Divorce in Wyoming: Laws, Process, and What You Need to Know (2026)

Introduction

Wyoming has a relatively simple and efficient divorce process, with one of the shorter residency requirements in the country. The state uses equitable distribution and allows both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce.

Wyoming is an equitable distribution state for property division purposes. For an overview of how this system works, see our guide to property division. Understanding how Wyoming handles divorce can help you prepare for what lies ahead and make informed decisions about your future.

Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Wyoming, you must meet the state's residency requirements: 60 days residency. This means at least one spouse must have lived in Wyoming for the required period before the court will accept a divorce filing. You will typically file in the county where either spouse resides.

Grounds for Divorce

Wyoming allows both no-fault and fault grounds for divorce. No-fault: irreconcilable differences. Fault grounds include adultery, physical or mental cruelty, desertion, substance abuse, imprisonment, neglect, and indignities. While most divorces proceed on no-fault grounds, filing on fault grounds can sometimes affect alimony or property division outcomes.

Property Division

Wyoming follows the equitable distribution approach to dividing property in a divorce. Under this system, the court divides marital property fairly, though not necessarily equally. The judge considers factors like each spouse's economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage (including homemaking), the duration of the marriage, and any dissipation of assets.

Property that either spouse owned before the marriage, as well as gifts and inheritances received individually, is generally considered separate property and is not subject to division. However, if separate property has been commingled with marital assets, it may lose its separate character.

Alimony and Spousal Support

The court considers several factors when determining alimony in Wyoming:

Length of marriage
Health of parties
Earning ability
Fault
Financial condition
Property settlement

Wyoming courts have broad discretion in awarding alimony, which may be temporary or permanent. Wyoming courts generally prefer a clean break and may favor lump-sum payments over ongoing obligations.

For a comprehensive overview of alimony types and negotiation strategies, see our alimony and spousal support guide. The duration and amount of alimony depend heavily on the length of the marriage and the financial circumstances of both parties. Short-term marriages are less likely to result in long-term alimony awards.

Child Support

Wyoming uses the Income Shares model for calculating child support, based on combined net income of both parents and the number of children.

See our child support guide for a detailed explanation of calculation models and modification rules. Either parent can request a modification of child support if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, job loss, or a change in the child's needs.

Child Custody

Wyoming courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child standard. The court evaluates a range of factors including each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home and community, the mental and physical health of all parties, and the willingness of each parent to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent.

Most states, including Wyoming, recognize both legal custody (decision-making authority regarding education, healthcare, and welfare) and physical custody (where the child lives). Both types can be awarded jointly or solely to one parent.

Mediation

Mediation is not required in Wyoming, though it is often encouraged.

Filing Fees and Costs

Filing fees for divorce in Wyoming typically range from $70-$130, though exact amounts vary by county. Additional costs may include:

Attorney fees (if you hire a lawyer)
Mediation or alternative dispute resolution fees
Process server or publication fees
Costs for financial experts or appraisers (in complex asset cases)
Court-mandated parenting class fees (if children are involved)

Uncontested divorces are generally significantly less expensive than contested cases.

Key Considerations

Waiting period: 20 days after filing

If you and your spouse can agree on the major issues, including property division, support, and custody, an uncontested divorce will save you significant time and money. Even in contested cases, exploring mediation or collaborative divorce may lead to a better outcome than a courtroom battle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming Divorce

Is Wyoming a community property state?

No, Wyoming is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property fairly based on the specific circumstances of each case, rather than automatically splitting assets 50/50. Judges consider factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse's economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage, the health of both parties, and the earning ability of each spouse.

How is property divided in a Wyoming divorce?

Wyoming courts use equitable distribution to divide marital property. The judge considers factors such as the duration of the marriage, each spouse's financial condition, respective merits of the parties, contributions to the marriage (both financial and homemaking), and any fault that contributed to the divorce. Separate property owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritances is generally not divided, but may be considered if equity requires it.

How long does a divorce take in Wyoming?

Wyoming has a mandatory 20-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized, one of the shortest in the nation. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can typically be completed in one to two months. Contested divorces involving property, custody, or alimony disputes can take six months to over a year depending on the complexity of the issues.

Can I get alimony in Wyoming?

Yes, Wyoming courts may award alimony, which can be temporary or permanent. The court considers the length of the marriage, each spouse's health, earning ability, financial condition, any fault, and the property settlement. Wyoming courts generally prefer a clean break and may favor lump-sum payments over ongoing maintenance obligations. Permanent alimony is typically reserved for long-term marriages where one spouse cannot become self-supporting.

What are the grounds for divorce in Wyoming?

Wyoming allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. The no-fault ground is irreconcilable differences. Fault-based grounds include adultery, physical or mental cruelty, desertion for one year, habitual drunkenness, neglect, felony conviction, indignities rendering the marriage intolerable, and incurable insanity.

What are the residency requirements for divorce in Wyoming?

Wyoming requires that the filing spouse has been a resident of the state for at least 60 days before filing for divorce. This is one of the shorter residency requirements in the country. You file in the district court of the county where either spouse resides. If the plaintiff has not been a resident for 60 days, the defendant may still file if they meet the requirement.

How much does a divorce cost in Wyoming?

Filing fees in Wyoming typically range from $70 to $130, among the lowest in the nation. Total costs depend on the complexity of the divorce. An uncontested divorce without an attorney may cost only the filing fee. With an attorney, an uncontested divorce may cost $1,000 to $2,500. Contested divorces can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the issues involved.

Does Wyoming have a short divorce process?

Yes, Wyoming is known for having one of the faster and simpler divorce processes in the United States. The 60-day residency requirement and 20-day waiting period after filing are among the shortest in the country. Combined with relatively low filing fees ($70 to $130), this makes Wyoming one of the more accessible states for obtaining a divorce. However, the timeline still depends on whether the divorce is contested and the complexity of the issues involved.

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