Wyoming Divorce Self-Help Tools

In Wyoming, a divorce cannot be granted until at least 20 days after the complaint is filed and served. However, most divorces take longer, especially if there are disagreements between the spouses. The total time can vary depending on the complexity of the issues involved.

While it is possible to file for divorce without a lawyer in Wyoming, especially in uncontested cases, it is generally recommended to seek legal counsel. Divorce cases can be complex, and an attorney can help navigate legal procedures, ensure all documents are properly filed, and protect your rights, particularly concerning property division, child custody, and support.

Yes, Wyoming is primarily a no-fault divorce state. The most common ground for divorce is 'irreconcilable differences in the marital relationship' (Wyo. Stat. §20-2-104), meaning neither spouse needs to prove the other's wrongdoing. Incurable insanity is also a recognized ground for divorce (Wyo. Stat. §20-2-105).

Wyoming is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally (50/50). The court considers various factors, including the length of the marriage, each party's financial condition, and contributions to the marital estate, to determine a just and equitable distribution (Wyo. Stat. §20-2-114(a)). Wyoming uses an 'all property' approach, allowing courts to divide both marital and separate property.

Effective July 1, 2025, Wyoming enacted SF0117, which establishes a rebuttable presumption of shared custody (joint legal and joint physical custody) in new custody proceedings. This means courts will generally presume that shared custody is in the child's best interest, unless specific exceptions like domestic violence or significant geographic distance apply.