Overview
Sublette County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 8,965. The District Court of the 9th 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 a simplified procedure for small estates. If the value of the estate (less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $400,000, successors may file a Small Estate Affidavit to collect assets without full probate administration. This threshold was increased from $200,000 effective July 1, 2025.
Wyoming does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys and 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 Sublette 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 of the 9th Judicial District
Probate matters in Sublette County are handled at the Sublette County Courthouse.
Address: 21 S. Tyler, P.O. Box 764, Pinedale, WY 82941
Phone: (307) 367-4376 (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. The District Court has general jurisdiction over probate, civil, and criminal matters.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets in Pinedale. Security screening may be required upon entry.
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), successors can file an affidavit 30 days after death to collect assets.
- Summary Procedure: For estates involving real property, a summary procedure for distribution may be available if the estate meets specific criteria.
- 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 ($160.00)
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
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 Sublette County (such as the Pinedale Roundup or Rocket Miner) once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the petition. If the petition is uncontested and all documents are in order, 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 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
Sublette County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Method: Check with the Clerk of District Court regarding mandatory e-filing or paper filing requirements for probate matters.
- Bond: The court may require a bond unless waived by the will or by all beneficiaries.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a local newspaper like the Pinedale Roundup or Rocket Miner for three consecutive weeks.
- Inventory: A verified inventory of assets must be filed with the court.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for the most current local rules and standing orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Sublette County)
- Probate Filing Fee: approximately $160.00 (includes $110 filing fee, $40 court automation fee, $10 indigent civil legal services fee)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 base fee + copy costs (e.g., $1.00 first page, $0.50 subsequent pages)
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper and length of notice
- Jury Demand: $50.00 (6-person) or $150.00 (12-person) if applicable
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: 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Wyoming law generally requires probate to be completed within one year of the personal representative's appointment, unless good cause is shown for delay.
Local Resources
Sublette County Court Resources
- Court Website: sublettecountywy.gov
- Wyoming Judicial Branch Forms: wyocourts.gov
- State Statutes: wyoleg.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — wyomingbar.org
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — lawyoming.org
Publication
- Pinedale Roundup: (307) 367-2138 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Rocket Miner: (307) 362-3736 — Designated newspaper for legal notices