Wyoming Divorce Filing Checklist 2025

Wyoming stands out with one of the nation's shortest residency requirements for divorce—just 60 days—and provides exceptional self-help resources through comprehensive filing packets. With a straightforward $160 filing fee, no mandatory waiting period beyond service deadlines, and clear District Court procedures, Wyoming offers an accessible and affordable path to dissolving a marriage.

60-Day Residency: One of the Shortest in America

Wyoming requires minimal residency under W.S. § 20-2-107. Either spouse must meet one of these requirements:

• 60-day residency: Either spouse has resided in Wyoming for at least 60 days immediately before filing, OR
• Marriage in Wyoming: The marriage was solemnized in Wyoming AND one spouse has lived in Wyoming continuously from the marriage through filing

This is significantly shorter than most states (which typically require 6 months to 1 year), making Wyoming particularly accessible for new residents or those who married in the state.

Venue: File Where Either Spouse Lives

You can file in the District Court of the county where either you or your spouse resides. This flexibility means if spouses live in different Wyoming counties, either location works.

Grounds for Divorce: Irreconcilable Differences

Wyoming is a true no-fault divorce state. The standard ground is irreconcilable differences in the marital relationship—no proof of misconduct required. This simplifies the process and avoids contentious fault-finding.

Wyoming also recognizes a rarely-used fault ground (incurable insanity with 2+ years of confinement), but nearly all divorces proceed on the no-fault basis.

Filing Fees and Costs

Wyoming District Court filing fees are set by statute:

• Filing fee: $160 (includes court automation and indigent legal services allocations)
• Service costs: $35 for sheriff service (Laramie County example); private process servers vary
• Parenting classes: $25-$75 per parent if ordered by judge
• Fee waiver available: File an Affidavit of Indigency if you cannot afford fees

Estimate Your Wyoming Divorce Costs

Use our calculator to estimate filing fees, service costs, and other expenses based on your specific situation. To learn additional strategies for keeping costs under control, check out our guide on ways to save money during divorce.

Comprehensive Self-Help Packets

The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides outstanding self-help divorce packets with everything you need:

Plaintiff Packet (Starting the Divorce)

• DIVCP 6 – Complaint for Divorce (with children)
• DIVCP 7 – Summons
• DIVCP 5 – Vital Statistics Form
• DIVCP 8 – Confidential Statement for Child Support
• DIVCP 10 – Initial Disclosures
• DIVCP 11 – Confidential Financial Affidavit
• DIVCP 23 – Decree of Divorce

Separate "No Children" packets (DIVNoCP series) are available for marriages without minor children. All packets include detailed instructions and checklists.

Critical 90-Day Service Deadline

Wyoming has a strict service requirement: you must serve your spouse within 90 days after filing or risk dismissal. Service methods include:

• Personal service by sheriff or private process server
• Certified mail in permitted circumstances
• Acceptance/acknowledgment of service by defendant
• Service by publication (only when court authorizes after showing diligent efforts to locate spouse)

Answer Deadlines

Once served, the defendant must respond:

• 20 days after service within Wyoming
• 30 days after service outside Wyoming
• 30 days after last publication date (if service by publication authorized)

No Mandatory Waiting Period

Unlike many states, Wyoming has no separate statutory waiting period beyond the service and answer deadlines. Courts can enter decrees as soon as:

• The response/default window has closed
• Required financial disclosures are complete
• The judge's calendar permits a hearing (if needed)

This means uncontested divorces can finalize relatively quickly once paperwork is complete and service is accomplished.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

1. Confirm residency: 60 days in Wyoming OR married in Wyoming with continuous residence
2. Download forms: Get appropriate packet from wyocourts.gov
3. Complete complaint and forms: Follow packet instructions carefully
4. File with District Court: In your county or spouse's county; pay $160 fee
5. Serve within 90 days: Use sheriff, process server, or other approved method
6. Wait for answer: 20-30 days depending on where spouse was served
7. Exchange disclosures: Within 30 days after answer deadline
8. Temporary orders: File motion if needed for custody/support during case
9. Settlement/trial: Mediation encouraged; trial if disputes remain
10. Final decree: Judge signs Decree of Divorce

Uncontested Divorce Option

If both spouses agree on all issues, Wyoming offers a streamlined uncontested process:

• Complete all forms including property/custody agreements
• File Affidavit for Divorce Without Appearance of Parties (DIVCP 18)
• Judge may approve on papers without requiring a hearing
• Significantly faster and less expensive than contested cases

Timeline Expectations

For a detailed breakdown of Wyoming's divorce timeline from filing to finalization, see our article on Wyoming divorce timelines.

Uncontested Divorce

• Filing to service: 1-30 days
• Service to answer deadline: 20-30 days
• Disclosures and review: 30-60 days
• Total typical time: 2-4 months

Contested Divorce

• Discovery phase: 3-6 months
• Mediation/settlement: Varies
• Trial scheduling: Depends on court calendar
• Total typical time: 8-18 months

With no waiting period in Wyoming, a divorce planning platform ensures you don't rush and miss important financial steps in the filing process.