Detailed Answer — How to get the house into you and your siblings’ names under Wyoming law

When a parent dies without a will (intestate) in Wyoming, the house does not automatically become the children’s property unless title already named them (for example, joint tenancy with right of survivorship or a transfer-on-death deed). Instead, the decedent’s estate must be administered so ownership can be transferred to the rightful heirs under Wyoming law.

Step 1 — Confirm how title and other documents are set up

• Check the deed to see if the house was owned jointly with rights of survivorship, or if a transfer-on-death (TOD) deed or beneficiary deed exists. If so, the surviving named owners or beneficiaries may take title automatically.
• Look for a mortgage, liens, or other encumbrances. These affect how the property transfers and whether the estate must pay debts before distribution.
• Locate the decedent’s important papers (bank, insurance, prior deeds) and make a list of obvious assets and liabilities.

Step 2 — Determine whether you can use a simplified (small‑estate) process

Wyoming provides simplified procedures for small estates or situations where real property is limited in value or where quick transfer is appropriate. If the estate qualifies, you may avoid a full probate administration by filing an affidavit of heirship or a small‑estate affidavit and recording it with the county clerk/recorder to clear title. Check with the local district court clerk or the Wyoming Courts website for forms and eligibility rules:

Wyoming Judicial Branch (probate forms and info)

Step 3 — If no simplified route applies, open a probate (estate) case

1. File a petition in the district court in the county where the decedent lived to appoint a personal representative (executor). The court will issue letters testamentary or of administration authorizing the representative to act for the estate.
2. The court and Wyoming law dictate notice to heirs and creditors and set deadlines for claims. The personal representative inventories assets, pays valid debts and taxes, and manages the property during probate.
3. Wyoming’s probate rules and procedures are administered in the district courts; see the state judicial site for local court contacts: https://www.courts.state.wy.us/.

Step 4 — Identify heirs under Wyoming intestacy rules

If the decedent left no will, Wyoming’s intestate succession rules determine who inherits. Generally:

• If the decedent left a surviving spouse, the spouse may inherit all or part of the estate depending on whether there are surviving children and whether the children are also the spouse’s children.
• If there is no surviving spouse, children commonly inherit the decedent’s property in equal shares.

For official statutes and the precise rules that apply to your case, consult the Wyoming statutes and consider speaking with the district court clerk or an attorney. The Wyoming Legislature’s website is a reliable source for statutory text: https://wyoleg.gov/.

Step 5 — Obtain a court order or executor’s deed to transfer title

After creditors are dealt with and the court approves distribution, the personal representative signs a deed (often called an executor’s or administrator’s deed) that transfers the property from the estate to the heirs. That deed must be recorded in the county where the property lies to put title in the heirs’ names.

Step 6 — Handle practical matters after transfer

• Update the county assessor’s records and property tax account to show the new owners; check for any reassessment or transfer tax consequences.
• If siblings will own the property together, decide whether to (a) keep it as co-owners, (b) one sibling buys out the others, or (c) sell the property and split proceeds. Consider a written co-ownership agreement to avoid future disputes.
• If the house has a mortgage, talk with the lender. Many mortgages include a “due-on-sale” clause, but some lenders permit assumption or refinancing by heirs.

Timing and costs

Probate timeline and costs vary. A small‑estate affidavit is fastest and least expensive. Formal probate can take months, depending on estate complexity and creditor timelines. Expect court filing fees, possible publication costs, attorney fees (if you hire counsel), and recording fees when transferring title.

When to consult an attorney

Get legal help if:

• Title is unclear or there are disputes among heirs.
• The estate has substantial debts, tax issues, or a mortgage.
• There are missing heirs, a blended family, or questions about intestacy or claims against the estate.

If you decide to consult a lawyer, look for an attorney experienced in Wyoming probate and real‑property transfers or use the Wyoming State Bar referral resources.

Helpful Hints

• Search the county recorder’s office for recorded deeds to confirm how title is held.
• Contact the district court clerk in the county where the decedent lived for forms, local filing rules, and small‑estate options: Wyoming Judicial Branch.
• Keep careful records: inventory assets, list creditors, track correspondence, and keep receipts for estate expenses.
• If siblings plan to co-own, sign a written agreement that covers maintenance, taxes, mortgage payments, and a buy‑out or sale process.
• Record the deed promptly after court approval to prevent clouds on title; the county clerk/recorder handles recordings and can tell you fees and format requirements.
• If possible, agree on a single point of contact (the personal representative) so communications and decisions remain organized.