Getting divorced in Wyoming means filling out a lot of paperwork. The state requires specific Wyoming divorce forms depending on whether you have children, property to divide, or if your spouse agrees with the divorce. Missing even one required form can delay your case by weeks or force you to start over. The good news is that Wyoming provides free packets of forms designed for people who want to handle their own divorce without paying thousands of dollars to a lawyer.
Where can you get Wyoming divorce forms for free?
You don't have to pay for forms. The Wyoming Supreme Court created a system that gives everyone access to the paperwork they need.
Online downloads (free)
Visit the Wyoming Courts website at wyocourts.gov and click on "Self-Help Forms" or "Legal Help by Topic." You'll find downloadable PDF packets for different types of divorce cases. These forms are completely free to download, print, and use.
In-person at the courthouse
Every Clerk of District Court office in Wyoming has printed packets available. You can pick one up for free at many courthouses, though some counties charge $10 for a printed packet. Counties like Campbell County, Natrona County, Sweetwater County, Platte County, Uinta County, and Fremont County all maintain stacks of these forms at their clerk's offices.
Wyoming State Bar
The Wyoming Bar Association website also provides links to self-help forms for people representing themselves. This resource connects you to the same forms available through the courts.
The forms were developed by the Citizens' Access to Courts Committee (CACC) under direction from the Wyoming Supreme Court. This committee recognized that many people cannot afford attorneys and need a way to handle basic legal matters on their own.
What are the different divorce form packets?
Wyoming organizes divorce forms into packets based on your specific situation. Using the wrong packet causes problems, so pick carefully.
Divorce with Children packet
This is the most comprehensive packet. Use this if you and your spouse have any kids under age 18. The packet includes forms for custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support calculations. You'll need to address where the children will live, how decisions about their education and healthcare will be made, and how much financial support the non-custodial parent will provide.
Divorce with No Children packet
If you don't have minor children together, this simpler packet works. It focuses on dividing property, debts, and, if applicable, spousal support (alimony). You won't deal with custody or child support forms.
Answer to Divorce with Children
This packet is for the person who did NOT file for divorce (called the "respondent"). If your spouse filed first and you received divorce papers in the mail or from a sheriff, you use this packet to respond. It allows you to agree or disagree with your spouse's request.
Answer to Divorce with No Children
Same as above, but for cases without kids. This is your response packet if you're the respondent in a childless divorce.
How do you know which packet you need?
Ask yourself two questions: Are you the person starting the divorce or responding to one? Do you have kids under 18? Those answers tell you exactly which packet to download.
What forms are inside the divorce packets?
Each packet contains multiple forms that work together to complete your case. Let's break down what you'll find inside.
Complaint for Divorce
This is the main document that starts your case. It tells the judge basic facts about your marriage, when you got married, where you live, whether you have children, and what you want the court to do. You must list whether you're asking for custody, property division, or spousal support.
Summons
This official notice gets served to your spouse along with the Complaint. It informs them that a divorce case has been filed and sets a response deadline (usually 20 days in Wyoming, 30 days out of state).
Vital Statistics Form
Wyoming tracks marriage and divorce statistics. This form collects demographic information for the Wyoming Department of Health, but doesn't become part of your public court file.
Affidavit of Service
After someone serves your spouse with the divorce papers, this form proves service happened. The person who delivers the papers (usually a sheriff or process server) completes and signs it under oath.
Decree of Divorce
This is the final order that ends your marriage. It gets filled out near the end of your case and includes all the agreements or decisions about property, custody, and support. The judge signs this to make your divorce official.
Financial Affidavit
Both parties complete this detailed form, which lists all income, expenses, assets, and debts. This helps the court make fair decisions about property division and support.
Child Support Worksheet (if applicable)
Wyoming uses a specific formula to calculate child support. This worksheet walks you through the math based on both parents' incomes and the custody arrangement.
Parenting Plan (if applicable)
This document outlines the custody schedule, decision-making authority, holiday arrangements, and how parents will communicate regarding the children.
Do you have to use the official Wyoming forms?
Yes, in most cases. Wyoming courts expect these standardized forms because they contain all the information judges need to process cases efficiently. Creating your own forms from scratch is unlikely to be approved.
