Overview
Laramie County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 101,783. The Laramie County District Court 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 entire estate (less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $400,000 (for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025), successors may use a Small Estate Affidavit or file for Summary Distribution to transfer assets without full probate administration.
Wyoming does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable and are subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Laramie 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
Laramie County District Court
Probate matters in Laramie County are handled at the Laramie County Governmental Complex.
Address: 309 W 20th St, Suite 3205, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: (307) 633-4270 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court is located on the 3rd floor. The court handles all civil, criminal, and probate matters for the First Judicial District.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lots surrounding the Governmental Complex and on the street. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the building.
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 after a 30-day waiting period.
- Summary Distribution: For estates valued at $400,000 or less, a petition for summary distribution can be filed to transfer 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 Laramie County District Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
- Filing fee of $160.00
E-filing is available and may be mandatory for attorneys. Pro se litigants should check with the Clerk for current filing methods.
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 Laramie County (such as the Wyoming Tribune Eagle) once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will review the petition. If approved, the judge signs the Order and the Clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, giving the personal representative authority to act.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 3 months for claims to be filed.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within the statutory timeframe.
- 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
Laramie County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Laramie County utilizes the Wyoming Court Security & E-Filing System. Attorneys are generally required to e-file.
- Local Rules: The First Judicial District may have specific local rules regarding scheduling and document formatting.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Laramie County for three consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for the most up-to-date local forms and procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Laramie County)
- Probate Filing Fee: approximately $160.00 (includes $110 county fee, $40 court automation fee, $10 indigent services fee)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5-$10 per copy (varies by page count)
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper and length of notice
- Recording fees: Varies for recording deeds with the County Clerk
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (convenience fees may apply). Personal checks may not be accepted from pro se litigants.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Wyoming law generally requires probate to be completed within one year of the appointment of the personal representative, unless good cause is shown for delay.
Local Resources
Laramie County Court Resources
- Court Website: Laramie County Clerk of District Court
- Probate Self-Help: Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help
- Wyoming Probate Forms: Wyoming Judicial Branch Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — Find a Lawyer
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — lawyoming.org
Publication
- Wyoming Tribune Eagle: (307) 634-3361 — wyomingnews.com
- Pine Bluffs Post: (307) 245-3763 — pinebluffspost.com