Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article is informational only and not legal advice. For legal advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Wyoming attorney.

Detailed answer: What heirs can do under Wyoming law

If an estate administrator (also called a personal representative or executor) becomes unresponsive or refuses to distribute estate assets, Wyoming law gives heirs several paths to enforce the administrator’s duties or obtain replacement management. Below is a practical, step-by-step explanation of the common legal options and how they work in Wyoming.

1. Confirm the administrator’s obligations

An administrator must marshal the estate, inventory assets, notify creditors and heirs, pay valid debts and taxes, and distribute remaining property according to the will or Wyoming law. If you have access to the probate court file, look for the administrator’s inventory, accountings, and any court orders. The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides probate information that can help you identify the probate court and file requirements: Wyoming Courts — Probate Information.

2. Send a written demand

Start by sending a clear written demand to the administrator asking for an accounting and an explanation for the delay. Include a deadline (e.g., 10–14 days) and keep copies of all communications. A written demand is often required before a court will act and creates a record supporting later petitions.

3. Request an accounting or file a petition in probate court

If the administrator ignores your demand or refuses to distribute, you can petition the probate court for an order compelling the administrator to file a verified accounting and to explain transactions. If the administrator is court-appointed, the probate court has authority to require accountings and to review the administrator’s conduct. Wyoming’s probate statutes govern administration and court supervision; general statutory resources are available from the Wyoming Legislature: Wyoming Statutes (see the chapters on wills and estates under Title 2).

4. Move to remove the administrator

Heirs can petition the court to remove an administrator for cause. Typical grounds include neglect of duty, persistent failure to follow court orders, incapacity, conflict of interest, misappropriation of estate assets, or refusal to perform duties. If removal is granted, the court can appoint a successor personal representative or direct distribution to beneficiaries. Bring documentation of missed deadlines, lack of communication, missing inventory/accounting, or evidence of misuse of funds.

5. Seek surcharge or restitution for mismanagement or conversion

If an administrator misused estate funds or converted assets for personal use, heirs can ask the court to surcharge the administrator (order monetary reimbursement) and require restitution. The court may hold a hearing, require an accounting, and enter money judgments against the administrator personally if wrongdoing is proven.

6. Ask the court for interim relief and protective measures

The court can order interim measures to protect estate assets while disputes proceed. Examples include:

• Compelling the administrator to post bond or increasing the bond amount.
• Restraining the administrator from transferring or wasting assets.
• Appointing a temporary or successor administrator or a receiver to manage assets.

7. Use contempt proceedings or sanctions when court orders are ignored

If the court orders the administrator to act and the administrator still refuses, the court may hold the administrator in contempt. Contempt can result in fines, coercive measures, or even jail in narrow circumstances, which gives strong leverage to enforce compliance.

8. Consider civil claims or criminal referrals

When an administrator converts estate property or steals funds, heirs may have civil claims (conversion, breach of fiduciary duty) and can also report suspected theft to law enforcement. Criminal prosecutions for embezzlement or theft are separate from probate court remedies. If you suspect criminal activity, preserve evidence and consult an attorney and law enforcement.

9. Mediation or settlement

In many cases, mediation or negotiated settlement shortens delays and avoids protracted litigation. Courts often encourage mediation between heirs and administrators to resolve disputes about distributions, accountings, or fees.

10. Costs, fees, and timing

Probate litigation can take weeks to many months depending on complexity. Courts may award or deny attorney fees depending on the outcome and the reasonableness of parties’ actions. Keep realistic expectations about time and expenses.

Practical evidence and records to gather

• Copy of the will or court appointment documents.
• Probate court file number and docket entries.
• Any inventories, accountings, or notices filed by the administrator.
• Copies of communications (emails, letters, texts) with the administrator.
• Bank statements, canceled checks, or other records showing estate receipts and disbursements (if available).

These documents help the court evaluate whether the administrator complied with duties and whether removal or surcharge is appropriate.

How to start: recommended first steps for heirs

1. Locate the probate case in the county where the decedent lived and obtain the court file.
2. Send a written demand for an accounting to the administrator and file a copy with the court.
3. If there is no response, file a petition in probate court asking for an accounting and, if warranted, removal or other relief.
4. Consider hiring a Wyoming probate attorney to prepare filings and represent heirs at hearings.

Helpful hints — practical tips for heirs in Wyoming

• Act promptly. Probate deadlines and the administrator’s actions affect your remedies.
• Get the probate case number and read the court file. Many communications and orders are public record.
• Preserve evidence. Save emails, texts, bank statements, and any proof of asset transfers.
• Start with a written demand asking for an accounting before filing court papers—courts prefer parties who attempt resolution first.
• If the administrator claims unpaid debts block distribution, ask for proof of creditor claims and the administrator’s plan to resolve them.
• Be careful with emotions. Probate disputes can escalate; mediation often saves time and cost.
• Request that the court require or increase a bond if the administrator mishandles funds—bonds protect the estate against losses caused by the administrator’s misconduct.
• If you suspect theft, contact both an attorney and local law enforcement. Civil probate remedies do not prevent criminal charges, and criminal prosecutors handle theft separately.
• Find resources at the Wyoming Courts site for probate procedures and forms: Wyoming Courts — Probate Information.
• Look up relevant Wyoming statutes and probate rules on the Wyoming Legislature site: Wyoming Statutes. Pay particular attention to the provisions on administration, fiduciary duties, and removal in the statutes governing wills and estates (Title 2).