What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Wyoming?
Without a will in Wyoming, a surviving spouse takes half of the estateWyo. Stat. § 2-4-101Verified Sep 10, 2026View source when every child of either spouse is a child of both, and descendants divide what passes to them per stirpesWyo. Stat. § 2-4-101Verified Sep 10, 2026View source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wyoming intestacy laws determine who inherits when there is no will.Wyo. Stat. § 2-4-101Verified Sep 10, 2026 Wyoming follows separate property rules. The surviving spouse's share depends on whether children survive and their relationship to the spouse. The estate passes to the closest surviving relatives — in most cases the spouse and children first — then, in order: Parents and siblings; Grandparents, uncles and aunts; The state of Wyoming.
The surviving spouse's share in Wyoming depends on family structure.Wyo. Stat. § 2-4-101Verified Sep 10, 2026 With no children: Entire estate. With shared children: Half of the estate. When children from a prior relationship survive: Half of the estate.
Wyoming uses the "per stirpes" distribution method.Wyo. Stat. § 2-4-101Verified Sep 10, 2026 Under this method, the estate is divided into equal branches at the children's generation, and a deceased child's share passes to that child's own descendants.
Under Wyoming intestacy law, stepchildren and unmarried partners generally do not inherit unless legally adopted or specifically recognized by statute.Wyo. Stat. § 2-4-101Verified Sep 10, 2026 A will or trust is how stepchildren or unmarried partners are provided for. The Wyoming will signing requirements page outlines what is needed to execute a valid will.
Probate costs in Wyoming depend on estate size and complexity. Estates valued at $400,000 or less may qualify for a simplified procedure. For larger estates, fees include court costs, attorney fees, and executor compensation. Use the Wyoming probate cost calculator for a detailed estimate.
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