Overview
Converse County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 13,766. The District Court, 8th 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. If the value of the estate is $400,000 or less (for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025), successors may use an Affidavit for Distribution of Personal Property or a Summary Procedure for Distribution of Real or Personal Property to avoid full probate administration.
Wyoming law sets statutory fees for personal representatives and attorneys based on the value of the probate estate:
- 10% on the first $1,000
- 5% on the next $4,000
- 3% on the next $15,000
- 2% on amounts over $20,000
Additional fees may be allowed for extraordinary services.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Converse 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, 8th Judicial District
Probate matters in Converse County are handled by the Clerk of District Court, located at the Converse County Courts & Justice Center.
Address: 1201 Mesa Drive, Suite F, Douglas, WY 82633
Phone: (307) 358-3165 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court's office is responsible for maintaining all court records and filings for probate cases. While the historic courthouse is located on North 5th Street, probate filings are typically processed at the Mesa Drive location.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available at the Courts & Justice Center. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, and security screening may be required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate consists of personal property valued at $400,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit after a 30-day waiting period.
- Summary Procedure: For estates (including real property) valued at $400,000 or less, a summary distribution procedure is available.
- 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 Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee of approximately $160.00
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
Wyoming courts utilize an e-filing system (File & ServeXpress), though pro se litigants may often file in paper. Check with the Clerk for specific local requirements.
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 Converse County (such as the Douglas Budget) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the petition. If the petition is uncontested and all documents are in order, the judge reviews the petition and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, granting the personal representative authority to act.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors by publication; creditors have 3 months from the date of first publication to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets and file the inventory 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
Converse County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Wyoming District Courts generally use File & ServeXpress for electronic filing. Contact the Clerk's office to confirm if pro se filing is permitted in paper form.
- Bond requirements: A bond is typically required unless waived by the will or by the court.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Converse County, such as the Douglas Budget, for three consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for the most current local rules and form requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Converse County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $160.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: Fees vary (often lower or filing fee may apply if filed with court)
- Certified copies: approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150 - $300 depending on the newspaper length
- Recording fees: Varies by document length
Statutory Executor/Attorney Fees:
- 10% on the first $1,000
- 5% on the next $4,000
- 3% on the next $15,000
- 2% on amounts over $20,000
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (fees may apply). Checks should be made payable to "Clerk of District Court."
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Wyoming is 3 months from the first date of publication, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Converse County Court Resources
- Court Website: conversecountywy.gov/197/Clerk-of-District-Court
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: wyocourts.gov
- Probate Forms: wyocourts.gov/self-help-forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — wyomingbar.org
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — lawyoming.org
Publication
- Douglas Budget: (307) 358-2965 — douglas-budget.com