700.22(1)(1)
700.22(1)(a)(a) In this subsection, “deposits” include checking accounts or instruments deposited into or drawn on checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, investment shares or any other form of deposit.
700.22(1)(b)(b) Nothing in ss. 700.17 to 700.21 governs the determination of rights to deposits in banks, building and loan associations, savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions or other financial institutions.
700.22(2)(2)Nothing in ss. 700.17 to 700.21 applies to United States obligations to the extent they are governed by law of the United States.
700.22(3)(3)Nothing in ss. 700.17 to 700.21 governs the transfer of interest in a vehicle for purposes of s. 342.15 (1) (d).
700.22 HistoryHistory: 1971 c. 66; 1991 a. 221; 1995 a. 421; 1999 a. 85.
700.22 Cross-referenceCross-reference: See ch. 705 for provisions applicable to multiple party accounts.
700.22 AnnotationThere is no sound reason for ascribing to joint checking accounts the attributes of a common-law joint tenancy other than survivorship. No tracing of assets is permissible. Estates of Beisbier, 47 Wis. 2d 409, 177 N.W.2d 919 (1970).
700.23700.23Liability among cotenants for rents and profits.
700.23(1)(1)The provisions of this section apply only in the absence of a valid agreement to the contrary between the cotenants. As used in this section, “proportionate share” means a share determined by the number of joint tenants, in the case of a joint tenancy, and the extent of a tenant in common’s undivided interest, in the case of a tenancy in common.
700.23(2)(2)If land belonging to 2 or more cotenants is rented to a 3rd person, any cotenant may recover that cotenant’s proportionate share of the net rents collected by another cotenant after deduction of property taxes, maintenance costs and any other proper charges relating to the property.
700.23(3)(3)If land belonging to such cotenants is occupied by one cotenant and not by another, any cotenant not occupying the premises may recover from the occupying cotenant:
700.23(3)(a)(a) A proportionate share of the reasonable rental value of the land accruing after written demand for rent if the occupying tenant manifests an intent to occupy the premises to the exclusion of the other cotenant or cotenants;
700.23(3)(b)(b) A proportionate share of the net profits if the occupying cotenant engages in mining, cutting of timber, removal of sand or gravel, or any similar operation resulting in diminution of the value of the premises. In such a case, the occupying cotenant must render an accounting to the other cotenant, showing all receipts and expenditures, and is entitled to deduct a reasonable amount for the value of services provided by the occupying cotenant; but any other cotenant may in the alternative elect to recover that cotenant’s proportionate share of the amount which that cotenant can prove would have been received by licensing a 3rd party to carry on the same operation.
700.23(4)(4)If one cotenant has leased the premises from another cotenant, upon expiration of the lease it is presumed that the cotenant who has leased the premises from the other cotenant continues to hold over as provided in s. 704.25, unless that cotenant gives to the other cotenant prior to the expiration of the lease a written notice to the contrary, by one of the methods under s. 704.21.
700.23 HistoryHistory: 1971 c. 66; 1991 a. 316.
700.23 AnnotationSub. (3) does not control all cases in which a nonoccupying cotenant asserts a claim against a cotenant in possession, and does not apply when a tenant has not been ousted from the property. Klawitter v. Klawitter, 2001 WI App 16, 240 Wis. 2d 685, 623 N.W.2d 169, 00-1464.
700.24700.24Death of a joint tenant; effect of liens. A real estate mortgage, a security interest under ch. 409, or a lien under s. 72.86 (2), 1985 stats., or s. 71.91 (5) (b), or ch. 49 or 779 on or against the interest of a joint tenant does not defeat the right of survivorship in the event of the death of such joint tenant, but the surviving joint tenant or tenants take the interest such deceased joint tenant could have transferred prior to death subject to such mortgage, security interest, or statutory lien.
700.24 AnnotationThe docketing of a judgment creates a lien upon the debtor’s interest in joint tenancy property, but it does not, without levy and execution, sever the joint tenancy. If the debtor dies following docketing of the judgment, but prior to execution, the surviving joint tenant takes the entire interest in the property free of the judgment lien, as the debtor’s interest in the property that was subject to the lien has been extinguished. Northern State Bank v. Toal, 69 Wis. 2d 50, 230 N.W.2d 153 (1975).
