How Long Does Divorce Take in Wyoming?

Considering divorce in Wyoming? You're in one of the most accessible states for filing. Wyoming requires only 60 days of residency—the shortest minimum in the United States—and has NO mandatory waiting period after filing. Unlike states that impose cooling-off periods of 30-90 days or longer residency requirements, Wyoming allows you to file quickly and finalize your divorce efficiently once procedural requirements are met. To start the process, review our comprehensive Wyoming divorce filing checklist for all necessary documentation.

Whether you're pursuing an uncontested divorce (as fast as 6-12 weeks) or navigating a contested case (8-15 months), understanding Wyoming's streamlined process and comprehensive self-help resources helps you plan realistically and avoid unnecessary delays.

Quick Answer: Wyoming Divorce Timeline

• Mandatory Waiting Period: None (no cooling-off period required)
• Uncontested Divorce: 6-12 weeks total (1.5-3 months)
• Contested Divorce: 8-15 months or longer

Key Requirements:

• Residency: Only 60 days (shortest in US)
• Filing Fee: $160 (statutory rate)
• Filing Court: Wyoming District Court (county where either spouse resides)
• Grounds: No-fault (irreconcilable differences) or fault-based (incurable insanity)

The timeline depends heavily on whether you agree on all issues, how quickly you serve your spouse, and court calendar availability.

Wyoming's Unique Divorce Features

Shortest Residency Requirement in the US

Wyoming's 60-day residency requirement is the shortest of any state. You or your spouse must have lived in Wyoming for at least 60 days immediately before filing. There's also a narrow exception: if you were married in Wyoming and one spouse has lived there continuously from the marriage date through filing, you can file regardless of how long you've been married. This makes Wyoming ideal for military families, relocated workers, and new residents.

No Mandatory Waiting Period

Unlike many states that impose 30-90 day cooling-off periods, Wyoming has no separate statutory waiting period after filing. Once the defendant's answer deadline passes (20 days for in-state service, 30 days for out-of-state) and required disclosures are exchanged, the court can enter a final decree. This procedural efficiency means uncontested cases often finalize in 6-12 weeks—among the fastest in the nation.

Comprehensive Self-Help Resources

Wyoming's Judicial Branch publishes detailed divorce packets (with and without children) that include all required forms, checklists, and instructions. The packets even offer an "Affidavit for Divorce Without Appearance" option, allowing uncontested cases to finalize without a court hearing in some circumstances. These resources make pro se filing accessible and straightforward.

Uncontested Timeline Breakdown

Uncontested Divorce: 6-12 Weeks

Week 1: File Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Vital Statistics form, and Confidential Financial Affidavit with the District Court. Pay $160 filing fee.

Weeks 1-2: Serve your spouse within 90 days (sheriff, private process server, certified mail in some circumstances, or acceptance of service). If spouse signs acceptance, service costs nothing.

Weeks 3-5: Defendant files Answer (20 days if served in Wyoming; 30 days if served out-of-state). Exchange initial disclosures within 30 days after answer deadline. If uncontested, file proposed Decree of Divorce and Affidavit for Divorce Without Appearance.

Weeks 6-12: Court reviews uncontested paperwork. If complete and fair, judge signs Decree. Some judges require a brief hearing; others approve on the papers alone. Once signed, file any required income withholding order for child support.

What makes it faster: Spouse signs acceptance of service (no process server delay); complete, accurate financial disclosures; no children or agreed parenting plan; judge allows "without appearance" affidavit.

Contested Timeline Breakdown

Contested Divorce: 8-15 Months

Month 1: One spouse files Complaint. Court may issue automatic restraining orders. Defendant served within 90 days.

Days 20-90: Defendant files Answer (20 or 30 days depending on service location). Parties exchange Rule 26 initial disclosures within 30 days after answer is required.

Months 2-4: Discovery phase (interrogatories, document requests, depositions). File motions for temporary orders if immediate relief needed (temporary custody, support, exclusive use of home). Court may schedule case management conference.

