Overview
Washakie County is located in Wyoming with a population of approximately 7,662. The District Court, 5th 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 Wyoming Statutes Title 2. 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. For decedents passing on or after July 1, 2025, estates valued at $400,000 or less (excluding liens and encumbrances) may qualify for a summary procedure or affidavit of distribution. For deaths prior to this date, the threshold is $200,000.
Wyoming law sets statutory fees for attorneys and personal representatives based on the value of the probate estate, though these can be negotiated or waived.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Washakie 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, 5th Judicial District
Probate matters in Washakie County are handled at the Washakie County Courthouse.
Address: 1001 Big Horn Avenue, Suite 211, Worland, WY 82401
Phone: (307) 347-4821 (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 of the courthouse.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse and along Big Horn Avenue. The building is accessible to persons with disabilities.
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 assets after a 30-day waiting period.
- Summary Procedure: A summary probate process is available for estates under the $400,000 threshold.
- 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 (approximately $160)
- Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative
- Oath of Personal Representative
Wyoming courts generally require paper filing for probate initiation, though subsequent documents may be e-filed in some districts.
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 Washakie County (such as the Northern Wyoming News) 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 in order and uncontested, the judge will sign the Order and the Clerk will issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
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 the statutory timeframe
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Report and Accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Washakie County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Method: Initial probate petitions are typically filed in person or by mail with the Clerk of District Court.
- Bond: A bond is usually required unless waived by the will or by the court.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Washakie County, such as the Northern Wyoming News, for three consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk of District Court for the most current local rules and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Washakie County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $160.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper and length of notice
Wyoming statutes provide a fee schedule for personal representatives and attorneys based on the estate value (e.g., 2% of the estate value over a certain amount), though this is often subject to agreement.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Confirm with the clerk before sending payment.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum creditor period is 3 months)
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
The creditor claim period in Wyoming is 3 months from the date of the first publication of the notice to creditors.
Local Resources
Washakie County Court Resources
- Court Website: washakiecountywy.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help
- Wyoming Probate Forms: Official Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Wyoming State Bar: (307) 632-9061 — wyomingbar.org
- Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955 — lawyoming.org
Publication
- Northern Wyoming News: (307) 347-3241 — wyodaily.com