circuit Court
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, in Dane County Law Library, Dane County Courthouse, 215 S Hamilton St, Madison. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice.
Wisconsin Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Dane County.
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