Wyoming offers one of the most affordable divorce processes in the United States, with filing fees ranging from $70 to $160 depending on county and a mandatory waiting period of just 20 days under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108. Couples pursuing an uncontested divorce can complete the entire process for $250 to $500 total when representing themselves, compared to $2,000 to $6,000 with an attorney. The state requires only 60 days of residency before filing, making Wyoming accessible for those who recently relocated.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $70-$160 (varies by county) |
| Waiting Period | 20 days minimum |
| Residency Requirement | 60 days |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences (no-fault) |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution |
| Fee Waiver Available | Yes (Affidavit of Indigency) |
| Free Forms | Yes (wyocourts.gov) |
Wyoming Divorce Filing Fees and Court Costs
The filing fee for divorce in Wyoming ranges from $70 to $160 depending on which county you file in, with most counties charging approximately $120 as of March 2026. Under Wyo. Stat. § 5-3-206(a)(i), the base civil filing fee is $120, though individual counties have discretion to adjust fees slightly. Sheridan County charges $160, while some rural counties charge as little as $70.
Additional court costs to budget for include:
- Document copies: $1 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Certified copies: Additional $0.50 per document
- Service of process: $40 to $80 if using a process server
- Six-person jury trial demand: $50
- Twelve-person jury trial demand: $150
For a cheap divorce in Wyoming, the total DIY cost ranges from $250 to $500 when you include filing fees, service costs, and any document preparation expenses. This compares favorably to the national average divorce cost of $12,900.
Fee Waiver Options for Low-Income Filers
Wyoming courts provide fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford filing costs through the Affidavit of Indigency and Request for Waiver of Filing Fees process. Under state court rules, applicants must demonstrate financial hardship by providing income documentation, bank statements, and a sworn statement of assets and liabilities.
To qualify for a fee waiver, your income generally must fall below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a single person in 2026, this means a monthly income of approximately $2,510 or less. The court reviews each application individually and may request additional documentation.
The fee waiver form is available in Packet 10 of the Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms at wyocourts.gov. Filing the Affidavit of Indigency costs nothing, and approval typically takes 7 to 14 days.
Residency Requirements Under Wyoming Law
Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107, no divorce shall be granted unless one of the parties has resided in Wyoming for 60 days immediately preceding the time of filing the complaint. This 60-day requirement is among the shortest in the nation, with only Alaska (30 days), Nevada (6 weeks), and Idaho (6 weeks) having comparable or shorter periods.
Alternatively, if your marriage was solemnized in Wyoming, one spouse must have resided continuously in the state from the date of marriage until filing. There is no separate county residency requirement in Wyoming. You file in the District Court of the county where either spouse currently resides.
Military personnel stationed in Wyoming may establish residency for divorce purposes even if their legal domicile is another state. Active duty members should consult with the District Court clerk about military-specific documentation requirements.
The 20-Day Waiting Period Explained
Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108 imposes a mandatory 20-day waiting period from the date the Complaint for Divorce is filed and served before any divorce decree can become final. This waiting period runs concurrently with the response period and represents one of the shortest mandatory waiting periods in the United States.
For comparison, other states require significantly longer waiting periods:
| State | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Wyoming | 20 days |
| Nevada | 0 days |
| Alaska | 30 days |
| Texas | 60 days |
| California | 6 months |
| New York | 60 days |
The 20-day period is measured from the completion of service of process on your spouse, not simply from the date of filing. If your spouse signs an Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Service, the clock starts immediately. If you must use a process server or publication, the waiting period begins once service is legally complete.
Uncontested Divorce: The Fastest and Cheapest Option
An uncontested divorce in Wyoming typically finalizes in 30 to 90 days and costs $250 to $500 total when you represent yourself. To qualify for an uncontested divorce, both spouses must agree on all major issues including property division, debt allocation, child custody, child support, and spousal support.
The uncontested divorce process involves these steps:
- Download the appropriate packet from wyocourts.gov (Packet 1 with children or Packet 3 without children)
- Complete all required forms including the Complaint for Divorce, Vital Statistics form, and Confidential Financial Affidavit
- File the complaint with the District Court clerk and pay the filing fee
- Serve your spouse within 90 days of filing
- Wait for your spouse to sign the Acknowledgement of Service
- Submit the proposed Decree of Divorce after the 20-day waiting period
- Attend a final hearing if required by your county (some counties waive hearings for uncontested cases)
Some Wyoming counties require a final hearing for all divorces, while others waive the hearing requirement when both parties submit complete paperwork and a signed settlement agreement. Contact your local District Court clerk to confirm whether your county requires in-person appearance.
