Advance Directive Form

Wisconsin’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and includes instructions on an individual’s health treatment and final disposition. The form must be signed by the individual, proxy, and two witnesses.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Only the deceased’s immediate family members, their legal representatives, and persons requiring a record for determination of a property right may obtain a death certificate in Wisconsin.

The following information is required for an application:

• Deceased’s name, date of birth, last occupation
• Names of deceased’s parents, including mother’s maiden name, and spouse if applicable
• Date and place of birth
• Applicant’s name, phone number, address, number of ID
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased with proof of the fact
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID

The certificate with one certified copy costs $20. An additional copy ordered at the same time costs $3.

The application should be mailed to:

State Vital Records Office
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701-0309

Or handed in person at:

1 West Wilson Street, Room 158
Madison, WI 53703

Digital Estate Planning Laws

AB 695 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on April 1, 2016.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Wisconsin currently has no legislation regarding assisted death. Updates on this matter can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

Wisconsin’s organ donation registry can be found here.

Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST)

Wisconsin’s POST form must be obtained directly from your physician.

This form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Wisconsin’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Chapters 851-882: Probate Code.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Wisconsin has no estate or inheritance tax. More information can be found at the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue official site.