Probate Lawyers in Marinette, Wisconsin
Losing a loved one is never easy, and managing an estate during a time of grief can add significant stress. Families are often faced with complex questions about wills, trusts, and court procedures when they are least prepared to handle them. Having knowledgeable probate attorneys by your side can help ease this burden, providing clarity while protecting both assets and family relationships.
Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C., guides clients through every stage of probate administration. The firm offers support with estate settlement, trust administration, and representation in probate court, helping families understand their rights and responsibilities throughout the process.
Based in Marinette, Wisconsin, Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C., proudly serves clients across Wisconsin and Michigan. If you are dealing with probate or need assistance managing an estate, contact the firm today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Wisconsin's Probate Code and What It Means for You
Probate in Wisconsin is governed primarily by the Wisconsin Probate Code, found in the Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 851. These laws outline how a decedent’s property is managed, distributed, and administered.
When a person passes away with a will, the named personal representative (executor) is responsible for managing the estate under court supervision. Without a will, Wisconsin intestacy laws determine who inherits property. This default distribution may not match the decedent’s intentions.
An experienced attorney can assist with challenges such as creditor claims, disputes among heirs, and complex assets, such as real estate or business holdings. Wisconsin law allows court approval in these situations, and having skilled representation helps clients handle proceedings while safeguarding estate assets.
Dealing with Probate?
Why Families Choose Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C.
Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C., combines decades of legal experience with strong local knowledge. Attorney Steve E. Wolfe has served the Marinette and Menominee communities for more than 30 years.
He graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1988 after earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Over his career, he has guided countless families through probate, estate planning, real estate, and business matters.
Attorney Caleb J. Kleiman joined the firm as an associate in 2023 after graduating from Marquette University Law School. He purchased the firm in January 2025, forming Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C. Together, they offer both seasoned experience and fresh perspectives in handling probate matters for local and regional clients.
Comprehensive Probate and Estate Planning Services
Probate involves multiple legal and administrative tasks. Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C., offers a full range of services to guide clients through every step, making the process more manageable. The firm's probate services include:
Estate administration: Probate attorneys help personal representatives fulfill their duties—organizing assets, paying debts, and distributing property under Wisconsin law—while easing the burden on families.
Will validation: Submitting and defending wills in court. The firm takes steps to confirm that the decedent’s wishes are properly recognized and upheld. They also address any challenges or disputes that may arise, protecting the estate from unnecessary delays.
Trust administration: Managing trust assets according to the decedent’s wishes. They coordinate with trustees to comply with the trust's terms and distribute funds to beneficiaries. Their guidance helps prevent mismanagement and potential conflicts among heirs.
Creditor claims: Reviewing and responding to claims against the estate. Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C., helps determine which claims are valid and negotiates settlements when appropriate. This protects the estate’s assets and makes sure creditors are treated fairly under Wisconsin law.
Dispute resolution: Assisting families with contested estates. They provide mediation and legal representation when disagreements arise between heirs or beneficiaries. By addressing conflicts professionally, they help maintain family relationships while resolving estate matters efficiently.
In addition to guiding clients through probate, Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C. provides related legal services that help families address all aspects of estate management. These services complement probate work and give clients a more complete solution for protecting assets, planning for the future, and managing property or business interests:
Estate planning services: Assisting with drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives to protect assets and family members. These documents help clarify a person’s wishes and reduce potential conflicts among heirs. By integrating estate planning with probate support, clients gain continuity and peace of mind.
Real estate law services: Handling residential and commercial property transfers, land contracts, and leases related to the estate. This confirms that all property matters are addressed accurately and efficiently. Their guidance can prevent disputes or delays when transferring real estate during probate.
Business law services: Assisting with succession planning, business transfers, and other business-related legal matters during probate. They help maintain business continuity and protect the value of family-owned enterprises. By coordinating business and probate matters, clients can achieve smoother transitions and preserve their professional legacies.
With these services, the firm helps families avoid court delays, manage assets, and maintain peace among heirs. Their focus is on making probate as straightforward as possible while protecting client interests.
Guidance for Blended Families and Special Situations
Probate can be more complicated for blended families, second marriages, or estates with unique assets. Wisconsin law defaults may not align with the decedent’s intentions, potentially creating conflict among heirs. Probate lawyers can clarify rights and responsibilities, helping families reach fair outcomes.
For example, in a blended family, one spouse may inherit part of the estate while children from a previous marriage receive the remainder. Probate lawyers can guide the administration to accurately reflect these intentions. By addressing these details, Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C. helps families protect the decedent’s wishes and avoid disputes.
Take the Next Step With Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C.
Settling an estate can be challenging, but probate lawyers make the process more manageable. Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C., assists clients from their Marinette, Wisconsin, office, serving families throughout Wisconsin and Michigan. Contact the firm today to get the support you need during this important time.