Wyoming Probate Cost: The Full Breakdown

Q: Why does the worked-totals table show each fee separately rather than combined?

Because whether both fees actually apply depends on whether the personal representative and the attorney are different people - showing each fee on its own lets you add them together only when that condition is met.

Q: Does the effective-rate column in the worked totals change if only one fee applies instead of two?

No - the effective rate shown is calculated per fee, on the estate value; it doesn't change based on how many total fees the estate ends up paying.

Q: Would using the $400,000 small estate affidavit change the worked totals shown here?

Substantially - a qualifying estate skips the statutory percentage fees, the district court filing fee, and publication shown in these full-probate totals entirely.

Q: Do the worked totals assume the same person serves as personal representative and attorney?

No - they show each fee independently; whether to add both or count only one depends on whether the same person fills both roles under section 2-7-805(c).

Q: Does Wyoming's 3-month creditor claim period affect the costs in this breakdown?

It affects timeline more than cost - the shorter window can mean a faster path to closing the estate, but the publication cost itself doesn't change with the claim period's length.

Quick answer: Wyoming still uses a real statutory percentage schedule — 10% / 5% / 3% / 2% — for the personal representative's fee. What makes Wyoming unusual is that the attorney is entitled to the identical schedule, so a Wyoming estate can face two full statutory fee awards rather than one, unless the same person fills both roles. There's no death tax. Get your own estimate with the Wyoming probate cost calculator.

1. Personal representative fee — the actual schedule

Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-803: 10% of the first $1,000, 5% of the amount from $1,000 to $5,000, 3% from $5,000 to $20,000, and 2% of everything above $20,000. Because the top three tiers apply to a much wider range than the opening 10% band (capped at $100 in dollar terms), the effective rate falls toward 2% as the estate grows. The court can add a fee if the schedule isn't equitable, plus extra for extraordinary services; the personal representative may also waive the fee in writing.

2. Attorney fee — the same schedule, a genuine second award

Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-804: the attorney gets the identical 10/5/3/2% schedule, computed on the same basis. Under § 2-7-805(c), if the same person serves as both personal representative and attorney, only one fee is paid — the ordinary personal representative fee is barred entirely in that case.

3. Court cost & the tax picture

Court: roughly $160 for a district court filing. Publication runs to creditors, who have 3 months from first publication — one of the shorter creditor windows in the country. No death tax: Wyoming has no estate tax, inheritance tax, or state income tax.

Worked totals using the actual statutory schedule

Both the personal representative and attorney fee use the identical schedule; here's each fee separately:

Probate estate	Each fee (§ 2-7-803/804)	Effective rate (each)	Filing + pub.
$100,000	$2,350	2.35%	$300
$300,000	$6,350	2.12%	$300
$500,000	$10,350	2.07%	$300
$1,000,000	$20,350	2.04%	$300

Fee = 10%×$1,000 + 5%×$4,000 + 3%×$15,000 + 2%×(value − $20,000). If the personal representative and attorney are different people, both fees can apply — roughly double the "each fee" column, plus the $300 filing and publication. Run your own numbers in the calculator.

How to reduce Wyoming probate costs

Use the $400,000 small estate affidavit or summary distribution — far cheaper than full probate for qualifying estates.
Serve as both personal representative and attorney if you're a qualified attorney — only one statutory fee applies, not two.
Personal representative waives the fee in writing if a family member and beneficiary.
Use TOD deeds, joint tenancy, or a living trust to keep assets out of probate entirely.

Wyoming probate cost breakdown — frequently asked questions

Why does the worked-totals table show each fee separately rather than combined?

Whether both fees apply depends on whether the personal representative and attorney are different people.

Does the effective-rate column in the worked totals change if only one fee applies instead of two?

No — the rate is calculated per fee, on the estate value, regardless of how many fees the estate pays.

Would using the $400,000 small estate affidavit change the worked totals shown here?

Substantially — a qualifying estate skips the percentage fees, filing fee, and publication shown here.

Do the worked totals assume the same person serves as personal representative and attorney?

No — they show each fee independently; whether both apply depends on who fills each role.

Does Wyoming's 3-month creditor claim period affect the costs in this breakdown?

It affects timeline more than cost — publication cost doesn't change with the claim period's length.

Estimate for general guidance only, not legal or tax advice. Wyoming's personal representative fee follows a statutory schedule under Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-803 (10% / 5% / 3% / 2%); the attorney is entitled to the identical schedule under § 2-7-804, unless the same person serves as both, in which case only one fee is paid (§ 2-7-805(c)). Small estate affidavit / summary distribution: $400,000. Wyoming has no estate or inheritance tax. Verify with your county District Court or a licensed Wyoming attorney.

Wyoming Probate Cost: Full Breakdown