Detailed answer

Short answer: In most cases, you do not use the small‑estate affidavit process to sell real property in Wyoming. The small‑estate process generally applies to personal property, not real estate. To sell a decedent’s house you usually need authority from the probate court (for example, letters testamentary or letters of administration) or a different clear title mechanism such as joint tenancy, a transfer‑on‑death deed, trust ownership, or a court order allowing sale.

What this means for publishing creditor notice: the obligation to publish a notice to creditors arises when you open a formal probate or when Wyoming law requires publication for administration. If you must open probate to obtain authority to sell the house, the probate process will include creditor‑notice procedures (publication and deadlines for presenting claims). If the estate truly qualifies only for the small‑estate affidavit for personal property and no probate administration is opened, a published three‑month creditor notice typically does not apply because the small‑estate affidavit does not give you authority to convey real property.

Why small‑estate affidavits usually won’t let you sell the house

• Small‑estate procedures in Wyoming are intended to let eligible heirs collect personal property (bank accounts, vehicles, household goods) without full probate.
• Real property (land and houses) commonly requires formal probate administration or a specific transfer mechanism to clear title and permit sale.
• Selling real estate without proper authority risks a challenge from heirs or creditors and can prevent a clean title transfer to a buyer.

When you will likely need to publish notice to creditors

If you open probate (formal or informal administration) to obtain authority to sell the house, Wyoming probate rules require notice to creditors. That generally involves publishing a notice in the county where probate is filed and allowing a statutory period during which creditors may file claims. Advertising and claim deadlines are part of the court’s administration process. For the applicable provisions in Wyoming law, see the statutes governing probate and administration (Title 2 — Estates) on the Wyoming Legislature website: https://wyoleg.gov/Statutes. You can look under Title 2 (Estates) for specifics about notices and creditor claim periods.

Common practical scenarios

• If the house was owned jointly with right of survivorship or is held in a living trust, you may be able to transfer title without probate. Check the deed or trust documents.
• If the decedent recorded a transfer‑on‑death deed (if available in the county), follow that instrument’s rules to transfer without probate.
• If no transfer mechanism exists and you need to sell, you will usually petition the probate court for appointment as personal representative so the court can authorize the sale. That court process triggers creditor notice rules.

Because rules and procedures can vary with facts (value of the estate, presence of a will, liens, creditors, and local court practice), confirm the right path before listing or entering into a contract to sell the property.

Where to check Wyoming law and forms

Wyoming statutes governing probate and estate administration are found on the Wyoming Legislature website under Title 2 (Estates): https://wyoleg.gov/Statutes. For practical court forms and local procedures, check the Wyoming Judicial Branch website and the probate clerk in the county where the decedent lived.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney‑client relationship. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a licensed probate attorney in Wyoming.

Helpful hints

• Do not try to sell the house until you confirm who has legal authority to transfer title.
• Look for a will, trust, joint‑ownership language on the deed, or a transfer‑on‑death deed—any of these can avoid probate.
• Get a certified copy of the death certificate; the buyer and title company will usually require it.
• Check the county recorder/assessor to verify how the house title is held and whether there are liens.
• If probate is needed, expect the court to require a notice to creditors and to set a timeline for creditor claims; follow the court’s publication and filing requirements exactly.
• Contact a Wyoming probate attorney early if the house must be sold during administration (for example, to pay debts or taxes) — the attorney can petition the court for authority to sell and handle creditor notice obligations.
• If you already have a buyer, discuss with an attorney or the title company about obtaining a court order authorizing sale or a limited administration that expedites sale while protecting creditor rights.