Overview
Platte County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 8,600. The District Court of the 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 of Will (if there is a will) or a Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will) to appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Small Estate Procedures:
For decedents passing away on or after July 1, 2025, Wyoming offers a simplified Affidavit for Distribution of Personal Property if the estate's value (less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $400,000. For deaths prior to this date, the threshold is $200,000. There is a 30-day waiting period after death before this affidavit can be filed.
Fees:
The standard filing fee for opening a probate estate in Platte County is $160.00.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Platte 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, 8th Judicial District
Probate matters in Platte County are handled at the Platte County Courthouse.
Address: 800 9th Street, Wheatland, WY 82201
Phone: (307) 322-3857 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court's office is located within the county courthouse in Wheatland. The 8th Judicial District serves Platte, Converse, Goshen, and Niobrara counties.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Wheatland. The building is accessible to the public during standard business hours.
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 for Distribution of Personal Property after a 30-day waiting period.
- Summary Procedure: For real property, a summary procedure for distribution may be available if the estate meets specific statutory requirements.
- 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:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee of $160.00
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing and appointment, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing and/or probate to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Platte County (such as the Platte County Record-Times) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the petition, particularly if there are questions regarding the will or heirs. If approved, the judge 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:
- Notify creditors: Creditors have 3 months from the date of the first publication of notice 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 administrative 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
Platte County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Fees: The total fee to open a probate case is typically $160.00 (comprised of a $110 filing fee, $40 court automation fee, and $10 indigent civil legal services fee).
- Inventory: Must be filed within 120 days of the Personal Representative's appointment.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a local newspaper like the Platte County Record-Times for three consecutive weeks.
- Bond: A bond may be required unless waived by the will or the court.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for the most current local rules and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Platte County)
- Probate Filing Fee: $160.00
- Certified Copies: Approximately $5.00 for the first page + $1.00 per additional page (fees vary, verify with clerk)
- Publication costs: Approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper and length of notice
- Recording Fees: Varies for recording deeds with the County Clerk
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee; confirm with the clerk before visiting.
Estimated Timelines
- Small Estate Affidavit: Minimum 30 days post-death
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum creditor period is 3 months)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years or more
The creditor claim period in Wyoming is 3 months from the first date of publication. The estate generally cannot be closed until this period has expired and all claims are resolved.
Local Resources
Platte County Court Resources
- Court Website: plattecountywyoming.com
- Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help: wyocourts.gov
- Probate Forms: wyocourts.gov/forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — wyomingbar.org
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — lawyoming.org
Publication
- Platte County Record-Times: (307) 322-2627 — Newspaper of general circulation in Wheatland and Platte County.
- Guernsey Gazette: (307) 836-2111 — Serving the Guernsey area.