What Drives Probate Cost in Wyoming
Court filing fees are the visible starting point, but many estates also pay for certified copies, notice or publication, property recordings, appraisals, and legal help.
Wyoming probate court fees do not vary by county. W.S. 2-2-401 sets them for the whole state: $160 to open an estate ($110 original filing fee, $40 court automation fee and $10 indigent civil legal services fee), plus $5 for an inventory of $5,000 to $10,000 and $5 for each additional $10,000 or portion. Every estate is filed with the clerk of district court in the county where the decedent lived. The costs that do vary are the newspaper charge for the published notice and the county clerk recording charge, which depends on page count.
Cost componentsFiling fees, add-on charges, and attorney work compared
Court Filing Fees
The court procedure chosen is often the biggest first driver of cost. Simplified procedures usually cost less than full administration.
Additional Charges
Certified copies, publication or notice costs, appraisals, and document recordings can materially change the final number.
Attorney Work
Legal fees depend on the estate's issues. A modest estate with title or creditor problems can cost more than a larger estate with clean paperwork.
How to Use the EstimateWhat the number means and which check to run next
Use the result to set expectations, not to lock in a final fee quote. If the number looks high, the next question is whether all of the property really needs probate or whether some assets already transfer outside court.
From here, compare the estate structure with the estate value calculator, review transfer structure with the beneficiary checker, and use the Wyoming courts page if you need the next local filing contact.
If the attorney-fee line above is the one you want help with, the Wyoming attorney listings name each firm and its own phone and site, so you can compare quotes yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wyoming probate costs and filing fees?
Do I need an attorney for Wyoming probate?
How long does Wyoming probate take?
Official Sources and Further ReadingOfficial references used for this page
- W.S. 2-2-401 ("Schedule; additional charges."), Wyoming Statutes Title 2, the statewide probate fee schedule: a $110.00 original filing fee in (a)(i), a $40.00 court automation fee in (a)(iii) and a $10.00 indigent civil legal services fee in (a)(iv), $160 to open an estate in every county, plus $5.00 for an inventory of $5,000 to $10,000 and $5.00 for each additional $10,000 or portion in (a)(ii).
- Wyoming Supreme Court, Rules for Fees and Costs for District Courts. Rule 6 ("Probate Fees.") has every clerk of district court charge probate fees "as set forth in Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-2-401"; Rule 3 sets copy fees by W.S. 5-3-206(a)(vi).
- W.S. 2-7-803 ("Fees of personal representative; schedule.") and 2-7-804 ("Fees of attorney for estate; schedule."), Title 2: the same ordinary fee schedule for each, 10% of the first $1,000, 5% over $1,000 to $5,000, 3% over $5,000 to $20,000 and 2% over $20,000. W.S. 2-7-805 requires a court order before either is paid.
- W.S. 2-1-201 ("Payment of indebtedness and delivery of tangible personal property or instruments evidencing debt.") and 2-1-205 (summary distribution), Title 2: the $400,000 small-estate affidavit, 30 days after the death, filed with the county clerk, and the court decree that moves Wyoming real property in a small estate.
- W.S. 18-3-402(a)(xvi) ("Duties generally."), Title 18: the county clerk charge of $12.00 to record the first page of any instrument, $3.00 for each additional page, and $5.00 for a certification.
- IRS Publication 559 for survivors, executors, and administrators
- CFPB guide to managing someone else’s money
Information current as of May 31, 2026
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Wyoming can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.