Overview
Natrona County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 80,410. The Natrona County District Court (7th 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 of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (if there is a will) or a Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will). 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 value of the estate (less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $400,000 (for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025), a Summary Procedure for Distribution or Affidavit of Distribution may be used to transfer assets without full probate administration.
Wyoming law sets statutory fees for personal representatives and attorneys based on the value of the probate estate, though these can be negotiated or waived.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Natrona 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
Natrona County District Court
Probate matters in Natrona County are handled at the Natrona County Courthouse.
Address: 115 N. Center Street, Room 100, Casper, WY 82601
Phone: (307) 235-9243 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court is located in Room 100. This office accepts filings for all probate, civil, and criminal matters within the jurisdiction of the District Court.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the Downtown Parking Garage located at 230 South Wolcott Street, which is a short walk from the courthouse. Limited street parking may also be available on Center Street and surrounding blocks. Security screening is required upon entering the courthouse 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 use an Affidavit of Distribution after a 30-day waiting period.
- Summary Procedure: For estates under the $400,000 threshold, a summary court procedure is also available to obtain a decree of distribution.
- 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 Natrona County District Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $160.00)
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in Wyoming District Courts via File & ServeXpress. Pro se litigants may file in paper.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing and appointment, you must:
- Mail notice of the probate to all heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Natrona County (such as the Casper Star-Tribune) 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. In many uncontested cases, this can be done without a formal hearing if all waivers and consents are filed. Once appointed, the Clerk 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 a specific timeframe (typically 3 months).
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state intestacy laws.
- File a Final Report and Accounting and petition for discharge to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Natrona County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are required to e-file documents using the File & ServeXpress system. Self-represented litigants may file paper documents at the Clerk's office.
- Local Rules: The 7th Judicial District follows the Wyoming Uniform Rules for District Courts.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Casper Star-Tribune, which is the newspaper of general circulation for Natrona County.
- Hearings: Hearings are held at the Natrona County Courthouse. Check with the Clerk for specific judge assignments and scheduling procedures.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Natrona County)
- Probate Filing Fee: approximately $160.00 (includes $110 county fee, $40 court automation fee, $10 indigent services fee)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100 - $200 depending on the length of the notice
- Recording fees: vary by document length (for real estate transfers)
Wyoming statutes set a standard fee schedule for attorneys and personal representatives based on the estate value (e.g., 2% of the estate value above a certain threshold), though this is often subject to contract or waiver.
Payment Methods
The Clerk of District Court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (often with a convenience fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes): 6-9 months (minimum 3-month creditor period + administration time)
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years or more
The 3-month creditor claim period is a mandatory waiting period that prevents the estate from closing earlier.
Local Resources
Natrona County Court Resources
- Clerk of District Court: Natrona County Clerk of District Court
- Wyoming Judicial Branch Forms: Self-Help Forms
- Wyoming State Statutes: Title 2 - Wills, Decedents' Estates and Probate Code
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — Find a Lawyer
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — lawyoming.org
- University of Wyoming Legal Clinics: (307) 766-2104
Publication
- Casper Star-Tribune: (307) 266-0500 — trib.com