Wyoming Probate Petition Forms and Filing Fees by County

Filing a probate petition in Wyoming is one of the first legal steps you take after someone passes away. But figuring out which forms to use and how much it costs can be confusing especially because Wyoming probate petition forms and filing fees vary by county. The state doesn't use a single statewide probate court system with uniform pricing. Each of Wyoming's 23 counties sets its own fees, and the exact forms accepted can differ slightly from one courthouse to the next. Getting this wrong means delays, rejected filings, and extra trips to the courthouse.

What Is a Probate Petition in Wyoming?

A probate petition is the formal legal document you file with the court to open a probate case. It asks the court to recognize a will (if one exists), appoint a personal representative, and begin the process of settling a deceased person's estate. Without this filing, no one has the legal authority to collect assets, pay debts, or distribute property to heirs.

In Wyoming, probate cases are handled through the District Court in each county. There is no separate probate court. This is important because it means you file your petition at the clerk of the District Court in the county where the deceased person lived at the time of death.

If you're unsure about the full list of documents you'll need beyond the petition itself, our guide on what documents are needed to open probate in Wyoming covers the complete filing package.

Where Do You Get Wyoming Probate Petition Forms?

Wyoming does not provide standardized, fill-in-the-blank probate petition forms through a single state website. Here's how people typically find the right forms:

County Clerk of District Court offices Many counties maintain their own set of probate forms at the courthouse. You can request them in person or sometimes by phone.
Wyoming Judicial Branch website The Wyoming Supreme Court website offers some self-help resources and form packets, though availability varies.
Legal aid organizations Groups like Wyoming Legal Aid sometimes provide form templates for people handling probate without a lawyer.
An attorney's office If you hire a probate attorney, they will prepare the petition for you using forms they already have.

Because forms differ by county, always confirm with your local clerk's office that you're using the correct version before you fill anything out.

How Much Does It Cost to File a Probate Petition in Wyoming?

Filing fees for a probate petition in Wyoming typically range from $70 to $150, depending on the county. Some counties charge additional fees for certified copies, service of process, or other court filings made during the probate case.

Here's a general breakdown of what to expect across Wyoming's counties. Note that these figures reflect common fee ranges as of 2024 and can change always verify with the clerk's office before filing:

Larger Wyoming Counties

Laramie County (Cheyenne) Approximately $100–$120 for the initial probate petition filing
Natrona County (Casper) Approximately $90–$110
Campbell County (Gillette) Approximately $85–$100
Sweetwater County (Green River) Approximately $80–$100
Fremont County (Lander) Approximately $75–$100

Mid-Size and Smaller Wyoming Counties

Albany County (Laramie) Approximately $75–$95
Sheridan County (Sheridan) Approximately $75–$95
Uinta County (Evanston) Approximately $70–$90
Lincoln County (Kemmerer) Approximately $70–$85
Teton County (Jackson) Approximately $80–$100
Park County (Cody) Approximately $70–$90
Big Horn County (Basin) Approximately $65–$85
Converse County (Douglas) Approximately $65–$85
Goshen County (Torrington) Approximately $65–$85
Hot Springs County (Thermopolis) Approximately $60–$80
Johnson County (Buffalo) Approximately $65–$85
Crook County (Sundance) Approximately $60–$80
Platte County (Wheatland) Approximately $60–$80
Washakie County (Worland) Approximately $60–$80
Weston County (Newcastle) Approximately $60–$80
Niobrara County (Lusk) Approximately $55–$75
Carbon County (Rawlins) Approximately $70–$90
Sublette County (Pinedale) Approximately $65–$85

Additional Fees to Budget For

The petition filing fee is just one cost. Here are other common expenses during the probate process:

Certified copies of court orders Usually $5–$10 per copy
Publication of notice to creditors $40–$100, depending on the local newspaper
Service of process fees If you need to formally notify interested parties, costs vary
Bond premiums If the court requires the personal representative to post a surety bond
Death certificate copies $15–$25 each through the Wyoming Vital Statistics office

What Forms Do You Need for a Wyoming Probate Petition?

While the exact forms depend on your county and whether the deceased had a will, most Wyoming probate petitions require some version of these documents:

Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (testate with a will) or Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (intestate no will)
Death certificate (certified copy)
Original will (if one exists)
Oath of Personal Representative
Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration request
Notice to interested parties

For a detailed list with explanations of each document, see our breakdown of what documents are needed to open probate in Wyoming.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Probate Petition?

Wyoming does not require you to hire a lawyer for probate. Many people file probate petitions on their own, especially for straightforward estates with a clear will and cooperative heirs. However, Wyoming courts do expect you to follow proper legal procedures, and clerks at the courthouse are not allowed to give legal advice.

If you're planning to handle probate without an attorney, our step-by-step instructions on how to file probate documents in Wyoming without a lawyer walk you through the entire process.

What If the Person Died Without a Will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Wyoming, the probate petition process changes slightly. You file a petition for administration instead of a petition for probate of will. Wyoming's intestate succession laws then determine who inherits. A surviving spouse often has priority, but the rules depend on whether there are children, parents, or other relatives.

For a full walkthrough, see our guide on Wyoming intestate probate filing for a surviving spouse.

Can You Avoid Probate Entirely in Wyoming?

Not every estate needs probate. Wyoming has a small estate affidavit process that lets you collect certain assets without going through formal probate. If the total value of the estate's personal property is $200,000 or less (after subtracting liens and encumbrances) and there is no real estate, you may qualify.

This can save significant time and filing fees. Learn more about eligibility and the process in our guide to Wyoming small estate affidavit filing requirements.

Common Mistakes When Filing a Probate Petition in Wyoming

Here are the errors that cause the most problems at the courthouse:

Filing in the wrong county. You must file in the county where the deceased person resided. If they lived in Sheridan County, you file in Sheridan not where they died or where property is located.
Using outdated forms. Courts update their forms periodically. A form downloaded two years ago might get rejected today.
Forgetting the filing fee or bringing the wrong payment method. Some county clerks accept only cash or check no credit cards. Call ahead.
Not including a certified death certificate. A photocopy won't work. You need the official certified copy from the state or county vital records office.
Filing without the original will. If a will exists, Wyoming law requires the original to be filed with the court. A copy alone may not be accepted without additional legal steps.
Missing required signatures. The petition and oath of personal representative must be signed, and some counties require notarization.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Filing

Call the clerk's office before you go. Confirm fees, accepted payment methods, number of copies needed, and whether they have forms available.
Bring extra copies. Most clerks want the original plus at least two copies of the petition. Some want three.
Get multiple certified death certificates early. You'll need them for banks, insurance companies, and the court usually more than you expect.
Ask about e-filing. Some Wyoming counties now accept electronic filing for probate cases, which can speed things up.
Keep a filing receipt. The clerk will give you a stamped copy of your petition showing the case number. Guard it.

Checklist: What to Bring When Filing Your Probate Petition

✅ Completed probate petition form (correct version for your county)
✅ Original will (if one exists)
✅ Certified copy of the death certificate
✅ Oath of Personal Representative form (signed and notarized if required)
✅ Filing fee in the correct amount and accepted payment method
✅ At least two extra copies of every document
✅ A valid photo ID
✅ List of the deceased person's known heirs and beneficiaries with addresses
✅ A notepad write down the case number and any instructions from the clerk

Probate filing takes preparation, but once you have the right forms, the correct fee, and all your documents in order, the courthouse visit itself is usually straightforward. Start by contacting your county clerk of District Court to confirm exactly what they need, then work through the checklist above before your visit.