The forms are designed to comply with Wyoming Statutes and Rules of Civil Procedure. They request information in the order and format required by the courts. Judges reviewing hundreds of cases per year appreciate consistency; they know exactly where to find information on these standard forms.
That said, you can supplement the forms with additional documents if your situation is complex. For example, if you have an unusual property arrangement or a detailed custody agreement, you can attach additional pages explaining the specifics. Just make sure your basic filing still uses the official forms.
How do you fill out Wyoming divorce forms correctly?
Filling out forms seems straightforward, but small mistakes cause big problems. Here's how to do it right.
Use black or blue ink
If you're filling forms by hand, use dark ink that photocopies clearly. Pencil is not acceptable. Many people prefer typing information into the PDF forms on their computer before printing.
Print legibly
I f judges or clerks can't read your handwriting, your forms get rejected. Type whenever possible. If you must handwrite, use clear block letters.
Complete every section
Don't leave blanks unless the instructions specifically say a section is optional. If something doesn't apply to you, write "N/A" (not applicable) rather than leaving it empty.
Use legal names
Put everyone's full legal name exactly as it appears on their birth certificate, driver's license, or social security card. Nicknames don't count. If your name is "William" but everyone calls you "Bill," use William on the forms.
Be accurate with dates and addresses
Double-check dates, especially your marriage date and the date you moved to Wyoming (for residency requirements). List your complete current address including apartment numbers and zip codes.
Sign where required
Many forms need signatures in front of a notary public. Don't sign ahead of time, wait until you're with the notary. Banks usually offer free notary services for customers.
Keep copies
Before you file anything, make at least two copies. Keep one for your records and have one ready to serve to your spouse.
What is the filing process after completing the forms?
Once your Wyoming divorce forms are filled out, you need to file them with the correct court.
Step 1: Determine the right county
File in the District Court of the county where either you or your spouse currently lives. If you live in Casper, that's Natrona County. If you're in Cheyenne, that's Laramie County.
Step 2: Bring forms to the Clerk of District Court
Visit the courthouse during business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Go to the clerk's office, usually on the first or second floor.
Step 3: Pay the filing fee
As of 2026, the filing fee runs around $120, though it varies slightly by county. You can pay with cash, check, or money order. Some counties accept credit cards but may charge a processing fee.
Step 4: Get your case number
The clerk stamps your forms with a case number and filing date. This case number identifies your divorce file throughout the process.
Step 5: Serve your spouse
You must officially notify your spouse about the divorce by having someone else deliver copies of the filed papers to them. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a sheriff, a professional process server, or ask another adult who's not involved in your case.
Can you file Wyoming divorce forms without a lawyer?
Absolutely. This is called representing yourself "pro se." Wyoming actively supports self-representation by providing these free-form packets and instructions.
When self-filing works well
- Both spouses agree on all terms (uncontested divorce)
- Short marriage with minimal assets
- No children or simple custody arrangements, everyone agrees on
- Neither spouse has retirement accounts, businesses, or complex property
- No domestic violence or safety concerns
When you should hire a lawyer
- Your spouse hired an attorney (you'll be at a disadvantage)
- Significant assets or debts to divide
- Contested custody battle
- One spouse owns a business
- Retirement accounts or pensions need to be split
- Domestic violence history
- Either spouse is trying to hide assets
The clerk's office cannot give legal advice. They can tell you which forms to use and whether you filled them out correctly, but they cannot tell you what to write, how to argue your case, or what's likely to happen. For legal advice, you need an attorney.
What if you make a mistake on your forms?
Everyone makes mistakes. The question is how to fix them.
Before filing
If you catch an error before you file, simply print a fresh copy of that page and fill it out correctly. Don't use white-out or cross things out; courts want clean, legible documents.
After filing but before service
If the clerk accepted your forms but you haven't served your spouse yet, you can usually file an amended version. Ask the clerk about their procedure for correcting recently filed documents.
After service
Once your spouse has been served, corrections get trickier. Minor typos might get fixed with a simple motion to amend. Significant errors might require starting over. This is why careful review before filing matters so much.
Where do different counties keep their forms?
While the forms are standardized statewide, each county's clerk's office has its own procedures and website.