Months 4-8: Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Not mandatory statewide, but many judges require mediation in contested custody cases before setting a trial. Settlement negotiations continue.

Months 8-15: If no settlement, case proceeds to trial. Court holds pretrial conference to narrow issues. Trial scheduled based on court calendar and case complexity. Judge issues final Decree of Divorce covering property division, custody, support, and other relief.

What extends the timeline: High-conflict custody disputes, business valuations, retirement account divisions requiring QDROs, domestic violence allegations requiring protection orders, expert witness evaluations (custody evaluators, appraisers).

Filing Fees and Costs

As of 2024-2025, Wyoming divorce filing fees are:

• Initial filing fee: $160 (set by statute)
• Fee waivers available for those who cannot afford filing fees (Packet 10 in Family Law forms)

Additional costs:

• Process server: $0 if spouse signs acceptance; $35-$120 for sheriff or private server (varies by county and distance)
• Parenting education: $25-$75 per parent (if ordered by judge; varies by provider)
• Mediation: $300-$1,500 total for 1-3 sessions (market-based rates)
• Custody evaluation: $1,000-$15,000+ if ordered
• Attorney fees: $8,000-$30,000+ for contested cases (market-based; consider limited-scope representation)

Official fee information is available on individual county clerk websites and the Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms page.

Calculate Your Estimated Divorce Costs

Use our free calculator to estimate your total divorce costs based on your specific situation in Wyoming, including filing fees, attorney costs, and potential additional expenses.

Tips to Speed Up Your Divorce

Use the Official Self-Help Packets: Wyoming's Judicial Branch publishes comprehensive divorce packets with all required forms, instructions, and checklists. Following the packet exactly reduces paperwork errors and delays.

Serve Promptly (Within 90 Days): You must serve your spouse within 90 days of filing or risk dismissal. If possible, have your spouse sign an Acceptance of Service (included in packet) to avoid sheriff fees and delays.

Complete Financial Disclosures Early: Gather 2-3 years of tax returns, pay stubs, retirement account statements, and asset/debt documentation before filing. Complete the Confidential Financial Affidavit accurately to avoid amendments.

Request "Without Appearance" Decree: If your case is uncontested and your judge permits it, use the Affidavit for Divorce Without Appearance to finalize on the papers without attending a hearing.

Participate in Mediation: If custody or property division is contested, voluntary mediation often resolves issues faster and cheaper than trial. Many judges require it before setting a trial date anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must I live in Wyoming to file for divorce?

Only 60 days—the shortest residency requirement in the United States. Alternatively, if you married in Wyoming and one spouse has lived there continuously since the marriage, you can file regardless of duration.

Is there a mandatory waiting period after filing?

No. Wyoming has no separate statutory cooling-off period. Once service is complete, the answer deadline passes, and disclosures are exchanged, the court can enter a final decree. Practical timeline depends on court calendar and paperwork completeness.

What are Wyoming's grounds for divorce?

The primary ground is no-fault "irreconcilable differences." There's also a fault-based ground for "incurable insanity" when a spouse has been confined in a mental hospital for at least two years, but this requires special protections and is rarely used.

Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Wyoming?

No. Wyoming's self-help divorce packets are designed for pro se filers. However, if your case involves complex property, contested custody, or domestic violence, consulting an attorney is strongly recommended. Limited-scope representation can help control costs.

Plan Your Next Steps

Understanding Wyoming's divorce timeline—including the nation's shortest residency requirement and absence of a mandatory waiting period—helps you set realistic expectations and choose the most efficient pathway. Whether you're pursuing a 6-12 week uncontested divorce or navigating an 8-15 month contested case, Wyoming's streamlined process and comprehensive self-help resources make the process more accessible than most states. If facing a contested case, consider our guidance on divorce battle or mediation costs to make informed decisions about your approach.

For detailed procedural guidance, download the official forms from the Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms page and review the Divorce legal help topic page for additional resources.