Understanding the statements and financial documents required for annual and final probate accountings in Wyoming

Short answer: In Wyoming probate, fiduciaries (personal representatives, executors, administrators, guardians, and conservators) usually must prepare an accounting that shows all assets at the start, all receipts and disbursements during the reporting period, the value of assets on hand at the end, and proposed distributions. The accounting should be supported by source documents such as account statements, canceled checks or receipts, appraisal records, tax returns, and bills paid. The exact items, format, and filing deadlines depend on whether the filing is an annual accounting or a final accounting and on the court’s local rules. This article explains what to gather and how to present it under Wyoming procedures and points you to official resources.

Disclaimer

This is educational information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about a specific estate or fiduciary duty, contact a Wyoming probate attorney or the probate court where the estate is being administered.

Detailed answer — what Wyoming probate accountings generally must include

Wyoming law requires fiduciaries to keep accurate records and to account to the court and interested persons. Although local probate practice can vary by county and judge, an annual accounting and a final accounting typically include the same core information; the final accounting also shows closing transactions and requests distribution and discharge.

Core sections of both annual and final accountings

• Caption and identification: Court name, case number, estate name (decedent’s name), name of the fiduciary, reporting period covered by the accounting (start and end dates).
• Assets at the beginning of the period: Complete list of estate assets on hand at the start date of the accounting (cash, bank accounts with account numbers masked, brokerage accounts, real property, business interests, vehicles, personal property). For each asset include description, location, and value as of the start date.
• Receipts during the period: Itemized list of money or value received by the estate during the period (sale proceeds, rents, dividends, interest, refunds, tax refunds, life insurance payable to the estate, loan repayments). Show dates and amounts and the source of each receipt.
• Disbursements during the period: Itemized list of all estate expenditures (administration expenses, funeral costs, taxes, court costs, professional fees, creditor payments, repairs, insurance, distributions). For each, show date, payee, reason, and amount.
• Assets at the end of the period: Inventory of what remains at the end date, with values that match or reconcile to bank/broker statements, appraisals, or other valuation support.
• Reconciliation: Reconcile opening balance + receipts − disbursements = closing balance. Explain any differences (transfers, outstanding checks, timing differences).
• Transactions requiring court approval: Note and provide backup for any sales of estate real property, related-party transactions, compromise of claims, or extraordinary expenditures that require prior or retrospective court approval.
• Distributions (final accounting only): Proposed plan to distribute assets to beneficiaries, with calculation of each beneficiary’s share, claim allowances, and payment dates.
• Requests: Statement of the fiduciary’s requested relief (approval of accounting, discharge, allowance of fees, approval of final distribution).

Supporting documents commonly required

Attach or submit copies (or certified copies where required) of the key source documents that substantiate the entries:

• Bank and brokerage account statements for the full reporting period, plus statements showing opening and ending balances.
• Canceled checks or paid invoices for major disbursements (often requested for the largest or non-routine expenses).
• Receipts for funeral expenses, funeral home bill, and other significant creditor payments.
• Appraisals for real property or for significant personal property (antiques, art, jewelry) when value is in dispute or when required by the court.
• Closing statements from real estate sales (HUD-1 or equivalent), settlement statements, or contracts of sale.
• Tax returns filed for the decedent and for the estate (federal and state) covering the reporting period.
• Proof of notice to beneficiaries and creditors (mailing receipts, affidavit of service, published notice affidavits) as required by Wyoming practice.
• Voucher schedules: itemized lists of invoices tied to checks or electronic payments (some courts want a voucher-by-voucher backup).
• Inventory originally filed and any amended inventory showing changes.
• Filed affidavits or receipts from beneficiaries acknowledging distributions (when available).

Additional items for guardians/conservators and special circumstances

Guardians and conservators usually use a similar accounting format but may need to show separate statements for the protected person’s personal needs and for investment accounts. Trust accounting requirements (when a trustee reports) can differ from probate accounting requirements; be sure to follow the rules that apply to the particular fiduciary role.

Format, timing, and filing tips under Wyoming practice

• Follow your local court’s required form and format. Many Wyoming counties follow standard probate accounting forms or require the accounting to be verified (sworn) and filed with a proposed order. Check the local probate division’s page on the Wyoming Judicial Branch website: https://www.courts.state.wy.us/
• Annual accountings: Some courts require yearly accountings while an estate remains open. Even if the court does not proactively require annual filings, beneficiaries often can demand an accounting. Provide clear beginning and ending dates and tie every line item to a source document.
• Final accountings: File the final accounting when you are ready to close the estate. The final accounting must reconcile completely, show how claims were paid or allowed, and set out the proposed final distribution with supporting documentation. The fiduciary should request discharge by the court after approval.
• File proposed orders and a suggested decree of distribution with the final accounting. Provide service copies to interested persons per court rules.
• Keep originals of supporting documents; file copies. Courts may request originals or certified copies for verification.
• When in doubt, provide more detail. A well-documented accounting reduces contested issues and speeds approval.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Failure to reconcile bank statements to the accounting—reconcile each account and explain outstanding items.
• Missing backup for large or unusual disbursements—attach invoices, receipts, canceled checks, or court approval.
• Mixing estate funds with fiduciary or beneficiary funds—keep separate accounts and show any transfers with clear documentation.
• Not listing or undervaluing assets—use appraisals when value is uncertain or material.
• Not giving proper notice to beneficiaries and creditors—document all notice steps and include proof of service.

Where to find official Wyoming rules, forms, and statutes

• Wyoming Judicial Branch (probate court information and local court contacts): https://www.courts.state.wy.us/
• Wyoming Legislature — statutes and statutes search (use to locate the probate and fiduciary provisions that apply): https://wyoleg.gov/
• IRS guidance on estate and fiduciary income tax filing (for federal tax returns and estate EIN): https://www.irs.gov/

If you need a specific statute number or the local form used in your county, visiting the Wyoming Legislature website and the local county court’s probate page will show the exact forms and any local rules the judge enforces.

Practical next steps if you’re preparing an accounting

1. Gather all account statements (bank, brokerage) covering the full reporting period and the start/end dates.
2. Collect invoices, canceled checks, receipts, appraisal reports, sale closing statements, and tax returns.
3. Prepare a simple spreadsheet that lists opening balances, itemized receipts, itemized disbursements, and closing balances for each account and asset type.
4. Attach source documents in an organized binder or PDF with bookmarks (opening inventory, receipts, disbursements, reconciliations, final distribution schedule).
5. File the accounting with the court, serve interested persons as required, and keep proof of service.
6. Consider consulting a Wyoming probate attorney if the estate is complex, if there are disputes, or if you are uncertain which transactions the court must approve.

Helpful Hints

• Label everything—use consistent dates and labels so each line in the accounting matches a supporting document.
• Use electronic copies—courts accept PDF exhibits; create a bookmarked PDF so the judge and beneficiaries can follow your accounting easily.
• Start early—gathering appraisals and tax records can take weeks.
• Keep detailed trustee/fiduciary time records if you will be requesting compensation—document work performed, dates, and rates.
• When selling real property, secure a formal closing statement and show how sale proceeds moved through estate accounts.
• Retain originals for at least the statute-of-limitations period for claims (consult an attorney for timing).

Creating a careful, well-documented accounting makes court approval and final distribution far smoother. If you have specific questions about how a transaction should appear in an accounting or whether a particular document is required in your county, consult the probate clerk in the county where the estate is administered or a Wyoming probate attorney.