In Wisconsin, the first certified copy costs $20Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, and each additional copy ordered at the same time $3Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source. Copies ordered together cost less than separate orders placed later. The Wisconsin estate settlement plan lists the accounts and institutions that each want a certified copy.
Standard processing in Wisconsin takes About 10 business days by mail; about 5 business days onlineWisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source. A funeral home's order at the time of death usually arrives first.
Wisconsin sets a statutory order for who controls the disposition of remains: surviving spouse, then surviving child, then surviving parentWis. Stat. § 154.30(2)(a)Verified Jul 13, 2026View source. The state allows you to name your own agent in a signed, written documentWis. Stat. § 154.30(8)Verified Jul 13, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the default order. Those wishes can be recorded alongside the rest of an estate plan when you create a revocable living trust.
Wisconsin imposes a 48-hour minimum waiting periodWis. Stat. § 979.10Verified Jul 13, 2026View source before cremation. A medical examiner or coroner authorizes the cremation before it proceeds. Cremation permit from the coroner or medical examiner in the county where death occurred (Wis. Stat. § 979.10).
Wisconsin allows estates valued at $50,000small estate: § 867.03Verified Sep 9, 2026View source or less to use the Transfer by Affidavitsmall estate: § 867.03Verified Sep 9, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. The Transfer by Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. There is no statutory waiting period.