700.24 AnnotationA decedent’s one-half interest in joint property that was subject to a federal tax lien against the decedent becomes encumbered with the tax lien when it passes to the survivor. U.S. v. Librizzi, 108 F.3d 136 (1997).
700.25700.25Applicability of chapter. This chapter applies to interests in property in existence on July 1, 1971, and to interests in property created after such date. If application of any provision of this chapter to an interest in property in existence on July 1, 1971, is unconstitutional, it shall not affect application of the provision to an interest in property created after July 1, 1971.
700.26700.26Applicability of general transfers at death provisions. Chapter 854 applies to a transfer at death under an instrument of transfer.
700.26 HistoryHistory: 1997 a. 188.
700.27700.27Disclaimer of transfers during life.
700.27(1)(1)Definitions. In this section:
700.27(1)(a)(a) “Beneficiary under an inter vivos governing instrument” includes any person who receives or might receive property under the terms or legal effect of an inter vivos governing instrument.
700.27(1)(b)(b) “Extrinsic evidence” has the meaning given in s. 854.01 (1).
700.27(1)(c)(c) “Inter vivos governing instrument”:
700.27(1)(c)1.1. Means a gratuitous deed, inter vivos trust instrument, insurance policy, contract, inter vivos instrument that creates or exercises a power of appointment, or any other dispositive, appointive, or nominative instrument that transfers property other than a governing instrument as defined in s. 854.01 (2).
700.27(1)(c)2.2. Includes an inter vivos gift that is not subject to a written instrument.
700.27(1)(d)(d) “Power of appointment” has the meaning given in s. 702.102 (15).
700.27(2)(2)Right to disclaim.
700.27(2)(a)(a) In general.
700.27(2)(a)1.1. In this paragraph, “person” includes a person who is unborn or whose identity is unascertained.
700.27(2)(a)2.2. A person who is a recipient of property or beneficiary under an inter vivos governing instrument, donee of a power of appointment created by an inter vivos governing instrument, appointee under a power of appointment exercised by an inter vivos governing instrument, taker in default under a power of appointment created by an inter vivos governing instrument, or person succeeding to disclaimed property created by an inter vivos governing instrument may disclaim any property, including contingent or future interests or the right to receive discretionary distributions, by delivering a written instrument of disclaimer under this section.
700.27(2)(b)(b) Partial disclaimer. Property transferred under an inter vivos governing instrument may be disclaimed in whole or in part, except that a partial disclaimer of property passing by an inter vivos governing instrument or by the exercise of a power of appointment may not be made if partial disclaimer is expressly prohibited by the inter vivos governing instrument or by the instrument exercising the power of appointment.
700.27(2)(c)(c) Spendthrift provision. The right to disclaim exists notwithstanding any limitation on the interest of the disclaimant in the nature of a spendthrift provision or similar restriction.
700.27(2)(d)(d) Disclaimer by a guardian or conservator. A guardian of the estate or a conservator appointed under ch. 880, 2003 stats., or ch. 54 may disclaim on behalf of his or her ward, with court approval, if the ward is entitled to disclaim under this section.
700.27(2)(e)(e) Disclaimer by an agent under power of attorney. An agent under a power of attorney may disclaim on behalf of the person who granted the power of attorney if all of the following apply:
700.27(2)(e)1.1. The person who granted the power of attorney is entitled to disclaim under this section.
700.27(2)(e)2.2. The power of attorney specifically grants the power to disclaim.
700.27(2)(f)(f) Disclaimer by trustee. The trustee of a trust named as a recipient of property under an inter vivos governing instrument may disclaim that property on behalf of the trust if the trust authorizes disclaimer by the trustee. If the trust does not authorize disclaimer by the trustee, the trustee’s power to disclaim is subject to the approval of the court.
700.27(2)(g)(g) After death. A person’s right to disclaim survives the person’s death and may be exercised by the person’s personal representative or special administrator upon receiving approval from the court having jurisdiction of the person’s estate after hearing upon notice to all persons interested in the disclaimed property, if the personal representative or special administrator has not taken any action that would bar the right to disclaim under sub. (9).
700.27(2)(h)(h) Disclaimers of transfers at death. A person who is a recipient of property under a governing instrument, as defined in s. 854.01 (2), may disclaim the property as provided in s. 854.13.
700.27(3)(3)Instrument of disclaimer. The instrument of disclaimer must meet the provisions of subs. (4) and (5) and s. 854.13 (3) (a) to (c).
