Transfers to trusts
Wis. Stat. § 701.0419
in effect(1) Validity and effect. The order of execution of a trust instrument and a will or other instrument purporting to transfer or appoint property to the trust evidenced by the trust instrument shall be disregarded in determining the validity of the transfer or appointment. No reference in any will to a trust shall cause assets in such trust to be included in property administered as part of the testator’s estate.
(2) Governing terms. Property transferred or appointed by a will or by a beneficiary designation under an employee benefit plan, life insurance policy, or online tool, as defined in s. 711.03 (18), or other instrument permitting designation of a beneficiary to a trust, shall be administered in accordance with the terms of the trust as the terms of the trust may have been modified prior to the testator’s or designator’s death, even though the will, beneficiary designation, online tool, or other instrument was not reexecuted or republished after exercise of the power to modify, unless the will, beneficiary designation, online tool, or other instrument expressly provides otherwise.
(3) Disposition when no existing trust. If at the death of a testator a trust has been completely revoked, or otherwise terminated, a provision in the testator’s will purporting to transfer or appoint property to the trust shall have the following effect, unless the will provides otherwise:
(a) If the testator was a necessary party to the revocation or other termination of the trust, the provision in the testator’s will shall be invalid.
(b) If the testator was not a necessary party to the revocation or other termination of such trust, the provision in the testator’s will shall be deemed to create a trust upon the terms of the trust instrument at the time the will was executed or as otherwise provided where sub. (2) is applicable.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/701.0419Fetched: 10/7/2026