Detailed Answer — What documentation you typically need to prove ownership for a surplus funds claim in Wyoming

After a foreclosure sale or tax sale, a sale sometimes generates “surplus funds” (money left over after paying liens and sale costs). To collect those funds you must show you are legally entitled to them. In Wyoming you will generally deal with the county sheriff or the court that handled the sale. The exact documents required vary by county and by whether the claimant is an individual, an heir, a trustee, a corporation, or a secured creditor, but the following list covers the common items you should assemble.

1. Proof of identity

• Government-issued photo ID for the claimant (driver’s license or passport).
• If someone files on behalf of another person, a notarized power of attorney that specifically authorizes handling of the surplus funds.

2. Proof you are the owner or the person entitled to the proceeds

• Certified copy of the deed showing you were the record owner at the relevant time (or at time of sale if the statute requires).
• If title passed by inheritance: certified death certificate for the decedent plus probate documents (letters testamentary, letters of administration) or a court-approved distribution order.
• If property was owned by a trust: an executed and recorded trust document or a certified copy of trustee authority and any relevant trust pages showing the owner/trustee and property schedule.
• If the property was owned by a business: certified articles of incorporation/organization, a current certificate of good standing, and a corporate resolution authorizing the claimant to act and accept funds.
• If ownership changed by transfer or divorce: recorded deed, quitclaim deed, or final divorce decree showing property division.

3. Chain of title and lien information

• Title report or an abstract showing chain of title leading to the claimant (demonstrates ownership and any recorded liens).
• Recorded mortgage/deed of trust and recorded release or satisfaction documents if liens were paid.
• Copies of lienholder payoff letters if relevant to the distribution of surplus funds.

4. Sale, court, and sheriff paperwork

• Copy of the sheriff’s sale notice and sheriff’s deed or certificate of sale.
• Court foreclosure or tax sale judgment/order (if sale was by court process) and the final distribution or confirmation of sale order, if issued.
• A copy of the county’s record showing the surplus amount and how it was held (sheriff’s ledger entry or clerk’s notice).
• Any surplus-claim form required by the county sheriff’s office or clerk; many counties provide a standard claim form.

5. Supporting affidavits and proof of relationship

• Affidavit of ownership or affidavit of heirship (when no probate was opened) — note that some counties may not accept heirship affidavits as a substitute for formal probate.
• If filing as an heir or beneficiary, documents proving your relationship (birth certificate, family tree documentation, or court documents showing appointment as guardian or conservator).
• If the claimant is an assignee of a claim, a written and recorded assignment or notarized assignment agreement.

6. Financial and tax records

• Recent property tax bills and proof of who paid taxes (helps demonstrate ownership or financial interest).
• A copy of payment records or receipts showing you paid any sums tied to the property that may affect distribution.

7. Notarization and certified copies

• Bring original documents when requested and certified or recorded copies for filing. Many offices require certified copies (e.g., certified deed copy from the county recorder).
• Notarize affidavits or signatures on claim forms as required by the sheriff or clerk.

Once you assemble these materials, submit them to the county sheriff or the court as directed. The county will review your claim, and if multiple claimants appear, the sheriff or court may require additional proceedings to determine the rightful recipient.

Important Wyoming resources

Wyoming statutes and county procedures control many details of surplus claims. For the text of Wyoming laws and to search specific statutes that may apply, use the Wyoming Legislature site: https://wyoleg.gov/Statutes. For county-specific requirements, contact the county sheriff’s office and the county clerk/recorder where the sale occurred.

Helpful Hints — Practical tips to speed your surplus funds claim

• Start with the county sheriff and the clerk of court: ask which claim form and exact documents they require. County practices can differ.
• Get certified copies of deeds and recorded documents from the county recorder rather than photocopies; many offices will not accept plain copies.
• If the original owner is deceased, open probate or obtain the court paperwork that shows who can collect on behalf of the estate.
• If you are acting under a power of attorney, confirm the power’s language authorizes handling surplus funds and provide a notarized copy.
• When in doubt, provide more documentation rather than less—title reports, tax bills, recorded assignments, and affidavits together make a stronger claim.
• Keep copies of everything you file and get receipts for in-person submissions. Ask whether the sheriff requires original documents returned or will accept certified copies only.
• Be mindful of deadlines. Some counties or statutes impose time limits to claim surplus funds; check the county’s instructions and consult a Wyoming attorney if you see conflicting information.
• If multiple parties claim the same funds, expect additional documentation requests or a court hearing to determine who is entitled to distribution.