Wisconsin § 766.51 - Management and control of property of spouses.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 766.51 — Management and control of property of spouses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 766.51. Management and control of property of spouses.
766.51(1) (1) A spouse acting alone may manage and control: 766.51(1)(a) (a) That spouse’s property that is not marital property. 766.51(1)(am) (am) Except as provided in subs. (2) and (3) , marital property held in that spouse’s name alone or not held in the name of either spouse. 766.51(1)(b) (b) Marital property held in the names of both spouses in the alternative, including marital property held in a form designating the holder by the words “(name of one spouse) or (name of other spouse)”. 766.51(1)(d) (d) A policy of insurance if that spouse is designated as the owner on the records of the policy issuer. 766.51(1)(e) (e) Any right of an employee under a deferred employment benefit plan that accrues as a result of that spouse’s employment. 766.51(1)(f) (f) A claim for relief vested in that spouse by other law. 766.51(1m) (1m) 766.51(1m)(a) (a) Notwithstanding any provision in this section except par. (b) , for the purpose of obtaining an extension of credit for an obligation described under s. 766.55 (2) (b) , a spouse acting alone may manage and control all of the marital property. 766.51(1m)(b) (b) Unless the spouse acting alone may otherwise under this section manage and control the property, the right to manage and control marital property under this subsection does not include the right to manage and control marital property described in s. 766.70 (3) (a) to (d) or the right to assign, create a security interest in, mortgage or otherwise encumber marital property. 766.51(2) (2) Spouses may manage and control marital property held in the names of both spouses other than in the alternative only if they act together. 766.51(3) (3) The right to manage and control marital property transferred to a trust is determined by the terms of the trust. 766.51(4) (4) The right to manage and control marital property permits gifts of that property, subject to remedies under this chapter. 766.51(5) (5) The right to manage and control marital property does not determine the classification of property of the spouses and does not rebut the presumption under s. 766.31 (2) . 766.51(6) (6) The enactment of this chapter does not affect the right to manage and control any property of either or both spouses acquired before the determination date. 766.51(7) (7) A court may appoint a conservator or guardian under ch. 54 to exercise a disabled spouse’s right to manage and control marital property. 766.51(8) (8) This section does not affect s. 706.02 (1) (f) . 766.51(9) (9) If an executory contract for the sale of property is entered into by a person having the right of management and control of the property, the rights of all persons then having or thereafter acquiring an interest in the property under this chapter are subject to the terms of the executory contract. This subsection applies to contracts entered into before or after the determination date. 766.51(10) (10) At the death of a spouse if property described under s. 766.70 (3) (a) , (aL) , (b) , or (d) is held by either spouse, but not in the names of both spouses, such property may be subject to the management and control of the holding spouse as provided under s.
Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 766.51
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 766.51 cover?
Section 766.51 ("Management and control of property of spouses.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 766.51?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 766.51" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 766.51 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.