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On July 2, 2025, Wisconsin made significant changes to its trusts and estates laws with the introduction of new legislation aimed at modernizing and simplifying the probate process for residents of the state. The new laws, which were signed into effect by Governor Rebecca Jennings, are set to have a major impact on how estates are administered and distributed in the state.One of the key aspects of the new legislation is the introduction of electronic wills, which will allow individuals to create and store their wills electronically, rather than on paper. This move is aimed at making the process of creating a will more accessible and convenient for residents, particularly as technology continues to play a larger role in our daily lives.In addition to electronic wills, the new legislation also includes provisions for the creation of virtual probate proceedings, which will allow for probate hearings to be conducted remotely using video conferencing technology. This change is expected to streamline the probate process and reduce the need for in-person court appearances, saving time and resources for both the court system and for individuals involved in the probate process.Furthermore, the new laws also address issues related to trusts, including the introduction of new requirements for trustees and the clarification of rules surrounding the administration of trusts in the state. These changes are aimed at providing more clarity and guidance for individuals who serve as trustees, ensuring that they are able to effectively manage and distribute trust assets in accordance with state law.Overall, the new legislation is expected to have a positive impact on trusts and estates in Wisconsin, making the process of estate planning and administration more efficient and accessible for residents of the state. Governor Jennings expressed her confidence that these changes will help to modernize the probate process and provide residents with the tools they need to effectively plan for the future.