Wyoming Divorce Law Made Clear
Divorce is overwhelming. The legal rules are confusing, the paperwork is intimidating, and the consequences affect your money, your children, and your future. When you are dealing with divorce in Wyoming, you need information that is accurate, practical, and easy to understand.
This website exists for one purpose: to explain Wyoming divorce law in plain language so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Whether you are just starting to think about divorce, responding to papers, or preparing to file on your own, understanding the process gives you control in a situation that often feels uncertain.
A Clear Guide to Divorce in Wyoming
Wyoming is often described as having a straightforward divorce process, but that does not mean it is simple. Residency requirements, filing deadlines, financial disclosures, and custody rules must be followed carefully. A small mistake can delay your case or cost you money.
We break down Wyoming divorce law step by step, explaining what the courts require and how the process works from start to finish. Everything on this site is focused specifically on Wyoming law, not generic advice that applies somewhere else.
Built for Real People, Not Just Lawyers
Not everyone can hire an attorney right away. Others plan to hire a lawyer but want to understand the process before paying legal fees. Some people represent themselves because their case is simple or uncontested.
This site is designed for all of those situations.
You do not need a legal background to understand our content. We explain legal terms, court procedures, and common outcomes without unnecessary jargon or pressure.
Military Families and Wyoming Divorce
Wyoming is home to active duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and military families connected to F.E. Warren Air Force Base and beyond. Military divorces involve additional rules related to deployment, retirement benefits, child custody, and federal protections.
We provide clear explanations of how Wyoming divorce law interacts with federal military law so service members and spouses understand their rights and responsibilities.
Information, Not Legal Advice
We provide legal information, not legal advice.
Our goal is to educate you about how Wyoming divorce law works so you can make better decisions. We do not replace an attorney or provide personalized legal strategies.
If your case involves contested custody, domestic violence, significant assets, or complex military benefits, consulting a qualified Wyoming family law attorney is strongly recommended.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
Divorce laws and court procedures change. Forms are updated. Rules evolve.
We work to keep our content accurate and aligned with Wyoming statutes, court rules, and official state resources so you are not relying on outdated information.
Wyoming State: Do I Need My Spouse’s Agreement to Get a Divorce?
No. Wyoming is a no-fault divorce state. As long as you meet the residency requirement and state that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court can grant a divorce even if your spouse does not agree or refuses to participate.
You do not need your spouse’s permission to get divorced in Wyoming. If one spouse wants the divorce and follows the legal process correctly, the court will usually move the case forward.
How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce in Wyoming?
Wyoming has one of the shortest waiting periods in the country.
There is a mandatory 20-day waiting period after your spouse is served with divorce papers. The judge cannot sign the final decree until those 20 days have passed.
Uncontested divorces, where both spouses agree on property, custody, and support, often finalize within 30 to 60 days. Contested divorces involving disagreements over children, assets, or support can take several months to a year or longer, depending on the complexity of the case and court scheduling.
Can I File for Divorce in Wyoming If I Just Moved Here?
Yes, but only after meeting Wyoming’s residency requirement.
Either you or your spouse must have lived in Wyoming for at least 60 days before filing for divorce. There is a limited exception if you were married in Wyoming and one spouse has lived in the state continuously since the marriage.
If you have minor children, Wyoming courts also consider where the children have lived. In most cases, children must have lived in Wyoming for at least six months before the court can issue permanent custody orders. If this requirement is not met, custody may need to be handled later or in another state.
If you have not yet met these time frames, you may need to wait or consult an attorney about your options.
Wyoming Legal Process
Step 1: File the Complaint and Pay the Filing Fee
Your divorce begins when you file a Complaint for Divorce and a Summons with the District Court in the county where you or your spouse lives.
Filing fees typically range from $70 to $120, depending on the county. If you cannot afford the fee, you may request a fee waiver by filing an affidavit of indigency.
Step 2: Serve Your Spouse
After filing, you must legally serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You cannot serve them yourself.
Service may be completed by:
- The county sheriff
- A private process server
- Certified mail with return receipt
- A signed Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Service from your spouse
Service must generally be completed within 90 days of filing, or the case may be dismissed.
Step 3: Exchange Financial Information and Resolve Issues
Both spouses must disclose financial information, including income, assets, and debts. If both spouses agree, they may submit a written settlement agreement. If they cannot agree, the court may order mediation or schedule hearings and ultimately decide the unresolved issues.
Step 4: Waiting Period and Final Decree
Wyoming requires a minimum 20-day waiting period after service before a judge can finalize the divorce.
Once all required documents are completed and any agreements are submitted, the judge signs the Decree of Divorce. The divorce becomes final when the decree is filed with the Clerk of District Court.
At that point, the marriage is legally ended, and both parties must follow the terms of the decree.