Contested Divorce Costs and Timeline
Contested divorces in Wyoming cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more in attorney fees and take 6 to 18 months to resolve. A divorce becomes contested when spouses disagree on any major issue including property division under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114 or child custody under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201.
| Divorce Type | Timeline | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested (DIY) | 30-90 days | $250-$500 |
| Uncontested (Attorney) | 30-90 days | $2,000-$6,000 |
| Contested (Moderate) | 6-12 months | $10,000-$25,000 |
| Contested (Complex) | 12-18 months | $25,000-$50,000+ |
To keep costs low, consider mediation before litigation. A mediator typically charges $150 to $300 per hour, and most couples resolve issues in 2 to 4 sessions totaling $600 to $2,400. This investment often saves tens of thousands in attorney fees and court costs while preserving a cooperative co-parenting relationship.
Free Legal Resources in Wyoming
Wyoming offers several free and low-cost legal resources for divorce, making an affordable divorce accessible even to those with limited income.
Legal Aid of Wyoming provides free legal services for qualifying low-income residents. Services include divorce representation, child custody assistance, child support matters, and domestic violence protection orders. Income eligibility is generally at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Apply online or call their intake hotline.
Wyoming Free Legal Answers connects qualifying users with volunteer attorneys who answer civil legal questions at no cost. This service covers family law topics including divorce, custody, and support questions.
The Family and Child Legal Advocacy Clinic at the University of Wyoming College of Law handles divorce and custody cases for qualifying clients. Contact them at (307) 766-6416.
The Wyoming State Bar Modest Means Program provides reduced-cost legal representation for households earning between 200% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Participating attorneys charge no more than $100 per hour and require no more than a $1,000 retainer.
Property Division in Wyoming
Wyoming is an equitable distribution state under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114, meaning courts divide property fairly but not necessarily equally. In some cases, a fair division will be 50/50. In other cases, the judge may award one spouse a greater percentage based on statutory factors.
Wyoming uses an all-property approach that is unusual among states. Courts can divide any property owned by either spouse, including assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, and gifts. This approach gives judges significant discretion but also creates uncertainty for parties trying to predict outcomes.
Factors courts consider under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114 include:
- The respective merits of the parties
- The condition in which each party will be left by the divorce
- The party through whom the property was acquired
- The burdens imposed upon the property for the benefit of either party or children
- How much each spouse is earning now and expected to earn in the future
- Whether specific items should go to the parent with primary custody
To minimize property division disputes in an affordable divorce, create a comprehensive property settlement agreement before filing. List all assets and debts, assign values, and document your agreed-upon division. Courts generally approve fair agreements negotiated by the parties.
Child Support Calculations
Wyoming uses the Income Shares Model under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-304 to calculate child support. Both parents' net incomes are combined and applied to statutory child support tables based on the number of children. The total obligation is then divided proportionally between parents based on each parent's share of combined income.
The state provides an official child support calculator at childsupport.wyoming.gov/calculator. Required inputs include both parents' gross incomes, tax deductions, health insurance costs, daycare expenses, and the parenting time schedule.
Wyoming offers three calculation methods under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-304:
- Basic calculation: No credit for overnight visitation
- Shared custody: Credit when overnight visitation exceeds 25% of total nights (91+ nights per year)
- Split custody: When each parent has primary care of one or more children
The self-support reserve prevents orders from pushing the obligor below the federal poverty guideline of $1,255 per month for one person in 2026. For very low-income parents, child support may be as low as $50 to $100 per month.
Child support modifications require a 20% or greater change from the existing order under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-311. Either party may request recalculation after 3 years without showing material change in circumstances.
Spousal Support (Alimony) Considerations
Alimony is not automatic in Wyoming and is awarded based on fairness and financial need under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114. Unlike some states, Wyoming does not use a strict statutory formula, giving judges broad discretion in each case.
Courts consider two primary factors: the ability of one spouse to pay and the necessity of support to the other spouse. Additional factors include the marital standard of living, length of marriage, ages and health of both parties, earning capacity, and the time reasonably needed for the recipient to become self-supporting.
Wyoming recognizes three types of spousal support:
- Transitional support: Helps a spouse obtain education or training to re-enter the job market
- Compensatory support: Repays a spouse for major contributions to the other's education or career
- Spousal maintenance: Maintains a standard of living similar to what was enjoyed during the marriage
Duration of alimony commonly follows a ratio of one year of support for every three years of marriage, though this is not a statutory requirement. Permanent alimony is rare and typically reserved for long-term marriages where the recipient's age and earning capacity prevent self-sufficiency.
Wyoming is unique in that alimony does not automatically terminate upon the recipient's remarriage. The paying spouse must petition for review, and the court will only terminate if remarriage creates a material and substantial change in circumstances.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Cheap Divorce
Follow these steps to complete an affordable divorce in Wyoming for $250 to $500 total:
Step 1: Confirm you meet the 60-day residency requirement under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107. Gather proof such as a lease, utility bills, or Wyoming driver's license.
Step 2: Download the correct divorce packet from wyocourts.gov/self-help-forms. Choose Packet 1 if you have minor children or Packet 3 if you do not have minor children.
