Estate Planning & Probate in Washington County, Wisconsin
Most Washington County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. 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 Washington County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Washington County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Washington County→The Probate Process in Washington 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 Washington County, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 484 Rolfs Avenue, Room 3151, West Bend. The court sits in the 3rd Judicial District. The same 3rd Judicial District also serves Jefferson, Ozaukee and Waukesha.
Full Washington Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Circuit Court
Washington County · 3rd Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Register of Deeds
Washington County · Lisa Budish
Address
Phone
Fax
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
Wisconsin Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Washington County.
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