Probate in Wyoming
Wyoming probate is administered in the District Court of the county where the deceased resided. Wyoming follows the Uniform Probate Code and allows informal (unsupervised) administration in most cases. Wyoming is known for its favorable trust and estate laws.
Wyoming probate typically takes 4–9 months — one of the faster timelines in the country, aided by Wyoming's high simplified estate threshold.
Simplified estate procedures
Wyoming allows a small estate affidavit for personal property of $200,000 or less — one of the highest thresholds in the country. This means a large proportion of Wyoming estates can bypass formal probate entirely. The affidavit is available 30 days after death.
Wyoming authorizes transfer on death deeds for real property.
Death certificates
Wyoming death certificates are issued by the Wyoming Department of Health (WYDOH) Vital Records Services. The cost is $13 per certified copy. Order through WYDOH or VitalChek.
Order at least 10–12 certified copies when the funeral home files the initial certificate.
Estate and inheritance tax
- State estate tax: Wyoming has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax — one of the most favorable estate tax environments in the country.
The federal estate tax applies only to estates above $13.61 million (2024 threshold).
Notable rules
- $200,000 small estate threshold: Wyoming's $200,000 simplified estate threshold is among the highest in the country, allowing the vast majority of Wyoming estates to bypass formal probate.
- Favorable trust laws: Wyoming is a top jurisdiction for trust formation, with strong dynasty trust, asset protection trust, and privacy laws.
- No estate tax: Wyoming has no estate or inheritance tax.
- Creditor claim period: 3 months from the date of first publication of notice to creditors.
Key contacts
- Wyoming vital records: health.wyo.gov/administration/office-of-vital-records
- Wyoming Judicial Branch probate: courts.state.wy.us
- Wyoming State Bar lawyer referral: wyomingbar.org