Wyoming permits immediate remarriage after divorce with no mandatory waiting period, making it one of the most permissive states in the nation for those seeking a second marriage. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108, once a divorce decree becomes final (which requires a minimum 20-day waiting period from filing), both parties are legally free to marry again. The marriage license fee is $30, and previously divorced applicants must provide their divorce decree date and state when applying at any Wyoming county clerk's office.
Key Facts: Remarriage After Divorce in Wyoming
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Remarriage Waiting Period | None after divorce is final |
| Divorce Waiting Period | 20 days minimum from complaint filing |
| Marriage License Fee | $30 statewide |
| License Validity | 1 year from issue date |
| Documentation Required | Photo ID, Social Security number, divorce decree date/state |
| Residency for Marriage License | None required |
| Minimum Marriage Age | 18 (16-17 with parental consent and court order) |
| Property Division System | Equitable distribution |
Wyoming Has No Waiting Period for Remarriage After Divorce
Wyoming imposes zero waiting period between the finalization of a divorce and either ex-spouse's remarriage. The moment a Wyoming district court judge signs and enters the final divorce decree, both parties regain their legal capacity to marry. This immediate eligibility distinguishes Wyoming from states like Texas (30-day waiting period) or Alabama (60-day waiting period), where cooling-off periods restrict how soon divorced individuals can remarry.
The absence of a remarriage waiting period in Wyoming reflects the state's broader approach to divorce law, which emphasizes efficiency and minimal government interference in personal decisions. Wyoming also has one of the shortest divorce waiting periods in the nation at just 20 days under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108, and one of the shortest residency requirements at 60 days under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107.
For those planning remarriage after divorce in Wyoming, the critical timeline is the divorce process itself rather than any post-divorce restrictions. An uncontested divorce in Wyoming can be finalized in as few as 3-6 weeks if both parties agree on all terms and complete their paperwork efficiently. Contested divorces may take 6-12 months or longer depending on the complexity of property division and custody disputes.
How to Obtain a Marriage License in Wyoming After Divorce
Wyoming requires divorced individuals to provide specific documentation when applying for a new marriage license. The marriage license fee is $30 statewide, payable by cash, check, or debit card (with a $2 convenience fee for debit). Both parties must appear together at any Wyoming county clerk's office to complete the application in person.
Previously married applicants must provide the following information:
- Date of divorce finalization
- State where the divorce was granted
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Social Security number
- Birth date and birthplace (state)
- Parents' full names including mothers' maiden names
- Parents' birthplaces
Wyoming county clerks cannot obtain divorce information on your behalf, so applicants should come prepared with their divorce decree details. While you are not required to bring the actual divorce decree document, you must know the exact date and jurisdiction where your divorce was finalized.
Marriage licenses in Wyoming take effect immediately upon issuance and remain valid for one year. There is no residency requirement to obtain a Wyoming marriage license, meaning out-of-state residents can marry in Wyoming without establishing domicile. The ceremony must be performed by a judge, magistrate, or licensed/ordained minister, with two witnesses present who are at least 18 years old.
Understanding When Your Wyoming Divorce Becomes Final
A Wyoming divorce decree cannot be entered until at least 20 days have elapsed from the date the Complaint for Divorce is filed and properly served on the other spouse. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-108, this 20-day waiting period is measured from completion of service of process, not simply from the filing date. This timeline represents one of the shortest mandatory waiting periods in the United States.
The divorce finalization process in Wyoming follows this general timeline:
- Filing the Complaint for Divorce ($70-$160 filing fee depending on county)
- Serving the other spouse with divorce papers
- Waiting the mandatory 20-day period
- Completing discovery and negotiations (if contested)
- Attending a final hearing or submitting agreed documents
- Judge signs and enters the final decree
Your ability to remarry legally begins the moment the judge signs the final decree, not when you receive a copy or when it is filed with the clerk. If you are uncertain whether your divorce is final, you can verify by contacting the Clerk of District Court in the county where your divorce was filed or by reviewing the signed decree for the entry date.
For uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on all terms, the process can be completed in approximately 30-45 days from filing. Contested divorces involving disputes over property division, child custody, or alimony may take 6-12 months or longer before reaching a final decree.
How Remarriage Affects Alimony and Spousal Support in Wyoming
Remarriage after divorce in Wyoming typically triggers a review of existing alimony obligations, though Wyoming law does not automatically terminate spousal support upon the recipient's remarriage. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114, courts retain discretion over alimony modifications, and the paying spouse must formally petition the court to modify or terminate support based on changed circumstances.
The Wyoming approach to alimony and remarriage differs from many states that include automatic termination clauses. In Wyoming, when the recipient spouse remarries, the paying spouse should file a Motion to Modify or Terminate Alimony with the court. The paying spouse must demonstrate that the remarriage constitutes a substantial change in circumstances that warrants modification.
