Probate Estate Closing and Representative Discharge in Wyoming

At a glance

Requirements one by one

Final account, notice and objections

When the estate is ready, the representative files a sworn final report, accounting and petition for distribution. The report identifies unsold real estate, surviving spouse, heirs or devisees, disabilities, the money and personal property handled, tax compliance and proposed distribution. All interested parties may waive the accounting of money and personal property. The court sets a hearing; objections must be filed in writing at or before the time in the notice. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-811.) Final-account notice is given no sooner than three months after the first probate-opening publication, and the required mailings must precede the hearing or objection date by at least ten days unless waived. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-204; § 2-7-205.)

If no final report is filed within one year after appointment, the representative files a verified interim report and account then and annually thereafter. A creditor or distributee can request an interim account, and the court may order one. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-806.)

Decree, distribution and discharge

The court approves the final report and enters a decree naming distributees and their shares. The representative then distributes promptly. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-813.) Before final distribution, discharge or bond release, the court must receive proof of estate tax compliance under the statute. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-812.) After full administration, the representative may petition separately for final discharge with proof that money and property were paid or delivered under court order and required acts completed. The court then decrees discharge of the representative and any bondsman. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-814.)

What trips people up

After the claims period plus 30 days, a representative or distributee may seek partial or complete distribution before final settlement; the court checks the reserve needed for costs, claims and taxes. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-807.) A no-asset order can close a pending estate on the court’s or any party’s request, but it does not exonerate the representative or surety unless it expressly says so. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-815.)

Common questions

Can an estate reopen for property found later? Yes. Final settlement does not prevent reopening to administer after-discovered property or correct a property description; new letters may issue if needed. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-8-101.)

Does the final distribution decree itself discharge the representative? The decree directs distribution; § 2-7-814 then provides a separate petition and proof route for discharge. (Wyo. Stat. § 2-7-813; § 2-7-814.)

Statutes and sources

The verbatim operative passages, official Title 2 page links and access date are recorded above. (Wyo. Stat. §§ 2-7-204, 2-7-205, 2-7-806, 2-7-807, 2-7-811, 2-7-812, 2-7-813, 2-7-814, 2-7-815, 2-8-101.)