Overview
Sweetwater County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 41,273. The District Court of the Third 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.
Small Estate Procedures: For decedents passing on or after July 1, 2025, Wyoming allows a simplified process if the estate value is $400,000 or less. This "Summary Procedure" (W.S. § 2-1-201) allows assets to be collected via affidavit after a 30-day waiting period, avoiding full probate.
Statutory Fees: Wyoming law sets a fee schedule for attorneys and personal representatives based on the value of the probate estate (W.S. § 2-7-803).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Sweetwater 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
Sweetwater County District Court
Probate matters in Sweetwater County are handled at the Sweetwater County Courthouse in Green River.
Address: 80 West Flaming Gorge Way, Suite 255, Green River, WY 82935
Phone: (307) 872-3820 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of District Court's office is located on the second floor. This office accepts all probate filings and maintains estate records.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse. The building is equipped with security screening at the entrance; allow extra time to pass through metal detectors.
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 use an Affidavit of Distribution after 30 days.
- Summary Procedure: For real property in small estates, a summary decree of distribution may be sought.
- 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 Sweetwater County District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee ($160.00)
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
E-filing is available and encouraged for attorneys through the Wyoming Court E-Filing system.
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 Sweetwater County (such as the Rocket Miner or Green River Star) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing to admit the will and appoint the Personal Representative. Once approved, the Clerk issues Letters Testamentary (or Letters of Administration), granting authority to manage estate assets.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: Publish a Notice to Creditors; creditors have 3 months to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 30 days of appointment.
- 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.
Local Requirements
Sweetwater County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: The Third Judicial District utilizes the state's e-filing system (File & Serve). Attorneys are generally required to e-file.
- Filing Fees: The standard probate filing fee is $160.00.
- Publication: Notices are typically published in the Rocket Miner (Rock Springs) or Green River Star.
- Hearings: Many uncontested probate matters can be handled without a formal court appearance if all documents are in order, but check with the Clerk for specific judge preferences.
Always consult the Uniform Rules for District Courts of the State of Wyoming for detailed procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Sweetwater County)
- Opening a Probate Estate: $160.00
- Jury Demand (6 person): $50.00
- Jury Demand (12 person): $150.00
- Certified copies: Varies (typically $5.00 + per page fee)
- Publication costs: Approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper and length of notice.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a processing fee). Checks should be made payable to "Clerk of District Court."
Estimated Timelines
- Small Estate (Affidavit): Minimum 30 days post-death.
- Simple Formal Probate: 6-9 months (includes 3-month creditor period).
- Complex or Contested Estates: 12 months to several years.
The 3-month creditor claim period begins after the first publication of the Notice to Creditors, which is a primary factor in the timeline.
Local Resources
Sweetwater County Court Resources
- Court Website: sweetwatercountywy.gov
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: wyocourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Wyoming Probate Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — wyomingbar.org
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — lawyoming.org
Publication
- Rocket Miner: (307) 362-3736 — rocketminer.com
- Green River Star: (307) 875-3105 — greenriverstar.com