Getting Divorced in Wyoming: A Legal Guide

Before filing for divorce in Wyoming, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Wyoming for at least 60 days immediately preceding the filing. Verify that you or your spouse meets this requirement before proceeding.

Collect documents including marriage certificate, property deeds, vehicle titles, bank statements, retirement account statements, tax returns for the past 3-5 years, pay stubs, insurance policies, mortgage information, credit card statements, and loan documents. These will be needed for financial disclosures and property division.

This is the document that initiates the divorce process. In Wyoming, you'll need to include basic information about both spouses, date and place of marriage, confirmation of residency requirements, grounds for divorce (Wyoming allows no-fault divorce based on 'irreconcilable differences'), information about children if applicable, and general information about marital property and debts.

The Summons notifies your spouse that you've filed for divorce and that they have a specific timeframe (typically 20-30 days in Wyoming) to respond. This document must be filed along with your Petition.

File your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Summons with the District Court in the Wyoming county where either you or your spouse resides. You'll need to pay a filing fee (approximately $70-$120, depending on the county). If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court for a fee waiver by filing an Affidavit of Indigency.

Your spouse must be legally notified of the divorce filing. In Wyoming, this can be done through: 1) Personal service by a sheriff or process server, 2) Certified mail with return receipt requested, or 3) Publication in a newspaper if your spouse cannot be located. Your spouse has 20-30 days to respond after being served.

If you were served with divorce papers, you must file a Response to the Petition within the timeframe specified in the Summons (typically 20-30 days). If you filed the Petition, review your spouse's Response when received. The Response indicates whether your spouse agrees with the statements in your Petition or contests certain aspects of the divorce.

Both spouses must complete and exchange detailed financial disclosures. Wyoming requires a sworn statement of your assets, debts, income, and expenses. Be thorough and honest—hiding assets can result in penalties from the court. This document helps determine equitable division of property and potential alimony.

Either spouse can request temporary orders to address immediate concerns while the divorce is pending. These may include temporary child custody, child support, spousal support, or who stays in the marital home. If requested, you'll need to attend a hearing where a judge will make these temporary decisions.

Many Wyoming courts require mediation, especially in cases involving children. Even if not required, mediation can help resolve disputes more amicably and less expensively than litigation. A neutral third party will help you and your spouse negotiate unresolved issues.

This document details how you and your spouse will divide all marital property and debts. Wyoming is an equitable distribution state, meaning property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The agreement should address all assets and liabilities including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and debts.

If you have minor children, you must create a detailed Parenting Plan that addresses legal and physical custody, visitation schedules, holiday arrangements, decision-making authority, and communication between parents. Wyoming courts make decisions based on the best interests of the child, favoring arrangements that allow both parents to remain involved in the child's life when appropriate.

Wyoming uses specific guidelines to calculate child support based on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. The Child Support Worksheet helps determine the appropriate amount according to these guidelines. Child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever occurs later.

If you're dividing retirement accounts like 401(k)s or pensions, you'll need a QDRO. This special court order directs the plan administrator how to divide the retirement assets. Each retirement plan may require specific language, so consider consulting with an attorney or financial advisor familiar with QDROs to ensure it will be accepted by the plan administrator.

If all issues are resolved, Wyoming allows for an uncontested final hearing. If issues remain disputed, you'll have a contested trial where a judge will make decisions on unresolved matters. Prepare to answer questions about your Petition, agreements, and parenting arrangements if applicable. Bring copies of all filed documents and your proposed Final Decree.

After the hearing, submit your Final Decree of Divorce for the judge to sign. This comprehensive document finalizes your divorce and incorporates all agreements and court decisions regarding property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Once signed by the judge, your divorce is officially final.

If child support or spousal support is ordered, Wyoming typically requires a Wage Withholding Order. This document directs the paying spouse's employer to withhold support payments directly from their paycheck and send them to the receiving spouse or the state disbursement unit.

After your divorce is finalized, update your personal records including: name change on driver's license, Social Security card, passport, and other ID if applicable; update beneficiaries on life insurance policies and retirement accounts; update wills and estate plans; change names on bank accounts, credit cards, utilities, and other accounts; and notify creditors of divorce and address changes.

Execute all property transfers as outlined in your Final Decree. This may include refinancing mortgages, transferring vehicle titles, executing quitclaim deeds for real estate, dividing financial accounts, and transferring retirement funds per the QDRO. Ensure all transfers are completed within the timeframe specified in your decree.

If your divorce involves child support, spousal support, or shared custody, establish systems to ensure ongoing compliance. Keep records of all payments made or received, document custody exchanges, and maintain a communication log. Wyoming takes enforcement of support and custody orders seriously, and non-compliance can result in contempt charges, fines, or even jail time.