Why Probate Mistakes Get Expensive FastHow one missed step compounds into extra court work, cost, and liability
This Wyoming pitfall list covers 13 common estate-settlement mistakes, including 6 high-risk and 7 medium-risk items. Start with the high-risk items before moving money, filing a petition, or relying on a shortcut procedure.
Common consequences include A sworn affidavit that misstates the estate's value, signed under penalty of perjury, A distributee who must later account for what was collected, A full probate anyway when the land has to be dealt with. That is why the page links each pitfall to practical avoidance steps and source context.
Mistake CategoriesHow the mistakes above group by risk type, with item counts
Legal Deadline
Statutory deadlines that close a route or trigger the court when they pass 3 items on this page relate to this category.
Fiduciary Duty
Duties, conflicts and personal liability of the personal representative 2 items on this page relate to this category.
Process Choice
Choosing the wrong procedure, office, figure or form 4 items on this page relate to this category.
Property Rights
Land, nonprobate transfers and state recovery 3 items on this page relate to this category.
Costs And Fees
Statutory fees and when they may be paid 1 item on this page relate to this category.
What to Check Before You Move Estate PropertyThree quick checks: the probate path, the filing packet, and open tasks
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common probate mistakes in Wyoming?
Why do Wyoming probate cases get delayed?
How can I reduce executor mistakes in Wyoming?
Statute and Agency SourcesOfficial references used for this page
- W.S. 18-3-402: Duties generally.
- W.S. 1-20-101: Homestead exemption; right.
- W.S. 2-18-103: Transfer on death deed.
- W.S. 2-1-201: Payment of indebtedness and delivery of tangible personal property or instruments evidencing debt.
- W.S. 2-1-205: Summary procedure for distribution of personal or real property; application for decree; notice by publication; presumptive evidence of title; effect of false statements.
- W.S. 2-2-102: Venue generally.
- W.S. 2-4-201: Persons entitled to administer.
- W.S. 2-4-203: Persons incompetent to administer.
- W.S. 2-5-104: Duty of court to advise as to right of election.
- W.S. 2-6-119: Duty of custodian to deliver will; failure to comply; order to third persons.
- W.S. 2-6-202: Failure of executor to petition; appointment of administrator.
- W.S. 2-6-208: Order of preference for appointment of executor.
- W.S. 2-7-102: Penalty for administering without proving will or taking letters of administration.
- W.S. 2-7-201: Admission of will or estate to probate and appointment of personal representative; contents; form.
- W.S. 2-7-204: Final account and petition for distribution; form.
- W.S. 2-7-205: Parties entitled to receive.
- W.S. 2-7-301: Appointment of special administrator; when to be made.
- W.S. 2-7-402: Title to decedent's property; subject to administration and payment of debts; priorities.
- W.S. 2-7-403: Return of inventory of estate by representative; failure to comply; disposition of fines.
- W.S. 2-7-508: Amount of homestead exemption.
- W.S. 2-7-701: Debts and charges; classification.
- W.S. 2-7-703: Filing required; failure to do so constitutes bar; exceptions.
- W.S. 2-7-712: Allowance and rejection of claims.
- W.S. 2-7-801: Declaration of policy; clerk to maintain calendar; administration to be completed within one year; exception.
- W.S. 2-7-803: Fees of personal representative; schedule.
- W.S. 2-7-804: Fees of attorney for estate; schedule.
- W.S. 2-7-805: Allowance and payment of personal representative's fees and attorney fees; limitations.
- W.S. 2-7-806: Verified interim report and accounting.
- W.S. 34-11-101: Recorded affidavit as evidence; subjects; facts.
- W.S. 42-4-206: Claims against estates.
- 2025 Wyo. Sess. Laws ch. 168 (SF0104, Senate Enrolled Act 85): Probate code revisions.
- Wyoming Judicial Branch, eFiling (Access to Court Filings)
- Wyoming Judicial Branch, Probate (Personal Property) Form 01: Instructions for Intestate Affidavit for Distribution of Personal Property (by Wyoming Statute 2-1-201)
- University of Wyoming Extension, A Walk Through Probate (B-1250.6, September 2013), linked by the Judicial Branch under Other Probate Documents
Information current as of October 4, 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.