Step 3: Complete all required forms including the Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Vital Statistics Report, Confidential Financial Affidavit, and Initial Disclosures checklist.
Step 4: If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete the Affidavit of Indigency from Packet 10 and submit it with your complaint.
Step 5: File the completed complaint with the Clerk of District Court in the county where you or your spouse resides. Pay the filing fee ($70 to $160) by cash, check, money order, or credit card.
Step 6: Serve your spouse within 90 days of filing. The cheapest option is having your spouse sign the Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Service (free). Alternatively, hire a process server ($40 to $80) or request service by publication if your spouse cannot be located.
Step 7: After the 20-day waiting period, submit your proposed Decree of Divorce and any settlement agreements.
Step 8: Attend the final hearing if required by your county. Some counties waive hearings for uncontested divorces with complete paperwork.
Step 9: Receive your signed Decree of Divorce from the court. Order certified copies ($1 plus $0.50 per page) for name changes, insurance updates, and property transfers.
Common Mistakes That Increase Divorce Costs
Avoiding these common errors will help you maintain an affordable divorce in Wyoming:
Incomplete forms cause rejection and resubmission fees. The Wyoming Judicial Branch forms include detailed instructions. Follow them exactly and double-check all fields before filing.
Failing to disclose assets creates legal complications. Wyoming's equitable distribution system under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114 requires full financial disclosure. Hidden assets discovered later can result in court sanctions and modification of the decree.
Missing service deadlines extends your case. You must serve your spouse within 90 days of filing the complaint. If you miss this deadline, you may need to refile and pay another filing fee.
Disputing minor issues escalates costs dramatically. A contested hearing over $500 worth of household goods can cost $2,000 or more in attorney fees. Focus negotiations on major assets and let go of items with minimal value.
Neglecting child support calculations leads to future modifications. Use the official Wyoming child support calculator to ensure your agreed amount meets statutory guidelines. Courts may reject agreements that deviate significantly without written justification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost in Wyoming in 2026?
A DIY uncontested divorce in Wyoming costs $250 to $500 total, including the $70 to $160 filing fee, $40 to $80 for service of process, and any document preparation expenses. Attorney-assisted uncontested divorces cost $2,000 to $6,000, while contested divorces range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more depending on complexity.
What is the fastest way to get divorced in Wyoming?
The fastest divorce in Wyoming takes approximately 30 to 45 days through an uncontested process where both spouses agree on all issues. The mandatory 20-day waiting period under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108 is among the shortest in the nation. Having your spouse sign the Acknowledgement of Service immediately starts the clock.
Can I file for divorce in Wyoming without a lawyer?
Yes, Wyoming law allows you to represent yourself (pro se) in divorce proceedings. The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides free self-help form packets at wyocourts.gov including instructions, checklists, and all required documents. Approximately 60% of Wyoming divorce filers represent themselves.
How do I qualify for a fee waiver in Wyoming?
To qualify for a fee waiver, your income must generally fall below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (approximately $2,510 per month for a single person in 2026). Complete the Affidavit of Indigency from Packet 10 on wyocourts.gov and submit it with your complaint. The court reviews applications within 7 to 14 days.
What are the grounds for divorce in Wyoming?
Wyoming is a no-fault divorce state. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-104, the only ground required is irreconcilable differences in the marital relationship. You do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. Wyoming also allows divorce on the ground of incurable insanity under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-105 if a spouse has been confined to a mental hospital for at least two years.
How is property divided in a Wyoming divorce?
Wyoming uses equitable distribution under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114, meaning property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Wyoming is unusual in using an all-property approach where courts can divide assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, and gifts. Factors include each party's merits, post-divorce financial condition, and how property was acquired.
How long do I have to live in Wyoming to file for divorce?
Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107, at least one spouse must have resided in Wyoming for 60 days immediately before filing. Alternatively, if you were married in Wyoming, one spouse must have lived in the state continuously from the marriage date until filing. There is no county residency requirement.
Does Wyoming require a waiting period after filing for divorce?
Yes, Wyoming requires a minimum 20-day waiting period under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108 from when the complaint is filed and served before any decree can be entered. This is measured from completion of service on your spouse, not simply from the filing date.
Can I get free legal help with my Wyoming divorce?
Yes, Legal Aid of Wyoming provides free divorce representation for qualifying low-income residents. Wyoming Free Legal Answers offers free online advice from volunteer attorneys. The University of Wyoming Family Law Clinic handles cases for qualifying clients. The Modest Means Program offers reduced-rate attorneys at $100 per hour maximum for households between 200% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Is there a waiting period to remarry after divorce in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming has no waiting period for remarriage after a divorce is finalized. Once the court enters the Decree of Divorce, either party may legally remarry immediately. Some states impose waiting periods of 30 to 90 days, but Wyoming does not have this restriction.