Overview
Crook County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 7,775. The District Court of the Sixth 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.
Simplified Procedures:
- Affidavit of Distribution: For estates valued at $400,000 or less (for deaths on or after July 1, 2025), heirs may collect personal property via affidavit 30 days after death.
- Summary Procedure: A simplified court process is available for real and personal property if the estate value does not exceed $400,000.
Fees:
- Filing Fee: The standard probate filing fee is $160.00.
- Executor/Attorney Fees: Wyoming law sets statutory fees for attorneys and personal representatives based on the value of the probate estate (e.g., 2% for amounts over $50,000).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Crook 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
Crook County District Court
Probate matters in Crook County are handled at the Crook County Courthouse.
Address: 309 Cleveland St, Sundance, WY 82729
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 406, Sundance, WY 82729
Phone: (307) 283-2523 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Contact the clerk's office to confirm current hours
The Clerk of District Court's office is located within the historic county courthouse in Sundance. The Sixth Judicial District serves Crook, Campbell, and Weston counties.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Sundance. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, with security screening required at the entrance.
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 estate) valued at $400,000 or less, a summary probate process 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 Crook County District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee ($160.00)
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
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 Crook County (e.g., The Sundance Times) once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing to review the petition. If the petition is in order and no objections are filed, the judge will sign the Order and the Clerk will issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: Publish a Notice to Creditors; creditors have 3 months to file claims.
- Inventory and Appraise: File an inventory of estate assets with the court within 30 days of appointment.
- Pay debts: Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File taxes: File necessary federal and state tax returns.
- Distribute assets: Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries as directed by the Will or state law.
- Close the estate: File a Final Report and Accounting and Petition for Decree of Distribution.
Local Requirements
Crook County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Method: Documents may be filed in person or by mail. Check with the Clerk regarding current e-filing availability.
- Filing Fee: The total fee is typically $160.00 ($110 county fee + $40 court automation fee + $10 indigent services fee).
- Publication: Notices are commonly published in The Sundance Times or the Moorcroft Leader.
- Bond: A bond may be required unless waived by the Will or by the court.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for the most up-to-date local rules and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Crook County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $160.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: Fees vary (often lower or no court filing fee if not filed with court)
- Certified Copies: approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per copy
- Publication Costs: approximately $150 - $300 (paid directly to the newspaper)
Statutory Attorney/Executor Fees (Wyoming):
- 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 typically accepts cash, money orders, or cashier's checks. Personal checks may not be accepted; confirm with the clerk.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum 3-month creditor period)
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Factors affecting the timeline include the 3-month creditor claim period, tax return processing, and any disputes among heirs.
Local Resources
Crook County Court Resources
- Court Website: crookcounty.wy.gov
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: wyocourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help 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
- The Sundance Times: (307) 283-3411 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Moorcroft Leader: (307) 756-3371 — Local newspaper