What You Need to Know About Creating a Will Online in Wisconsin

Creating a will in Wisconsin can feel deeply personal—it requires you to imagine the future without you in it. But it’s also one of the most empowering ways to protect the people and things that matter most.

An online will in Wisconsin offers convenience, affordability, and the flexibility to create your estate plan on your terms. Whether you’re just getting started or updating an existing plan, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about writing a legally valid Wisconsin will from the comfort of home.

How much does it cost to create a will in Wisconsin?

With more digital services than ever, creating a will online in Wisconsin is not only possible—it’s more affordable than working with a traditional attorney.

At Trust & Will, our Will-Based Estate Plan costs:

• $199 for individuals

• $299 for couples

• Optional membership that offers secure digital safe storage, unlimited updates, and more

Designed by attorneys and customized by you, our plans are built to meet Wisconsin will requirements, helping you create, store, and manage your plan on your own schedule.

Are online wills legal in Wisconsin?

Yes, online wills are legal in Wisconsin—with one key distinction.

While you can create your will using an online service like Trust & Will, Wisconsin does not currently accept digital wills (eWills). This means:

• Your will must be printed and signed to be valid

• It must be signed in the presence of two qualified witnesses, or alternatively, notarized

• Witnesses should not be listed as beneficiaries in the will

Don’t worry! Trust & Will makes this process easy. You can either print your documents upon completion or have them shipped straight to your door. Plus, we have a mobile notary partnership who can also bring along the witnesses needed to your location. 

Your executor will need the signed, physical copy to file after your passing. If you make updates, you must print and re-sign the latest version to ensure it’s enforceable.

What makes a will valid in Wisconsin?

For a Wisconsin will to be legally valid, it must meet these requirements:

• Must be in writing (typed, not verbal or video recorded)

• Signed by the testator (you)

• Signed in the presence of two eligible witnesses

  • Witnesses must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind

  • Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries

• Must be created and signed voluntarily

At Trust & Will, our platform is designed with Wisconsin law in mind—so your documents include everything required to hold up in court.

Can I write my own will in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can write your own will in Wisconsin. But while DIY might seem appealing, it often comes with hidden risks—especially if you accidentally miss key legal elements or leave something unclear.

Creating your will online through a trusted estate planning service offers the best of both worlds:

• Privacy and control

• Legal compliance

• Professional guidance

• Easy access and maintenance

You’ll be guided through each step, ensuring nothing important is overlooked—and your loved ones won’t be left guessing later.

Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Wisconsin?

No, a lawyer is not required to create a valid Wisconsin will. However, legal guidance can be valuable to make sure your will is complete and enforceable.

That’s where Trust & Will comes in. Our online platform gives you:

• Step-by-step instructions

• Prompts to capture your wishes clearly

• Health care directives, final arrangements, and more

• Unlimited chat support if you have questions

You get the peace of mind of a professionally guided process—without the price tag of a traditional attorney.

Does Wisconsin require a will to be notarized?

No, notarization is not required for a will to be valid in Wisconsin. However, it can help reinforce the will’s legitimacy and may simplify things during probate.

Your options:

• Sign in the presence of two witnesses

• Or sign in front of a notary public

• Witnesses and the testator must all be of sound mind and at least 18 years old

Notary services are widely available at UPS locations, banks, or through mobile and online notary providers. Trust & Will offers a partnership with a mobile notary service; where you can choose to have a notary come to your location. They can even bring along witnesses to the signing ceremony. To learn more, click here.

Do you have to file a will in the state of Wisconsin?

Yes. After the testator passes away, the executor is responsible for filing the will with the probate court. Wisconsin law requires the will to be filed within 30 days of the testator’s death.

Even with a clearly written will, court involvement is part of the process. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your will is thorough, valid, and easy for your executor to locate and file.

Are wills publicly recorded in Wisconsin?

Wills are private documents during the testator’s lifetime. Once the testator passes and the will is filed with the court, it becomes public record.

If you prefer to keep certain information private—like financial details—you may consider adding a Revocable Living Trust to your estate plan, which typically avoids public probate.

Who inherits if there is no will in Wisconsin?

If someone dies without a will, Wisconsin’s intestate succession laws determine how their assets are distributed.

Here's a simplified breakdown:

• Children only (no spouse): Children inherit everything

• Spouse only (no children): Spouse inherits everything

• Parents only: Parents inherit everything

• Siblings only: Siblings inherit everything

• Spouse + shared children: Spouse inherits everything

• Spouse + at least one child not shared with spouse:

  • Spouse inherits half of separate property

  • Children inherit the other half, including the decedent’s share of community property

To ensure your property goes to the people you choose, it’s essential to create a legally valid Wisconsin will.

Does a will need to be recorded in Wisconsin?

Not during your lifetime. A Wisconsin will is recorded only after death, once it’s filed with the probate court. Once recorded, it becomes public record.

Until then, your will is a private document—and should be stored securely and shared only with your executor or trusted loved ones.

How do you make an online will in Wisconsin?

At Trust & Will, we simplify the process of creating a will in Wisconsin by providing a platform that’s easy to use, legally compliant, and backed by expert guidance.

Here’s how it works:

1. Answer a few simple questions about your assets and wishes

2. Download or ship your customized legal documents

3. Sign and notarize or witness your will according to Wisconsin law

You’ll also have the option to store your will digitally, update it as needed, and access unlimited member support along the way.

At Trust & Will, we keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement  options today!

Is there a question here we didn’t answer? Browse more topics in our learn center, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page,  or chat with our member support!

Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.