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Detailed Answer

Under Wyoming probate law, to bring real property into the estate for paying valid claims, a personal representative must follow these key steps.

1. Initiate Probate Proceedings. File a petition for administration in the district court of the county where the decedent resided. See Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-101 (Title 2, § 6-101).
2. Appoint a Personal Representative. The court issues letters testamentary (if there’s a will) or letters of administration (if there’s no will). See Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-102 (Title 2, § 6-102).
3. Inventory and Appraisement. Within 60 days of appointment, file a detailed inventory that lists all estate assets, including real property. See Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-111 (Title 2, § 6-111).
4. Notice to Creditors. Publish a notice to creditors once in a local newspaper and mail individual notices to known creditors within two months of appointment. See Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-201 (Title 2, § 6-201).
5. Obtain Court Approval to Sell Real Property. To convert land into cash for paying claims, petition the court for authority to sell. After approval, publish a notice of sale for four consecutive weeks. See Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-117 (Title 2, § 6-117).
6. Transfer and Record the Deed. Once sold, deliver the court-approved deed to the purchaser and record it at the county clerk’s office. See Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-118 (Title 2, § 6-118).
7. Pay Valid Claims. Use estate funds to pay in this order: administration expenses, secured creditors, and then general creditors. See Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-203 (Title 2, § 6-203).
8. Close the Estate. File a final accounting and petition the court to discharge the personal representative when all claims are paid and assets distributed. See Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-301 (Title 2, § 6-301).

Helpful Hints

• Check if the estate qualifies for simplified administration under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-402.
• Keep thorough records of notices, court filings, and financial transactions.
• Communicate regularly with beneficiaries and creditors to avoid disputes.
• Consider consulting a probate attorney if the real property has complex title issues or high value.
• Monitor all statutory deadlines closely to protect the personal representative from liability.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information on Wyoming probate law and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney to address your specific situation.