Detailed Answer: How to reopen a closed estate in Wyoming so you can be appointed administrator

Short answer: To reopen your father’s closed estate in Wyoming and be appointed administrator you generally must file a petition in the same county probate court that handled the original estate asking the court to reopen the estate and appoint a personal representative. The court will grant reopening only for permitted reasons (for example, newly discovered assets, unresolved creditor or tax matters, fraud, or a surviving heir who was not represented). You must follow Wyoming probate procedures, give notice to interested parties, and satisfy any bond or notice requirements before the court will appoint an administrator.

What Wyoming law governs this process?

Wyoming’s probate and estate procedures are governed by the Wyoming statutes and the rules of the Wyoming courts. For general statute references and to read the probate provisions, see the Wyoming Legislature statutes page: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/. For practical court forms and local procedure information, see the Wyoming Judicial Branch probate page: https://www.courts.state.wy.us/.

Step-by-step: How to reopen the estate and ask to be appointed administrator

1. Identify the county court that closed the estate. Reopening petitions are filed in the same county where the probate occurred (the district court or the probate docket of that court).
2. Confirm why the estate was closed and whether reopening is appropriate. Courts typically reopen a closed estate for reasons such as:
   • Newly discovered assets (bank accounts, real property, pensions, life insurance not previously handled).
   • Creditor or tax claims that were not addressed.
   • Evidence of fraud, mistake, or that the prior closing was improper.
   • An interested person (heir or creditor) requests reopening to administer assets or correct distributions.
3. Gather supporting documents. Common documents to include with your petition:
   • Certified copy of the death certificate.
   • Copy of the court order that closed the estate (if available).
   • Documentation of the newly discovered asset(s) or the reason for reopening (bank statements, title documents, correspondence, affidavits).
   • List of known heirs and address information if you have it.
4. Prepare and file a petition to reopen the estate and for appointment of a personal representative. The petition typically asks the court to (1) reopen the previously closed estate, (2) appoint you as administrator (personal representative) because you are an interested person, and (3) authorize whatever relief is necessary to collect or distribute assets. The court may have local form petitions—contact the clerk of the court for forms or filing instructions.
5. Provide notice to interested parties. Wyoming law generally requires notice to heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors before the court holds a hearing on reopening or on appointment of a new representative. The clerk will direct how notice must be given (personal service, mail, or publication) and the time frame for objections.
6. Attend the hearing. If someone objects (for example, a previously appointed representative or another heir), the court will schedule a hearing. Be prepared to explain the grounds for reopening and why you should be appointed (priority among potential administrators, your fitness, and any proposed bond).
7. Bond and administration requirements. If the court appoints you, it may require a surety bond, inventory, notice to creditors, and periodic accounting depending on the size and complexity of the estate. The court will issue letters of administration permitting you to act on behalf of the estate.

Common scenarios and how courts usually respond

New asset discovered after closing

If someone discovers assets that were not administered, the court commonly reopens the estate to inventory, collect, and distribute those assets under court supervision. You must show credible proof of the asset and your standing as an interested person.

Evidence of fraud, mistake, or improper closing

If the estate was closed because of fraud or a material mistake, the court has authority to reopen and correct the record. You will need to provide evidence supporting those allegations.

Estate never properly opened or no representative appointed

If the decedent’s estate was never opened, you may petition to open an estate and be appointed administrator. Wyoming’s intestacy and appointment priority rules will determine who is entitled to serve. The court prefers appointing someone who can serve responsibly and protect creditors and heirs.

Who has priority to be appointed administrator in Wyoming?

When an estate lacks an executor named in a will, courts appoint a personal representative based on statutory priority among surviving relatives and creditors. If several people seek appointment, the court will consider statutory priority, suitability, willingness to serve, and whether a bond is necessary. For the exact statutory priority rules, consult Wyoming probate statutes on the legislature site: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/.

Timing, costs, and possible obstacles

• Timing: The reopening timeline varies—simple reopenings for a single account can resolve in weeks; contested reopenings take longer.
• Costs: Expect filing fees, possible publication fees, and the cost of a bond. If you hire an attorney, include legal fees in your estimates.
• Obstacles: Objections by heirs or a previously appointed representative, disputes about asset ownership, missing records, and creditor claims can complicate reopening.

When to get a Wyoming probate attorney

Consider hiring an attorney if the case involves contested facts (allegations of fraud or improper closing), significant assets, complex creditor or tax issues, or if multiple people compete for appointment. An attorney can draft pleadings, advise on bond amounts, manage notice and service, and represent you at hearing.

Practical next steps

1. Contact the clerk of the district court in the county where the estate was probated and ask how to file a petition to reopen a closed estate and for appointment of a personal representative.
2. Gather the death certificate, the order that closed the estate (if you can get it from court records), and documentation of the reason to reopen.
3. Prepare the petition or consult a probate attorney to draft and file it properly.
4. Serve notice to heirs and potential creditors per the clerk’s instructions and attend the court hearing.

Helpful official resources:

• Wyoming Legislature — statutes index: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/
• Wyoming Judicial Branch (court information and forms): https://www.courts.state.wy.us/

Disclaimer

This article is educational only and is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Wyoming probate attorney or contact the probate clerk in the relevant Wyoming county.

Helpful Hints

• Find the original probate case number and court order — the clerk can pull the file and this speeds filing your petition.
• Keep a clear paper trail: certified death certificate, bank statements, titles, and correspondence that show the reason to reopen.
• Contact all likely heirs early — that often reduces surprises and objections.
• Ask the clerk for local probate forms and filing fee information before you prepare the petition.
• If the estate is small, ask the court clerk whether a small‑estate affidavit or simplified procedure applies; that can be faster and cheaper in some cases.
• Be ready to post a bond if the court requires it; the bond protects the estate against mismanagement.
• Document all outreach to creditors and submit any creditor claims or responses promptly.