When a marriage ends in the Equality State, it leaves behind a paper trail of legal documents. These files are important for many reasons. You might need them to get remarried, change your name on a passport, or handle a family will. If you are looking for Wyoming divorce records, you are looking for information managed by several different government offices.
In Wyoming, the rules for seeing these files are a bit different from those in other states. While basic facts about a case are public, many private details are kept hidden to protect people’s money and safety. This guide explains how the Wyoming district system works and how you can get a certified copy of the papers you need in 2026.
What are Wyoming Divorce Records?
In Wyoming, "divorce records" refers to several types of paperwork. Depending on your needs, you may be looking for a simple certificate or a more comprehensive decree.
What is the difference between a certificate and a decree?
A divorce certificate is a simple vital record. It is a one-page summary that lists the two parties, the divorce date, and the county where it occurred. It is primarily used for basic proof when you don't want to share private details of your life.
A divorce decree is much longer and more detailed. It is an official document signed by a judge in a district court. It lists the final decisions on matters such as who gets the house, who pays for the children, and how the bank accounts are split.
The Wyoming Department of Health issues certificates, while the local court issues decrees.
Where Can You Find Wyoming Divorce Records?
To find your files, you first have to know how old they are. Wyoming maintains its records in different locations depending on the date the judge signed the final order.
How do I find records from the last 50 years?
If the divorce happened within the last 50 years, you should start with Vital Statistics Services. This is a branch of the Wyoming Department of Health. They keep a database of all the major life events in the state. These records includebirth, death, marriage, and divorce summaries for all 23 counties.
Where are the very old divorce records kept?
If you are doing family history research and need a record from more than 50 years ago, you won't find it at the health department. Those old files have been moved to the Wyoming State Archives. They have a large collection of certificates, divorce decrees, and other historical records from the state's early years.
How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Record
A certified copy is a special printout that has an official seal or a stamp. You usually need this type of copy for legal matters such as obtaining a passport or replacing your Social Security card. You cannot just print a copy from a website and expect the government to accept it.
What do you need to provide to get a copy?
When you ask for a vital record in Wyoming, you have to prove who you are and that you have a "direct and tangible interest" in the file. You will usually need:
- The full names of both people involved (including maiden names).
- The exact date (or a small range of years) when the divorce happened.
- The city or county where the case was heard.
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport).
Record Type | Where to Go | Cost (2026) | Primary Purpose |
Divorce Certificate | Wyoming Vital Statistics | $25.00 | Basic proof for remarriage or name change |
Divorce Decree | County Clerk of District Court | $10.00+ | Legal proof of property or custody rules |
Full Case File | County District Court | $1.00/page | Seeing every motion, argument, and exhibit |
Historical Records | Wyoming State Archives | Small fee | Genealogy and family history research |
Are Wyoming Divorce Records Public?
Wyoming is a bit strict about who can see family law files. While some states allow anyone to access anything, Wyoming's vital laws try to balance the "right to know" with the "right to privacy."
Who is allowed to see these records?
Generally, only the parties involved (the husband or wife) and their lawyers can obtain a certified copy of the full decree. If you are a stranger, you might be able to see that a divorce happened by searching a name on the state's e-filing system, but you won't be allowed to see the private details. Wyoming law automatically "seals" or hides sensitive parts of the file, such as:
- Social Security numbers and birth dates.
- Bank account numbers and detailed financial statements.
- Home addresses of victims of domestic abuse.
- Detailed information about children and private child support agreements.
Ordering Your Records by Mail
Many people no longer live in the county where they got divorced. If you moved away, you can still get your Wyoming divorce records by sending a request through the mail to the state office in Cheyenne.
How do you order from Vital Statistics Services?
You have to download and fill out an application from the statistics services website. You must include a check or money order for the $25.00 fee. Do not send cash in the mail! You also have to include a self-addressed envelope with a stamp so they can mail the record back to you. Most importantly, you must include a clear photocopy of your ID. If you forget the ID, the office will return your request without the record.
The Role of Wyoming District Courts
While the health department has the summary, the Wyoming district courts are where the real legal action happened. There are nine judicial districts in Wyoming covering all 23 counties. Each court has a Clerk of the District Court who is responsible for maintaining all papers filed in a case.
Why would you go to the district court instead of the health department?
If you lost your original decree and need to prove that your ex-spouse is supposed to pay you alimony or that you have specific custody days, a certificate from the state won't help you. You need the full decree from the district courts. The clerk there can look up your case number and make a copy of the judge's specific orders. They usually charge $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each page after that.
Statistics Services Data
Every year, the state collects data on the number of divorces. This is handled by the statistics servicesteam. They look at things like the ages of the people, how long the marriage lasted, and how many kids were involved.
What do the numbers say about Wyoming?
Recent data from the Wyoming Department of Health shows that roughly 1,900 to 2,000 divorces are completed in the state each year. While the national divorce rate has been dropping, Wyoming still has a relatively high rate compared to the rest of the United States. Researchers use these statistics to help plan for family support services and health programs across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get divorce records online?
You can search for case numbers and names using the Wyoming Circuit Court Access system, but you cannot download the actual certified copy of the papers there. You can see that a case exists, but to see the content , you still have to go through the official ordering process or visit the courthouse in person.
How much does it cost to get a copy?
As of 2026, a standard certificate from the state costs $25.00. If the search comes up empty, they keep that money as a search fee. If you need a copy of a decree from a local court, the cost is usually $10.00 for the search plus a per-page printing fee.
What if I don't know which county the divorce was in?
If you are looking for your own records, you can ask the state Vital Statistics office to do a "statewide search." They will look through their computer system for all 23 counties. This is much easier than calling every individual court clerk in the state.
Dealing with Common Issues
When people try to find Wyoming divorce records, they often run into a few common hurdles. The most common mistake is calling the "County Clerk." In Wyoming, the County Clerk handles land records, car titles, and marriage licenses. The Clerk of District Court handles divorces. If you call the wrong office, they will simply tell you they don't have the file.
Another mistake is forgetting that Wyoming is a "confidential" state for vital records. If you are not a party to the case or a close family member, don't be surprised if the clerk tells you that the file is restricted. You may need a court order from a judge to see someone else's private divorce files.
Moving Forward After Your Search
Getting your hands on Wyoming divorce records can take some time, especially if you have to wait for the mail. It is best to start the process at least three or four weeks before you actually need the papers for a wedding or a legal application.
If you are struggling with the legal side of things, remember that there are groups like womenslaw.org or local legal aid offices that can help you. They know the state law and can tell you if you have a right to see a specific file or how to fix a mistake on an old record.
Whether you are looking for a vital record to clear up your past or doing research for the future, the Wyoming government has a system in place to help you. By following the rules for the district courts and providing the right ID, you can get the documents you need to move on with your life.