Wisconsin § 853.34 - Transfers to testamentary trusts.

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 853.34 — Transfers to testamentary trusts., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 853.34. Transfers to testamentary trusts.

853.34(1) (1) Testamentary transfer to trust of another. A transfer or appointment by will shall not be held invalid because it is made to a trust created, or to be created, under the will of another person if the will of such other person was executed, or was last modified with respect to the terms of such trust, prior to the death of the person making the transfer or appointment and such other person’s will is admitted to probate prior to, or within 2 years after, the death of the person making the transfer or appointment. Property included in such a transfer or appointment shall not be considered property subject to administration as part of the other person’s estate but shall pass directly to that other person’s testamentary trustee, be added to the designated trust and administered as a part thereof. 853.34(2) (2) Invalid testamentary transfer. If such a transfer or appointment by will is not accepted by the testamentary trustee of such other person or if no will of such other person which meets the conditions specified in sub. (1) is admitted to probate within the period therein limited, and if the will containing such transfer or appointment by will makes no alternative disposition of the assets, the will shall be construed as creating a trust upon the terms contained in the documents constituting the will of such other person as of the date of death of the person making the transfer or appointment by will. 853.34(3) (3) Assets transferred to trusts created by will. If a trustee of a trust created by a testator’s will is designated as the beneficiary of a transfer under another governing instrument, as defined in s. 854.01 (2) , at the death of the testator or at the death of a 3rd party, the transfer of any assets under that other governing instrument to the trustee does not cause the transferred assets to be included in the property administered as part of the testator’s estate. The transferred assets are not subject to taxes, debts, or charges enforceable against the testator’s estate to any greater extent than if the proceeds were payable to a beneficiary other than the testator’s estate. 853.34 History History: 1971 c. 66 ; Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 777 (1975); 1975 c. 218 ; 1987 a. 27 ; 1989 a. 278 ; 1991 a. 316 ; 2013 a. 92 ss. 153 , 154 , 331 ; Stats. 2013 s. 853.34.

Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 853.34

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 853.34 cover?

Section 853.34 ("Transfers to testamentary trusts.") 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 § 853.34?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 853.34" (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 § 853.34 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.