County | Courthouse Location | Forms Available |
Natrona County | Casper | Online and in person at the clerk's office |
Laramie County | Cheyenne | Online via the county website and at the courthouse |
Campbell County | Gillette | Download from the county website or pick up at the clerk's office |
Sweetwater County | Green River/Rock Springs | Available on the county website and at both courthouses |
Fremont County | Lander/Riverton | Online through the county website and at the clerk's offices |
Uinta County | Evanston | County website downloads and courthouse |
Platte County | Wheatland | Online at the county website, $10 for a printed packet in person |
Most counties maintain the same forms but may have slightly different local procedures. Always check with your specific county clerk if you have questions about their filing requirements.
What additional documents might you need?
Beyond the basic divorce packet, certain situations require extra forms.
Motion for Fee Waiver (Affidavit of Indigency)
If you cannot afford the filing fee due to low income, fill out this form asking the court to waive the fee. You'll need to disclose all your income, assets, and expenses to prove financial hardship.
Temporary Orders forms
If you need emergency decisions about custody, support, or who stays in the house while the divorce is pending, you'll file a motion for temporary orders. These keep things stable during the months between filing and finalization.
Subpoena forms
If you need to force someone to provide documents or testify (like your spouse's employer to verify income), you'll need a subpoena.
Motion to Modify forms
After your divorce is final, if circumstances change significantly, you can file to modify custody or support. These require separate forms from the initial divorce packet.
Notice of Change of Address
If you move during your divorce case, you must notify the court and your spouse of your new address. Most counties have a specific form for this.
How do you serve divorce forms on your spouse?
Wyoming law requires "service of process", official delivery of your divorce papers to your spouse. This protects their constitutional right to know about legal proceedings affecting them.
Service by sheriff
Most people use the sheriff's department. You give the clerk's office a completed copy of your filed Complaint and Summons along with a fee (usually $25-$50). The sheriff delivers the papers to your spouse at home or work and completes an Affidavit of Service proving delivery happened.
Private process server
You can hire a private process server instead of using the sheriff. These professionals locate hard-to-find individuals and often work faster than busy sheriff departments. Costs range from $50 to $150, depending on difficulty.
Acceptance of Service
If your spouse is cooperative, they can simply sign an Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Service form. This says they received the papers and waived formal service. This saves time and money but only works if your spouse is willing to cooperate.
Service by publication
If you truly cannot locate your spouse after diligent searching, you can ask the court for permission to serve by publication. This means putting a legal notice in the newspaper for several weeks. This is a last resort and requires proving you exhausted all other options.
You cannot serve papers yourself. Even if you and your spouse are on good terms and living together, you must have a neutral third party handle service.
What happens after you file your Wyoming divorce forms?
Filing is just the beginning. Here's the timeline of what comes next.
Day 1: You file your Complaint and other initial forms. The court assigns a case number.
Days 1-90: You must serve your spouse within 90 days of filing. If you don't, your case might get dismissed.
Days 20-30: Your spouse has 20 days (or 30 if served outside Wyoming) to file an Answer responding to your Complaint.
Day 20 minimum: Wyoming law requires a 20-day waiting period after filing before the judge can sign a final decree. This cooling-off period prevents hasty decisions.
Weeks 3-12: If contested, you'll go through discovery (exchanging information), possibly mediation, and negotiating a settlement. If uncontested and everything is in order, the judge might sign your decree as soon as the 20-day waiting period ends.
Final hearing: In contested cases, you might have a trial where the judge hears both sides and makes decisions. In uncontested cases, you might not need to appear in court at all, the judge reviews your paperwork and signs the decree if everything looks proper.
Decree signing: Once the judge signs your Decree of Divorce, you're officially divorced. The clerk's office will provide certified copies.
Can you get help filling out the forms?
Yes, several resources exist beyond hiring a full-service attorney.
Self-help centers
Some Wyoming courthouses have self-help centers staffed by volunteers or court employees who can help you identify which forms you need and review them for completeness. They cannot give legal advice but can provide procedural guidance.
Legal aid organizations
If you meet income requirements, organizations like the Wyoming Legal Aid Foundation provide free or reduced-cost legal help. They often assist with divorce cases involving domestic violence.
Document preparation services
Some businesses help individuals complete legal forms for a fee (typically $200-$500). This is cheaper than a lawyer but more expensive than doing it yourself. Make sure any service you use is legitimate and doesn't engage in unauthorized practice of law.