Factors Wyoming courts consider when evaluating alimony modification requests include:
- The new spouse's income and financial contributions
- Whether the recipient spouse's financial needs have decreased
- The original purpose and intent of the alimony award
- Any provisions in the original divorce decree regarding remarriage
- The length of time the recipient has been receiving support
Cohabitation with a new partner (without formal marriage) can also serve as grounds for alimony modification in Wyoming. Courts may reduce or terminate support if the recipient is in a relationship that provides financial benefits equivalent to marriage, even without a legal marriage ceremony.
The standard approach is for divorce decrees to include specific language about alimony termination upon remarriage. If your Wyoming divorce decree explicitly states that alimony ends upon remarriage, the termination is automatic and does not require a court motion. Review your decree carefully to understand which provisions apply to your situation.
Property Division and Financial Considerations Before Remarrying
Wyoming follows equitable distribution principles for dividing marital property under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114, and understanding your post-divorce financial situation is essential before entering a new marriage. Property division in Wyoming is generally final and cannot be modified after the divorce decree is entered, except in cases of fraud.
Key financial considerations before remarrying in Wyoming include:
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): If your divorce decree awarded you a portion of your ex-spouse's retirement account, ensure the QDRO has been prepared, approved by the court, and accepted by the plan administrator before remarrying. QDROs typically cost $500-$1,500 to prepare and process. Remarriage does not affect your right to receive your allocated portion of retirement benefits.
Title Transfers: Even if your divorce decree awards you specific property (real estate, vehicles, bank accounts), title does not automatically transfer. Complete all necessary title transfers before remarrying to avoid complications with your new spouse's finances. This includes deeds for real property, vehicle title transfers, and bank account changes.
Debt Responsibility: Understand which debts from your previous marriage remain your responsibility. Wyoming courts divide debt equitably, and creditors may still pursue both ex-spouses for joint debts regardless of what the divorce decree states. Settling or refinancing joint debts before remarriage protects your new spouse from potential liability.
Wyoming's unique "all-property" approach means courts can divide any property owned by either spouse during divorce, including assets acquired before marriage. When entering a new marriage, consider whether a prenuptial agreement is appropriate to protect premarital assets and clarify financial expectations.
Child Support and Custody Implications of Remarriage
Remarriage does not directly affect child support obligations or custody arrangements in Wyoming. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-313, child support continues based on the original order unless either parent requests a modification based on a substantial change in circumstances. A parent's remarriage alone is generally not considered sufficient grounds for modification.
However, remarriage can indirectly affect child support calculations in certain situations:
- If remarriage significantly improves a parent's overall financial situation
- If the new spouse's income affects household expenses or the parent's ability to pay
- If the custodial parent's remarriage reduces their childcare expenses
- If the remarriage results in additional children, potentially affecting the paying parent's support obligation
Custody and visitation schedules remain in effect after remarriage unless the court modifies them. A new stepparent does not automatically gain legal rights over stepchildren, and custody decisions continue to rest with the biological parents and the court.
One specific provision in Wyoming law addresses remarriage between the original parents: Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-313, if divorced parents remarry each other, their ongoing child support obligation terminates. The court may also eliminate all child support arrearage existing between the parents (except amounts assigned to the state of Wyoming) when parents reconcile and remarry.
Protecting Your Rights Through a Prenuptial Agreement
Given Wyoming's equitable distribution system and "all-property" approach to divorce, divorced individuals entering a new marriage should strongly consider a prenuptial agreement. Wyoming courts generally enforce prenuptial agreements that meet basic requirements for validity, providing significant protection for premarital assets and inheritance rights.
A valid Wyoming prenuptial agreement should address:
- Classification of premarital property each spouse brings to the marriage
- Treatment of inheritances and gifts received during marriage
- Division of property acquired during the new marriage
- Spousal support provisions in case of divorce
- Protection of business interests or professional practices
- Obligations regarding children from previous marriages
For the agreement to be enforceable, both parties should have independent legal counsel, full financial disclosure must occur, and neither party can be under duress when signing. Wyoming courts may refuse to enforce prenuptial agreements that are unconscionable or that were signed without proper understanding of the terms.
The cost of a prenuptial agreement in Wyoming typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on complexity, which is substantially less than the potential cost of litigation if a second marriage ends in divorce without clear property protections.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Remarrying After Divorce in Wyoming
Divorced individuals rushing into remarriage often make preventable errors that create legal and financial complications. Wyoming's lack of a remarriage waiting period means there is no built-in delay to encourage careful planning.
Mistake 1: Remarrying Before Divorce Is Final. Some individuals remarry before their divorce decree is officially entered, which constitutes bigamy under Wyoming law. Always verify your divorce is final by checking the signed decree or confirming with the court clerk.
Mistake 2: Failing to Update Beneficiary Designations. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other beneficiary designations do not automatically update upon divorce or remarriage. Failing to change beneficiaries can result in your ex-spouse receiving assets intended for your new spouse.
