What is the small estate threshold in Wyoming?

Wyoming allows a Small Estate Affidavit for estates with personal property valued at $400,000 or less (Wyo. Stat. §§ 2-1-101 (short title "Wyoming Probate Code"), 2-1-201 (small estate affidavit, $400K, 30 days), 2-1-205 (summary distribution, $400K; 2 consecutive weeks publication), 2-2-401 (court filing fee $160 = $110 + $40 + $10, plus value-based fees), 2-3-102/2-3-111 (bond required/waivable), 2-6-122 (probate of will without administration), 2-7-201 (notice by publication, 3 consecutive weeks for full probate), 2-7-404 (appraisal by disinterested persons; no referee system), 2-7-703 (creditor nonclaim, 3 months from first publication), 2-7-801 (1-year completion policy), 2-7-803 (executor fees), 2-7-804 (attorney fees), 2-7-805 (fee allowance procedure); SF0104 2025 Enrolled Act 85 (threshold increase to $400K, eff. 7/1/2025); full Title 2 text from wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title02.pdf). There is a 30-day waiting period after the date of death before this procedure can be used.

How long does probate take in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, simple estates typically take 4-6 months. Average estates take 6-12 months. Complex estates with disputes or unusual assets can take 12-24 months or longer (Wyo. Stat. §§ 2-1-101 (short title "Wyoming Probate Code"), 2-1-201 (small estate affidavit, $400K, 30 days), 2-1-205 (summary distribution, $400K; 2 consecutive weeks publication), 2-2-401 (court filing fee $160 = $110 + $40 + $10, plus value-based fees), 2-3-102/2-3-111 (bond required/waivable), 2-6-122 (probate of will without administration), 2-7-201 (notice by publication, 3 consecutive weeks for full probate), 2-7-404 (appraisal by disinterested persons; no referee system), 2-7-703 (creditor nonclaim, 3 months from first publication), 2-7-801 (1-year completion policy), 2-7-803 (executor fees), 2-7-804 (attorney fees), 2-7-805 (fee allowance procedure); SF0104 2025 Enrolled Act 85 (threshold increase to $400K, eff. 7/1/2025); full Title 2 text from wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title02.pdf).

What is Summary Distribution in Wyoming?

Estates that exceed the small estate limit but are valued under $400,000 may qualify for Summary Distribution in Wyoming (Wyo. Stat. §§ 2-1-101 (short title "Wyoming Probate Code"), 2-1-201 (small estate affidavit, $400K, 30 days), 2-1-205 (summary distribution, $400K; 2 consecutive weeks publication), 2-2-401 (court filing fee $160 = $110 + $40 + $10, plus value-based fees), 2-3-102/2-3-111 (bond required/waivable), 2-6-122 (probate of will without administration), 2-7-201 (notice by publication, 3 consecutive weeks for full probate), 2-7-404 (appraisal by disinterested persons; no referee system), 2-7-703 (creditor nonclaim, 3 months from first publication), 2-7-801 (1-year completion policy), 2-7-803 (executor fees), 2-7-804 (attorney fees), 2-7-805 (fee allowance procedure); SF0104 2025 Enrolled Act 85 (threshold increase to $400K, eff. 7/1/2025); full Title 2 text from wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title02.pdf). This is a faster and less expensive alternative to full probate, with fewer court appearances and simplified reporting requirements.

When Is Probate Required in Wyoming?

Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified procedures, or can avoid probate entirely.

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State

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Find out if you need probate

Answer a few questions about the estate to see if probate is required or if simplified procedures apply.

Small estates may avoid probate entirely

Trusts pass assets without court involvement

This tool provides general information about probate requirements and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wyoming allows a Small Estate Affidavit for estates with personal property valued at $400,000 or less. There is a 30-day waiting period after the date of death before this procedure can be used.

Real estate in Wyoming generally requires probate to transfer ownership unless it was held in a trust, owned jointly with right of survivorship, or had a transfer-on-death deed recorded (if available in the state). A revocable living trust outlines alternatives to probate for real estate.

In Wyoming, assets that typically avoid probate include: property in a living trust, accounts with named beneficiaries (retirement accounts, life insurance, POD bank accounts), jointly owned property with right of survivorship, and vehicles with transfer-on-death registration if available. The trust vs. will comparison outlines how a trust helps bypass probate.

In Wyoming, simple estates typically take 4-6 months. Average estates take 6-12 months. Complex estates with disputes or unusual assets can take 12-24 months or longer. Estimate total costs with the Wyoming probate calculator.

Probate costs in Wyoming typically include attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $23,460 depending on complexity. Use the Wyoming probate cost calculator for a detailed estimate.

Estates that exceed the small estate limit but are valued under $400,000 may qualify for Summary Distribution in Wyoming. This is a faster and less expensive alternative to full probate, with fewer court appearances and simplified reporting requirements.

The most common ways to avoid probate in Wyoming include creating a revocable living trust, adding beneficiary designations to accounts, titling property as joint tenants with right of survivorship, and using transfer-on-death deeds where available. The trust vs. will comparison compares the two approaches side by side.

Probate Requirements in Wyoming

Estates under $400,000 in Wyoming may qualify for a Small Estate Affidavit. The 30 days waiting period after death is the main delay before heirs can transfer assets outside of court.

When full probate is required in Wyoming, simple estates typically take 4 months to 6 months to close. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or out-of-state property can take significantly longer. The probate cost calculator estimates total fees for Wyoming estates.

A revocable living trust transfers assets outside the court process. Unlike a will, trust assets in Wyoming are distributed privately and without the delays of probate. The Wyoming trust vs. will tool compares planning options side by side.