Law libraries
Many courthouses have law libraries with sample-filled-out forms and self-help books. You can see examples of how others completed the same forms.
Online resources
The Wyoming Courts website includes instruction sheets with each form packet. These instructions walk through each blank and explain what information to provide.
What if your spouse doesn't respond to the forms?
If your spouse receives the divorce papers but doesn't file an Answer within the deadline, you can request a default judgment.
Default means your spouse gave up their right to participate in the case. The court can grant you everything you asked for in your Complaint, assuming your requests are reasonable.
How to get a default
After the response deadline passes, file a Motion for Default. The court will schedule a hearing where you testify about your marriage and what you're asking for. Bring copies of your marriage certificate, financial records, and any other evidence supporting your requests.
Limits on defaults
Even in default cases, judges scrutinize custody and support arrangements. The court won't approve a parenting plan that's not in the children's best interests just because the other parent didn't show up. Similarly, property division must still be equitable.
Setting aside defaults
If your spouse later claims they never received the papers or had a valid excuse for not responding, they can file a motion to set aside the default. If successful, the case reopens, and they get to participate.
Are there different forms for legal separation?
Yes. If you want a legal separation instead of a divorce, Wyoming has separate forms. Legal separation addresses property, custody, and support just like divorce, but you remain legally married. People choose separation for religious reasons or to maintain health insurance eligibility.
The process is similar to divorce; you file a Complaint, serve your spouse, and get a court order. However, you cannot remarry while legally separated. If you later decide you want an actual divorce, you'll need to file new forms converting the separation to a divorce.
How much does the entire process cost if you do it yourself?
Using Wyoming divorce forms yourself saves thousands compared to hiring attorneys, but there are still costs.
- Filing fee: $120 (approximate, varies by county)
- Service of process: $25-$50 for sheriff service, or $50-$150 for private process server
- Notary fees: $5-$10 per signature if your bank doesn't offer free notary service
- Copies and certified copies: Expect $10-$25 for certified copies of your final decree
- Parenting classes: Some counties require divorcing parents to attend parenting classes, which can cost $50-$100
- Total if uncontested: Roughly $200-$350 for a do-it-yourself divorce with no complications
Compare this to hiring an attorney, which typically costs $1,500-$3,000 minimum for an uncontested divorce and $10,000-$20,000+ for a contested case with trial.
What forms do you need for post-divorce modifications?
Life changes after divorce. Maybe you get a new job with different hours, your ex wants to relocate with the kids, or someone's income changes dramatically. When this happens, you need modification forms.
Petition to Modify Child Support
If income changes by 20% or more, you can ask the court to recalculate support. You'll need updated financial information and the child support worksheet.
Petition to Modify Custody: If circumstances have changed substantially and modifying custody serves the children's best interests, you can request changes to the parenting plan. This is harder to accomplish than support modifications, courts prefer stability for kids.
Motion for Contempt: If your ex-spouse isn't following the divorce decree (not paying support, denying visitation, etc.), you can file a contempt motion asking the judge to enforce the order and potentially punish the violating party.
These modification forms are separate from the initial divorce packets. Check the Wyoming Courts website under "Self-Help Forms" for modification packets.
Starting your divorce paperwork today
The Wyoming divorce forms system exists to make divorce accessible to everyone, not just people who can afford expensive lawyers. While going through a divorce is never easy emotionally, the legal paperwork doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Start by downloading the appropriate packet from wyocourts.gov based on whether you have children and whether you're the person filing or responding. Read through all the forms and instructions before you start filling anything out, this prevents mistakes.
Take your time completing each form carefully. Double-check every name, date, and address. If you're unsure about something, visit your local clerk's office during their public hours and ask procedural questions (they can't give legal advice, but they can clarify what information goes in which blank).
Remember the key steps: download forms, fill them out completely, make copies, file with the clerk, pay the fee, serve your spouse, wait the 20-day minimum, and finalize your decree. Thousands of Wyoming residents successfully handle their own divorces every year using these same forms.
For questions about the forms themselves or filing procedures in your county, contact your local Clerk of District Court office. They're there to help you access the court system, even if you're representing yourself.