Mistake 3: Not Completing Property Transfers. A divorce decree awarding you property does not transfer title. Complete all real estate deeds, vehicle titles, and account ownership changes before remarrying.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Impact on Alimony. If you are receiving alimony, understand that remarriage typically leads to modification or termination. Plan your finances accordingly before the wedding.
Mistake 5: Assuming Child Support Changes Automatically. Remarriage does not automatically change child support. If circumstances have changed significantly, file a formal modification request with the court.
Mistake 6: Skipping the Prenuptial Agreement. Especially for those with significant assets, children from previous marriages, or business interests, a prenuptial agreement provides essential protection that is much harder to establish after marriage.
Timeline: From Divorce to Remarriage in Wyoming
| Stage | Timeframe | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Filing for Divorce | Day 1 | File Complaint ($70-$160 fee), serve spouse |
| Mandatory Waiting Period | Days 1-20 | Cannot finalize before 20 days |
| Uncontested Divorce Finalization | 30-45 days | Submit agreed documents, attend hearing |
| Contested Divorce Finalization | 6-12+ months | Discovery, negotiation, trial if needed |
| Divorce Decree Entered | Varies | Judge signs final decree |
| Eligible for Remarriage | Same day as decree | No waiting period after final decree |
| Marriage License Application | Any time | $30 fee, both parties present |
| Marriage Ceremony | Same day or within 1 year | License valid for 1 year |
Frequently Asked Questions About Remarriage After Divorce in Wyoming
How soon can I remarry after divorce in Wyoming?
Wyoming has no waiting period for remarriage after divorce. Once the judge signs and enters your final divorce decree, you are immediately eligible to apply for a new marriage license and remarry. The marriage license fee is $30, and licenses are effective immediately upon issuance from any Wyoming county clerk's office.
Do I need to show my divorce decree to get a marriage license in Wyoming?
You are not required to present the physical divorce decree document, but you must provide the date and state where your divorce was finalized. Wyoming county clerks cannot obtain this information for you, so come prepared with these details. Having your divorce decree available can expedite the process and resolve any questions.
Will my alimony payments stop automatically if I remarry in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming does not automatically terminate alimony upon remarriage unless your divorce decree specifically states otherwise. The paying spouse must file a Motion to Modify or Terminate Alimony and prove that remarriage constitutes a substantial change in circumstances. Review your decree for specific remarriage provisions.
Does my ex-spouse's remarriage affect my alimony in Wyoming?
If you are the one receiving alimony, your ex-spouse's remarriage does not affect your payments. However, if you remarry, your ex-spouse can petition the court to modify or terminate support based on your changed circumstances. Wyoming courts retain discretion over alimony modifications under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114.
Can I remarry in Wyoming if my divorce was finalized in another state?
Yes, Wyoming recognizes divorces granted by other states. You can obtain a Wyoming marriage license regardless of where your divorce occurred. You will need to provide the date and state of your divorce when applying. Wyoming has no residency requirement for marriage licenses.
How does remarriage affect child support in Wyoming?
Remarriage does not automatically change child support obligations in Wyoming. Child support continues based on the original court order until either parent files for modification. A parent's remarriage alone is generally insufficient grounds for modification, though changes in overall household finances may warrant review.
What documents do I need to remarry in Wyoming after divorce?
Both parties must present government-issued photo ID, Social Security numbers, and birth information. If previously married, you must provide the date and state of your divorce. Parents' names (including mothers' maiden names) and birthplaces are also required. The application must be completed in person by both parties.
Is there a residency requirement to get married in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. Anyone can marry in Wyoming regardless of where they live. However, if you plan to divorce in Wyoming later, you would need to establish 60 days of residency under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107 before filing.
What is the minimum age to remarry in Wyoming?
The legal marriage age in Wyoming is 18 years old. Individuals aged 16-17 may marry with written parental consent and a Wyoming court order. No one under age 16 can obtain a marriage license in Wyoming under any circumstances.
Should I get a prenuptial agreement before remarrying in Wyoming?
A prenuptial agreement is strongly recommended for those remarrying, especially if you have significant assets, children from a previous marriage, or business interests. Wyoming's equitable distribution system and "all-property" approach means courts can divide any property in a future divorce. A prenuptial agreement typically costs $1,500-$5,000 and provides substantial protection.
Additional Resources for Remarriage After Divorce in Wyoming
Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Center: Provides free divorce forms and instructions at wyocourts.gov, including Packet 10 for fee waivers if you cannot afford filing costs.
County Clerk's Offices: Each of Wyoming's 23 counties has a clerk's office that issues marriage licenses. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Legal Aid of Wyoming: Offers free legal assistance to qualifying low-income individuals navigating divorce and family law matters at lawyoming.org.
Wyoming State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: Connects individuals with family law attorneys for consultations at (307) 632-9061.
Note: Filing fees and court costs are current as of April 2026. Verify exact amounts with your local Clerk of District Court before filing, as fees may vary by county.
Written by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. | Florida Bar No. 21022 | Covering Wyoming divorce law