Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about a specific estate, contact a licensed Wyoming probate attorney.

Detailed answer — step‑by‑step process for verifying or contesting a creditor payoff quote

When a creditor gives a payoff quote on a debt of a decedent, the personal representative (executor/administrator) must verify the amount before paying from estate assets. Follow these steps to confirm the quote and, if necessary, contest it in Wyoming probate court.

1. Identify the creditor and the claim type

   Confirm who is claiming the debt: the original lender, a servicing company, or an assignee/collection company. Determine whether the claim is secured (mortgage, deed of trust, UCC lien) or unsecured (credit card, medical bill). For secured claims, review public records at the county clerk/recorder to confirm liens and priority.

2. Request documented proof (written demand and itemized payoff)

   Ask the creditor in writing for:

   • A written payoff statement dated the day you received it, showing principal, per‑diem interest (with rate and how it’s calculated), fees, penalties, and the dates those charges were assessed.
   • A copy of the governing agreement (note, loan agreement, credit card agreement).
   • A copy of the promissory note or judgment (if the debt was reduced to judgment).
   • If the claim was assigned or sold, the assignment or chain of title showing the current holder’s right to collect.

   Request a sworn affidavit of the debt amount if the creditor cannot produce original documents.

3. Compare the creditor’s documents to estate records

   Match the creditor’s accounting to the estate’s records. Look for:

   • Payments that the estate or decedent already made.
   • Duplicate charges or fees not in the original agreement.
   • Incorrect interest calculations (wrong rate or compounding method).
   • Late charges or default fees added after death that may not be allowed under the contract or law.

4. Verify secured claims through public records

   For mortgages, deeds of trust, or other liens, check the county recorder’s office for the recorded security instrument, releases, or subordination agreements. Confirm payoff figures against the lien amount and that interest stopped accruing on the correct date (some mortgages accelerate on default; verify whether acceleration occurred and whether it was valid).

5. Check whether the creditor actually has authority to collect

   If a third party makes a demand, ask for proof of assignment and documentation that the third party has the authority to provide a payoff quote and accept payment. If the creditor only claims a right to collect and cannot produce assignment documents, you may refuse payment until proof is provided.

6. Review applicable Wyoming probate rules and creditor notice requirements

   Wyoming law governs how and when creditors present claims against an estate and how the personal representative processes them. Consult the Wyoming statutes and local court rules to confirm deadlines and required procedures before paying or disputing a claim. See the Wyoming statutes on decedents’ estates and fiduciaries for statutory claim presentation rules: Wyoming Statutes (Wyoming Legislature) and check probate procedures on the Wyoming Judicial Branch site: Wyoming Courts.

7. Send a formal written dispute if the payoff looks incorrect

   If you find errors, send a written dispute to the creditor and the probate court (if the claim is already filed). State clearly which items you dispute, why, and what documentation you request. Keep certified‑mail receipts and copies of all correspondence.

8. File or object to a claim in probate court

   If the creditor files a claim with the estate and you (as personal representative or an interested person) disagree, you can file a written objection with the probate court. The court will schedule a hearing to resolve the amount and validity of the claim. The creditor bears the burden of proving the claim’s validity and amount.

9. Use discovery tools if necessary

   When a creditor resists providing proof, the probate court process allows discovery. You can request production of documents, interrogatories, or subpoenas to obtain promissory notes, payment histories, assignments, or servicing records. In contested matters, courts can order accountings or audits.

10. Negotiate or settle when appropriate

    Often estates lack funds to pay full claims. You may negotiate a lump‑sum settlement or reduced payoff. If you settle with a claimant, get a written release that states the claim is satisfied and how payment is applied.

11. Document payment and obtain releases

    If you pay a creditor, obtain a written receipt and a signed satisfaction or release of lien (for secured claims). Record lien releases with the county recorder where the security instrument was recorded.

12. When to consult an attorney

    Hire a Wyoming probate attorney if: (a) the creditor won’t provide documents; (b) a large or contested claim could exhaust the estate; (c) lien priority or title issues are present; or (d) you need help filing objections, discovery, or a court hearing. A lawyer can draft precise objections and represent the estate in court.

For Wyoming statute references on presentation of claims, estate administration, and fiduciary duties, review the Wyoming statutes on decedents’ estates (Title 2) and related probate provisions at the Wyoming Legislature site: https://wyoleg.gov/Statutes. For court procedure and forms, visit the Wyoming Judicial Branch: https://www.courts.state.wy.us.

Helpful hints — practical tips when checking or disputing a payoff quote

• Keep a timeline: record the date of death, date you received the quote, and all communications.
• Get everything in writing. Do not rely on phone quotes alone.
• Ask for daily interest calculations showing per‑diem rate and last date interest applies.
• For mortgages, check the county recorder before paying to ensure liens are properly released after payment.
• Don’t mix estate and personal funds. Use the estate account to avoid personal liability.
• Preserve all records — receipts, checks, emails — because the probate court may later review the estate’s actions.
• If a debt appears inflated or includes unfamiliar fees, request an itemized ledger with dates and charge descriptions.
• Be mindful of probate timelines and creditor claim deadlines under Wyoming law; missing a deadline can affect the estate’s ability to contest or pay claims.
• If a debt has been sold to a debt buyer, require proof of assignment and the original contract before paying.
• Consider mediation or settlement to avoid costly litigation when the estate has limited funds.