Overview
Campbell County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 47,026. The Campbell County District Court (6th 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 of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (if there is a will) or a Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will). The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Small Estate Procedures:
For decedents passing on or after July 1, 2025, Wyoming offers a simplified procedure if the estate value (less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $400,000.
- Affidavit for Distribution of Personal Property: Can be used 30 days after death to collect personal property.
- Summary Procedure for Distribution of Real or Personal Property: A petition filed with the court to transfer assets without full administration.
Statutory Fees:
Wyoming law sets statutory fees for both the Personal Representative and the attorney, based on the probate estate's value:
- 10% on the first $1,000
- 5% on the next $4,000
- 3% on the next $15,000
- 2% on all amounts over $20,000
- Additional fees may be allowed for "extraordinary services."
This guide provides an informational overview of the Campbell 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
Campbell County District Court
Probate matters in Campbell County are handled at the Campbell County Courthouse.
Address: 500 S. Gillette Ave, Suite 2600, Gillette, WY 82716
Phone: (307) 682-3424 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court is located in Suite 2600. This office accepts filings for probate, civil, and criminal cases.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse and in designated lots. Security screening is required upon entry; cell phones and electronic devices may be restricted in courtrooms.
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 for Distribution of Personal Property after a 30-day waiting period.
- Summary Procedure: For estates under the threshold involving real estate, a Summary Procedure petition can be filed.
- 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 Campbell County District Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $160)
- Oath of Personal Representative
- Order Admitting Will to Probate (proposed)
E-Filing: Electronic filing through File and Serve Xpress became mandatory effective October 1, 2024, for most documents. Original wills filed for the first time and certain other documents are exceptions and must be filed in paper format.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing and appointment, you must:
- Mail notice of the probate to all heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Campbell County (such as the Gillette News Record) 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 approved, the Clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, giving you legal authority to act for the estate.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Inventory and Appraise: File a verified inventory of estate assets with the court within 120 days of appointment.
- Notify Creditors: Creditors have 3 months from the date of first publication to file claims.
- Pay Debts & Taxes: Pay valid claims and file necessary tax returns.
- Distribute Assets: After the creditor period expires and debts are paid, distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries.
- Close the Estate: File a Final Report, Accounting, and Petition for Distribution to close the estate and discharge the Personal Representative.
Local Requirements
Campbell County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Electronic filing through File and Serve Xpress is mandatory as of October 1, 2024, for most probate documents. Exceptions include original wills filed for the first time and certain other specified documents that must be filed in paper format. Contact the Clerk of District Court for specific requirements.
- Bond: A bond may be required unless waived by the will or the court.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Campbell County, typically the Gillette News Record, for three consecutive weeks.
- Local Forms: The Clerk's office may have specific packet requirements or cover sheets.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court (307-682-3424) for the most current local rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Campbell County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $160.00
- Small Estate/Summary Procedure: approximately $160.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5-$10 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the length of the notice
- Recording Fees: Varies for recording deeds with the County Clerk
Statutory Attorney & Executor Fees:
Wyoming law allows for fees based on the estate value:
- 10% of the first $1,000
- 5% of the next $4,000
- 3% of the next $15,000
- 2% of the amount over $20,000
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, money orders, or cashier's checks. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee; personal checks are often not accepted for new filings.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum creditor period is 3 months)
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Factors affecting timeline include the 3-month creditor claim period, tax return processing, and any disputes among heirs.
Local Resources
Campbell County Court Resources
- Court Website: Campbell County Clerk of District Court
- Probate Self-Help: Wyoming Judicial Branch Forms
- Wyoming Statutes: Title 2 - Wills, Decedents' Estates and Probate
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — Find a Lawyer
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — lawyoming.org
Publication
- Gillette News Record: (307) 682-9306 — gillettenewsrecord.com