How Probate Works in Wyoming
Wyoming doubled both its summary-probate and small-estate-affidavit thresholds to $400,000, effective for deaths on or after July 1, 2025, and unlike its Rocky Mountain neighbors, publication of creditor notice is mandatory here, not optional.
Probate court
District Court
Typical timeframe
5–12 months typical; summary distribution often 2–4 months
Small-estate affidavit limit
$400,000
Simplified probate limit
$400,000
Creditor claim deadline
90 days
Community property state
No
Does Wyoming require probate?
Probate runs through the District Court. Wyoming raised both of its dollar-gated shortcuts from $200,000 to $400,000 for deaths on or after July 1, 2025 — a genuinely recent change worth checking against the date of death.
How to avoid full probate in Wyoming
- Summary distribution — a court-filed procedure covering real and personal property up to $400,000, generally faster than full administration.
- Small-estate affidavit — a true no-court process for personal property only, up to $400,000, available 30 days after death.
The probate process in Wyoming
Full administration above $400,000 runs through the District Court in the ordinary course, generally 5–12 months for an uncontested estate.
Creditor claims in Wyoming
Wyoming requires publication of notice to creditors — it isn't optional as it is in some other states. Creditors then have 3 months from first publication to file a claim, or it's forever barred.
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Start your free action plan →Frequently asked questions
I heard Wyoming's small-estate limit was $200,000 — is that still right?
No — it doubled to $400,000 for anyone who died on or after July 1, 2025. For deaths before that date, the older $200,000 figure applies.
Do I have to publish a notice to creditors, or is it optional?
In Wyoming, publication is mandatory, unlike some neighboring states where it's optional. Creditors then have 3 months from first publication to file a claim.
Can the small-estate affidavit cover a house?
No — the no-court affidavit covers personal property only. Real property up to $400,000 can be transferred through the summary distribution procedure instead, which does involve a court filing.
Related guides
Probate in other states
Wyoming figures checked against Wyoming Statutes §2-1-201 and §2-1-205 (Official) on July 24, 2026. Probate rules, thresholds, and deadlines change and are frequently adjusted for inflation; confirm current figures before relying on them. Estate Assist provides general information, not legal, financial, or tax advice.