Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin After a Death

Who can claim for someone who has died

An heir entitled to the property under Wisconsin’s intestate succession laws, or the personal representative if the estate or trust is still open. Heirship claims must be filed electronically through the Department’s website.

What you will typically need

• ✓The decedent’s Social Security number, date of birth and date of death, entered when you file the claim online
• ✓If the estate is still open: a copy of the domiciliary letters or letters of special administration, plus the estate’s tax identification number. If the estate is being probated outside Wisconsin, the court order granting authority to act
• ✓If the property subject to administration is under $50,000 and no estate or trust is open: a Transfer by Affidavit (available from the State Bar of Wisconsin)
• ✓If it is $50,000 or more: a court order, from the court in the county where the decedent died, directing payment
• ✓If there was no will: an Affidavit of Heirship, a family-tree style form listing the relatives, plus an Affidavit of Service showing the other heirs were notified of your claim
• ✓If the decedent or their spouse may have received Medicaid: the certified-mail return receipt from the DHS Estate Recovery Program

Requirements can vary with the type and amount of property. Follow the instructions on the official site.

What it costs

You file directly with the Department on its website, so there is no need to hire a finder.

Good to know

• •Signing the Transfer by Affidavit makes you responsible for distributing the money to the rightful heirs and for any tax liability, such as a 1099 if stocks or funds were sold. The Department suggests talking with a tax professional before you distribute.
• •You can choose a court order instead of the Transfer by Affidavit if you would rather not take on that responsibility.
• •When an estate goes through probate and the heirs cannot be found, the funds are reported as an escheated estate. Those funds are available to claim for ten years, and heirs need a court order from the county probate court that reported them.
• •The Department asks you not to send original documents. Questions can go to (608) 264-4594.

Search other states too

Property is reported to the state where the company is located, so check every state your loved one lived in. MissingMoney.com searches most participating states at once. You can also browse every state and DC in our unclaimed property guide.