Overview
Sheridan County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 32,000. 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 of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative 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 value of the estate is $200,000 or less (for deaths before July 1, 2025) or $400,000 or less (for deaths on or after July 1, 2025), successors may file an Affidavit for Distribution of Personal Property to collect assets without full probate administration.
Wyoming law sets statutory fees for attorneys and personal representatives based on the value of the probate estate: 2% of the first $1,000,000, and 1% of the amount over $1,000,000.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Sheridan 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 Sheridan County are handled at the Sheridan County Courthouse.
Address: 224 S. Main St, Suite B-11, Sheridan, WY 82801
Phone: (307) 674-2960 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court is located in Suite B-11. This office accepts filings and maintains records for all probate cases.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available along C Street and directly in front of the courthouse. There is also a parking lot located to the north of the courthouse at the corner of W. Burkitt St. and S. Brooks St.
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 to collect personal property after a 30-day waiting period.
- Summary Procedure: For real property in small estates, a summary procedure may be available.
- 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, 4th Judicial District. Include:
- Petition for Probate of Will (or for Administration)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($160.00)
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
Wyoming District Courts utilize File & ServeXpress for e-filing.
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 Sheridan County, such as The Sheridan Press, once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will review the petition and, if approved, the judge will sign the Order. The Clerk will then issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration upon the filing of an Oath and Bond (if required).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors (creditors have 3 months to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months 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
Sheridan County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: The 4th Judicial District uses File & ServeXpress for electronic filing.
- Bond requirements: A bond is generally required unless waived by the will or by the court.
- Local court rules: The 4th Judicial District may have specific preferences for scheduling hearings; contact the Clerk for available dates.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Sheridan County for three consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for the most current local protocols.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Sheridan County)
- Probate Filing Fee: approximately $160.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Recording fees: vary by document length
Wyoming statutes set the attorney and personal representative fees at 2% of the first $1 million of the estate value and 1% of any amount over $1 million.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted for e-filing transactions via the File & ServeXpress system.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period in Wyoming is 3 months from the date of the first publication of the notice to creditors.
Local Resources
Sheridan County Court Resources
- Court Website: sheridancountywy.gov
- 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 — 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
- The Sheridan Press: (307) 672-2431 — Newspaper of general circulation