Overview
Goshen County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 12,500. The Goshen County 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 estate's value is $400,000 or less (for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025), you may qualify for a Summary Procedure for Distribution or use a Small Estate Affidavit to transfer assets without 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 Goshen 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
Goshen County District Court
Probate matters in Goshen County are handled at the Goshen County Courthouse.
Address: 2125 East A, Suite 236, Torrington, WY 82240
Phone: (307) 532-2155 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court's office accepts filings and processes probate documents. The courthouse is located in Torrington, the county seat.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse building. Visitors should be prepared for security screening 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 is valued at $400,000 or less (for deaths on/after July 1, 2025), you may be able to collect assets via affidavit 30 days after death.
- Summary Procedure: For estates under the $400,000 threshold, a simplified summary distribution process is available through the court.
- 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 Goshen County District Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $160.00)
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
Wyoming courts are increasingly moving toward e-filing; check with the Clerk of District Court for current e-filing requirements for pro se litigants.
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 Goshen County (typically The Torrington Telegram) 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, giving you legal authority to act for the estate.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: Publish a Notice to Creditors; creditors have 3 months from the first publication to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise: File a verified 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
Goshen County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Fees: The standard filing fee for a new probate case is $160.00.
- Publication: Notices are typically published in The Torrington Telegram.
- Inventory: Must be filed within 120 days of the Personal Representative's appointment (W.S. § 2-7-403).
- Local Rules: The 8th Judicial District may have specific courtroom rules regarding telephonic hearings or submission of proposed orders. Contact the Clerk for specifics.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Goshen County)
- Probate Petition: $160.00
- Guardianship/Conservatorship: $160.00
- Certified copies: Varies (typically $5.00 - $10.00)
- Publication costs: Approximately $150 - $300 depending on the length of the notice.
Payment Methods
The Clerk of District 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 3-month creditor period + administrative time).
- Average estates: 9-12 months.
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to several years.
The 3-month creditor claim period (starting from first publication) is a mandatory waiting period before the estate can be closed.
Local Resources
Goshen County Court Resources
- Court Website: Goshen County 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
- The Torrington Telegram: (307) 532-2184 — torringtontelegram.com