Overview
Johnson County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 8,800. The District Court, 4th 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 simplified procedures for smaller estates. If the value of the estate (less liens and encumbrances) is $400,000 or less (for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025), you may be able to use a Small Estate Affidavit or a Summary Procedure for Distribution to transfer assets without full probate administration.
Wyoming does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be reasonable and are subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Johnson 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, 4th Judicial District
Probate matters in Johnson County are handled at the Johnson County Courthouse.
Address: 620 West Fetterman Street, Suite 208, Buffalo, WY 82834
Phone: (307) 684-7271 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Clerk of District Court's office is located in Suite 208. This office accepts all probate filings and maintains court records.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse building. The courthouse is accessible to persons with disabilities.
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 personal property by affidavit 30 days after death.
- Summary Procedure: For estates valued at $400,000 or less, a summary distribution procedure is available for both real and personal 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 District Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($160.00)
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
E-filing is generally not mandatory for pro se litigants but check with the Clerk for current electronic filing options for attorneys.
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 Johnson County (such as the Buffalo Bulletin) 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 in order and uncontested, the judge reviews the petition and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 3 months from the date of first publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 120 days of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Report and Accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Johnson County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Fee: The standard probate filing fee is $160.00.
- Local Forms: The court generally accepts the standard Wyoming Judicial Branch forms.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Johnson County, such as the Buffalo Bulletin, for three consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for any unwritten local rules or specific judge's preferences regarding scheduling and document formatting.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Johnson County)
- Probate Filing Fee: approximately $160.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Recording fees: vary by document length
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee; verify with the Clerk.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Creditors have 3 months from the first date of publication to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for the process.
Local Resources
Johnson County Court Resources
- Court Website: johnsoncowy.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help
- Wyoming Probate Forms: Official Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — Provides lawyer referral services
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — Civil legal assistance for low-income residents
- Wyoming State Bar Lawyer Referral: wyomingbar.org
Publication
- Buffalo Bulletin: (307) 684-2223 — Newspaper of general circulation in Johnson County