700.27(4)(4)Time for effective disclaimer.
700.27(4)(a)(a) Present interest. An instrument disclaiming a present interest shall be executed and delivered not later than 9 months after the effective date of the transfer under the inter vivos governing instrument. For cause shown, the period may be extended by a court of competent jurisdiction, either within or after the 9-month period, for such additional time as the court considers just.
700.27(4)(b)(b) Future interest. An instrument disclaiming a future interest shall be executed and delivered not later than 9 months after the event that determines that the taker of the property is finally ascertained and his or her interest indefeasibly fixed. For cause shown, the period may be extended by a court of competent jurisdiction, either within or after the 9-month period, for such additional time as the court considers just.
700.27(4)(c)(c) Future right to income or principal. Notwithstanding pars. (a) and (b), an instrument disclaiming the future right to receive discretionary or mandatory distributions of income or principal from any source may be executed and delivered at any time.
700.27(4)(d)(d) Persons under 21. Notwithstanding pars. (a) and (b), a person under 21 years of age may disclaim at any time not later than 9 months after the date on which the person attains 21 years of age.
700.27(4)(e)(e) Interests arising by disclaimer. Notwithstanding pars. (a) and (b), a person whose interest in property arises by disclaimer or by default of exercise of a power of appointment created by an inter vivos governing instrument may disclaim at any time not later than 9 months after the day on which the prior instrument of disclaimer is delivered, or the date on which the donee’s power of appointment lapses.
700.27(5)(5)Delivery and filing of disclaimer.
700.27(5)(a)(a) Delivery. In addition to any requirements imposed by the inter vivos governing instrument, the instrument of disclaimer is effective only if, within the time specified under sub. (4), it is delivered to and received by any of the following:
700.27(5)(a)1.1. The transferor of the property disclaimed.
700.27(5)(a)2.2. The transferor’s legal representative.
700.27(5)(a)3.3. The holder of legal title to the property.
700.27(5)(b)(b) Delivery to trustee. If the trustee of any trust to which the interest or power of appointment relates does not receive the instrument of disclaimer under par. (a), a copy shall also be delivered to the trustee. Failure to deliver a copy of the instrument of disclaimer to the trustee within the time specified under sub. (4) does not affect the validity of any disclaimer.
700.27(5)(c)(c) Recording. If real property or an interest in real property is disclaimed, a copy of the instrument of disclaimer may be recorded in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which the real estate is situated.
700.27(6)(6)Property not vested. The property disclaimed under this section shall be considered not to have been vested in, created in, or transferred to the disclaimant.
700.27(7)(7)Devolution.
700.27(7)(a)(a) In general. Subject to sub. (8), unless the inter vivos governing instrument provides otherwise, either expressly or as construed from extrinsic evidence, the disclaimed property devolves as if the disclaimant had died before the effective date of the transfer under the inter vivos governing instrument. If the disclaimed interest is a remainder contingent on surviving to the time of distribution, the disclaimed interest passes as if the disclaimant had died immediately before the time for distribution. If the disclaimant is an appointee under a power of appointment exercised by an inter vivos governing instrument, the disclaimed property devolves as if the disclaimant had died before the effective date of the exercise of the power of appointment. If the disclaimant is a taker in default under a power of appointment created by an inter vivos governing instrument, the disclaimed property devolves as if the disclaimant had predeceased the donee of the power of appointment.
700.27(7)(b)(b) Devolution to issue of the disclaimants. Unless the inter vivos governing instrument provides otherwise, either expressly or as construed from extrinsic evidence, if, by law or under the inter vivos governing instrument, the issue of the disclaimant would share in the disclaimed interest by any method of representation had the disclaimant died before the time the disclaimed interest would have taken effect in possession or enjoyment, the disclaimed interest passes only to the issue of the disclaimant who survive when the disclaimed interest takes effect in possession or enjoyment.
700.27(7)(c)(c) Disclaimer of a devisable future interest.
700.27(7)(c)1.1. In this paragraph, “devisable future interest” is a future interest that can be passed under the will of the person who holds the future interest.
700.27(7)(c)2.2. If the disclaimed interest is a devisable future interest under the law governing the transfer, then the disclaimed interest devolves as if it were a nondevisable future interest.
