Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every situation differs. Consult a licensed Wyoming attorney or the local probate court for advice tailored to your facts.

Quick overview

When a parent dies, you usually need to sort documents, notify the court and beneficiaries, manage assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute what remains. Wyoming law governs how probate works and what steps an executor or administrator must take. Below is a practical, step-by-step FAQ-style guide to help you begin.

Step 1 — Identify whether there is a valid will

Search for a will in your mother’s papers, safe deposit box, email, or with her attorney. If there is a will, the person named as executor should file it with the district court in the county where your mother lived.

Step 2 — Contact the local probate court

File the will (if any) and a petition to open probate in the district court where your mother resided at the time of death. If no will exists, a close relative can ask the court to appoint an administrator. The Wyoming courts website has local court contacts and general forms you may need: Wyoming Judicial Branch.

Step 3 — Determine whether you can use a simplified/small estate process

Some estates qualify for simplified procedures or a small‑claims affidavit instead of full probate. Whether you qualify depends on the estate’s size and the types of assets. Check Wyoming statutory provisions and the court clerk’s guidance to see if a small estate process applies: Wyoming Statutes (search probate/estates).

Step 4 — Secure and inventory assets

Immediately secure physical property, safe deposit boxes, and important documents (the will, deeds, titles, life insurance policies, retirement account statements, bank records, and bills). Prepare a written inventory of assets and their approximate values. The inventory is usually filed with the court during probate.

Step 5 — Notify beneficiaries and creditors

Wyoming law requires notice to heirs, beneficiaries and creditors. The executor or administrator typically gives direct notice to known creditors and publishes a notice to unknown creditors in a local newspaper if required by the court. Follow the court’s rules on timing and proof of notice to protect the estate from late claims. See Wyoming statutes and local court rules for exact notice requirements: Wyoming Statutes (probate/creditors).

Step 6 — Collect assets and manage the estate

The personal representative collects estate assets, moves them into safe accounts when appropriate, pays ongoing household expenses, and preserves property value. Keep careful records of all estate transactions and maintain separate estate bank accounts when required.

Step 7 — Pay debts, taxes and final bills

Pay valid creditor claims and any taxes (including final income tax returns). Wyoming does not currently impose a state estate tax, but federal estate tax rules may apply in very large estates. Consult the IRS or a tax professional about federal filing requirements: IRS. Keep documentation of every payment.

Step 8 — Prepare and file required inventories and reports

Most district courts require periodic reports or a final accounting before approving distribution. File inventories, accountings, and receipts as the court requires. The court will review and approve the personal representative’s actions before final distribution.

Step 9 — Distribute remaining assets and close the estate

After paying debts and obtaining court approval, distribute estate assets to beneficiaries according to the will or Wyoming intestacy laws if there is no will. Then file a final report or petition asking the court to close the estate and discharge the personal representative.

When to hire an attorney

Consider hiring a Wyoming probate attorney if the estate is complex, assets are large or out of state, the will is contested, there are potential creditor claims, tax issues arise, or if you want help with court filings and accountings. An attorney can explain Wyoming statutes and local court practices and help reduce personal liability for mistakes.

Key Wyoming legal resources and statutes

• Wyoming Statutes and legislative resources (search for “probate,” “estates,” “intestacy,” and “creditors”): https://wyoleg.gov.
• Wyoming Judicial Branch — court contacts, forms and local procedures: https://www.courts.state.wy.us.
• Federal tax guidance (if applicable): https://www.irs.gov/.

Statutes that commonly apply to probate administration appear in Wyoming’s statutes under estate and probate provisions. Use the Wyoming Legislature website to view the exact statutory language and any recent amendments: Wyoming Statutes.

Helpful Hints

• Find the original will quickly — it speeds the probate process.
• Make a clear inventory and keep originals or certified copies of key documents.
• Open a separate estate bank account for receipts and payments to keep records tidy.
• Notify banks, retirement account custodians, and life insurance companies promptly.
• Ask the county clerk or court clerk for local forms and filing fee information.
• Keep a log of calls, dates, and expenditures—this helps with accountings and protects you from disputes.
• If someone disputes the will or claims undue influence, contact an attorney right away.
• Be mindful of statutory deadlines to preserve creditor defenses and to avoid personal liability.