Overview
Fremont County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 39,721. The District Court of the 9th 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 decedents passing on or after July 1, 2025, an estate valued at $400,000 or less (excluding liens and encumbrances) may qualify for a Small Estate Affidavit or summary procedure, avoiding full probate administration.
Wyoming law sets statutory fees for attorneys and personal representatives based on the value of the probate estate, though these can be negotiated or waived.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Fremont 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
Fremont County District Court
Probate matters in Fremont County are handled at the Fremont County Courthouse in Lander.
Address: 450 North 2nd Street, Room 235, Lander, WY 82520
Phone: (307) 332-1134 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court's office is located on the second floor of the courthouse. This office accepts all probate filings and maintains court records.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse and along the surrounding streets. Visitors must pass through security screening at the main entrance.
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 claim assets via affidavit after a 30-day waiting period.
- Summary Procedure: Available for estates under the $400,000 threshold to obtain a court decree distributing property.
- 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 Fremont County District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $165.00)
- 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 Fremont County (such as The Ranger or Lander Journal) for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the petition. If the petition is in order and uncontested, the judge reviews the documents 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:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors (creditors have 3 months to file claims).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 30 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
Fremont County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Location: All probate documents are filed with the Clerk of District Court in Lander.
- Filing Fees: The standard civil docketing fee applies to probate cases.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Fremont County for three consecutive weeks.
- Inventory: Must be filed within 30 days of the personal representative's appointment (W.S. § 2-7-403).
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for the most current local rules and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Fremont County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $165.00
- Small Claims: approximately $10.00
- Document copies: $1.00 for the first page, $0.50 for subsequent pages
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper and length of notice
Wyoming statutes provide a fee schedule for personal representatives and attorneys based on the probate estate's value (e.g., 2% of the estate value over $50,000), though this is often subject to contract or waiver.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee; confirm with the clerk before visiting.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Wyoming is 3 months from the date of the first publication of the notice to creditors, which sets a minimum duration for the process.
Local Resources
Fremont County Court Resources
- Court Website: fremontcountywy.org
- Probate Self-Help: Wyoming Judicial Branch
- Wyoming Probate Forms: Supreme Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — wyomingbar.org
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — Provides assistance to low-income residents.
Publication
- The Ranger (Riverton): (307) 856-2244 — Newspaper of general circulation.
- Lander Journal: (307) 332-2323 — Newspaper of general circulation.