700.27(8)(8)Acceleration of subsequent interests when preceding interest is disclaimed.
700.27(8)(a)(a) Subsequent interest not held by disclaimant. Unless the inter vivos governing instrument provides otherwise, either expressly or as construed from extrinsic evidence, upon the disclaimer of a preceding interest, a subsequent interest not held by the disclaimant and limited to take effect in possession or enjoyment after the termination of the interest that is disclaimed accelerates to take effect as if the disclaimant had died immediately before the time when the disclaimed interest would have taken effect in possession or enjoyment or, if the disclaimant is an appointee under a power of appointment and that power of appointment has been exercised, as if the disclaimant had died before the effective date of the exercise of the power of appointment.
700.27(8)(b)(b) Subsequent interest held by disclaimant. Unless the inter vivos governing instrument provides otherwise, either expressly or as construed from extrinsic evidence, upon the disclaimer of a preceding interest, a subsequent interest held by the disclaimant does not accelerate.
700.27(9)(9)Bar. Actions that bar disclaimer are as provided in s. 854.13 (11g).
700.27(10)(10)Effect of disclaimer or waiver. The effect of the disclaimer on the disclaimant and any successors in interest is as provided in s. 854.13 (11p).
700.27(11)(11)Nonexclusiveness of remedy.
700.27(11)(a)(a) This section does not affect the right of a person to waive, release, disclaim, or renounce property under any other statute or the common law, or as provided in the creating instrument.
700.27(11)(b)(b) Any disclaimer that meets the requirements of section 2518 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the requirements of any other federal law relating to disclaimers, constitutes an effective disclaimer under this section or s. 854.13.
700.27(12)(12)Construction of effective date. In this section, the effective date of a transfer under an inter vivos governing instrument is the date on which the transfer is a completed gift for federal gift tax purposes.
700.27 HistoryHistory: 2005 a. 216; 2009 a. 180; 2013 a. 92; 2023 a. 127.
700.28700.28Prohibiting unreasonable restrictions on alienation of property.
700.28(1)(1)In this section, “political subdivision” means a city, village, town, or county.
700.28(2)(2)A political subdivision may not prohibit or unreasonably restrict a real property owner from alienating any interest in the real property.
700.28 HistoryHistory: 2015 a. 391.
700.35700.35Renewable energy resource easements. In this section, “renewable energy resource easement” means an easement which limits the height or location, or both, of permissible development on the burdened land in terms of a structure or vegetation, or both, for the purpose of providing access for the benefited land to wind or sunlight passing over the burdened land. Every renewable energy resource easement shall be in writing and shall be subject to the same conveyancing and instrument recording requirements as other easements. Renewable energy resource easements shall run with the land benefited and burdened unless otherwise expressly stated therein.
700.35 HistoryHistory: 1981 c. 354.
700.40700.40Uniform conservation easement act.
700.40(1)(1)Definitions. In this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
700.40(1)(a)(a) “Conservation easement” means a holder’s nonpossessory interest in real property imposing any limitation or affirmative obligation the purpose of which includes retaining or protecting natural, scenic or open space values of real property, assuring the availability of real property for agricultural, forest, recreational or open space use, protecting natural resources, maintaining or enhancing air or water quality, preserving a burial site, as defined in s. 157.70 (1) (b), or preserving the historical, architectural, archaeological or cultural aspects of real property.
700.40(1)(b)(b) “Holder” means either of the following:
700.40(1)(b)1.1. Any governmental body empowered to hold an interest in real property under the laws of this state or the United States.
700.40(1)(b)2.2. Any charitable corporation, charitable association or charitable trust, the purposes or powers of which include retaining or protecting the natural, scenic or open space values of real property, assuring the availability of real property for agricultural, forest, recreational or open space use, protecting natural resources, maintaining or enhancing air or water quality, or preserving the historical, architectural, archaeological or cultural aspects of real property.
700.40(1)(c)(c) “Third-party enforcement right” means a right provided in a conservation easement empowering a governmental body, charitable corporation, charitable association or charitable trust, which, although eligible to be a holder, is not a holder, to enforce any term of the easement.
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2023-24 Wisconsin Statutes updated through all Supreme Court and Controlled Substances Board Orders filed before and in effect on January 1, 2025. Published and certified under s. 35.18. Changes effective after January 1, 2025, are designated by NOTES. (Published 1-1-25)