Overview
Albany County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 38,000. The District Court, 2nd Judicial District handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Wyoming probate is governed by Title 2 of the Wyoming Statutes. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Wyoming offers a simplified procedure for small estates. For deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025, an estate valued at $400,000 or less (excluding liens and encumbrances) may be distributed via affidavit without full probate. For deaths prior to this date, the threshold is $200,000.
Wyoming does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys and personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be reasonable and are subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Albany County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
District Court, 2nd Judicial District
Probate matters in Albany County are handled at the Albany County Courthouse.
Address: 525 Grand Avenue, Suite 305, Laramie, WY 82070
Phone: (307) 721-2508 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court is located on the 3rd floor of the courthouse. This office accepts all probate filings and maintains court records.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets. The building is accessible to persons with disabilities; use the main entrance for security screening.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $400,000 or less (for deaths on/after July 1, 2025), you may be able to use an affidavit to collect assets after a 30-day waiting period.
- Summary Procedure: For real and personal property, a summary procedure is available if the estate value does not exceed the $400,000 threshold.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate with the District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if any)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Filing fee ($160.00)
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
Wyoming courts generally require paper filing for initial probate petitions, though subsequent documents may be e-filed in some districts. Check with the Clerk for current e-filing protocols.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Albany County (such as the Laramie Boomerang) once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing to admit the will and appoint the Personal Representative. Once appointed, the Clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, which grant the authority to act on behalf of the estate.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: Creditors have 3 months from the date of first publication to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise: File an inventory of estate assets with the court within 120 days of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Final Report and Accounting and petition for discharge to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Albany County-Specific Procedures
- Local Rules: The 2nd Judicial District follows the Wyoming Uniform Rules for District Courts.
- Inventory Deadline: Wyoming statute requires the inventory to be filed within 120 days of the personal representative's appointment.
- Publication: Notice of Probate must be published in a local newspaper, typically the Laramie Boomerang, for three consecutive weeks.
- Hearings: Many uncontested probate matters can be handled without a formal court appearance if all waivers and consents are filed, but this is at the judge's discretion.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for the most up-to-date local filing requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Albany County)
- Probate Opening Fee: $160.00
- Certified Copies: $1.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Publication Costs: Approximately $100-$200 (payable directly to the newspaper)
Payment Methods
The Clerk of District Court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Personal checks may not be accepted for new case filings; confirm with the clerk before visiting.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum 3-month creditor period + administrative time)
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
The creditor claim period in Wyoming is 3 months from the date of the first publication of the notice. The estate cannot be closed until this period has expired and all claims are resolved.
Local Resources
Albany County Court Resources
- Court Website: Albany County Clerk of District Court
- Probate Self-Help: Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help
- Wyoming Statutes: Title 2 - Wills, Decedents' Estates and Probate Code
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — Find a Lawyer
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — lawyoming.org
- University of Wyoming Estate Planning Practicum: (307) 766-6416 (Laramie-based legal clinic)
Publication
- Laramie Boomerang: (307) 742-2176 — laramieboomerang.com