FigureMyTax

Wyoming Small Estate: Filing How-To

The right form depends entirely on whether real property is in the mix.

Wyo. Stat. §2-1-201, §2-1-205

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026 · How we calculate

Quick answer: personal property only, no real estate — use the Affidavit of Distribution. Real property or mineral interests involved — use Summary Distribution, filed with the District Court. Check whether an estate qualifies with the Wyoming small estate checker.

Step by step

  1. Total the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, against the $400,000 cap.
  2. Decide which mechanism fits: Affidavit of Distribution for personal property only, or Summary Distribution if real property or mineral interests are present.
  3. For the affidavit, present it directly to the asset holder once eligibility is confirmed.
  4. For Summary Distribution, file the application with the District Court in the decedent's county.
  5. Confirm the current filing fee and any waiting period with the district court clerk.

Two names, two very different reaches

Confirmed current: Wyoming probate 2026: $400,000 threshold (raised July 2025 via SF0104) for BOTH the personal-property affidavit (§2-1-201) and summary distribution (§2-1-205, which covers real estate + mineral interests).

Confirm local requirements before filing

Filing fees and local court costs vary, so confirm the current fee with the district court clerk before filing either mechanism, since Wyoming's own statutes don't follow the Uniform Probate Code's standard timelines used in many other states.

Facing probate in Wyoming?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Wyoming attorney

Every Wyoming county's District Court handles Summary Distribution applications under this same §2-1-205.

How-to — frequently asked questions

Which mechanism should be used if the estate includes only a bank account and a car?

The Affidavit of Distribution under Wyo. Stat. §2-1-201, since it's built for personal property only and doesn't require the court decree that Summary Distribution needs.

Which mechanism should be used if the estate includes a house or mineral interest?

Summary Distribution under Wyo. Stat. §2-1-205, filed as an application with the district court, since it's the only one of the two that can transfer real property.

Where is the Summary Distribution application filed?

With the District Court in the county where the decedent lived, the same court that handles full probate.

What should be confirmed with the court clerk before filing either one?

The current filing fee and any waiting period, since Wyoming's own statutes don't follow the Uniform Probate Code's standard timelines used in many other states.

Keep going

Wyoming Small Estate Affidavit CheckerDoes this estate qualify? Do I Need Probate in Wyoming?When even $400,000 isn't enough Transferring a Car in Wyoming Without ProbateUsing the affidavit at the county clerk Wyoming Probate Cost CalculatorIf this estate needs full probate

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Based on Wyo. Stat. §2-1-201, §2-1-205, as amended by SF0104 (2025). Confirm current requirements with the District Court or a licensed Wyoming attorney before acting.