Special provisions in will; personal representative’s duty to persons interested
Wis. Stat. § 860.11
in effect(1) Restriction. Except as under sub. (4) if the will of the decedent contains provisions which restrict the freedom of the personal representative to sell, mortgage or lease property, the personal representative breaches the personal representative’s duty to the persons interested if the personal representative sells, mortgages or leases the property other than in accordance with the restrictions.
(2) Specific bequest. Except as under sub. (4) if the will of the decedent contains a specific bequest of property, the personal representative breaches the personal representative’s duty to the specific beneficiary if the personal representative makes a lease of the property for a period which exceeds one year or mortgages or sells the property unless the specific beneficiary joins in the lease, mortgage or sale.
(3) Prohibition. Except as under sub. (4) if the will of the decedent contains provisions which prohibit the sale, mortgage or lease of property by the personal representative, the personal representative breaches the personal representative’s duty to the persons interested if the personal representative sells, mortgages or leases such property.
(4) Court may order sale, mortgage or lease. If the will of the decedent contains limitations described in sub. (1), (2) or (3) and the personal representative is unable to pay the allowances, expenses of administration and claims while complying with the limitations in the will, the court shall order the personal representative to sell, mortgage or lease the property in accordance with the appropriate terms and conditions of an order made after petition and hearing on notice given under s. 879.03 to all persons interested and all creditors of the estate.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/860.11Fetched: 10/7/2026