Divorce in Wyoming (2026)

Wyoming’s Low-Cost, Quick-Start Divorce Process

Wyoming offers one of the most accessible divorce processes in the country. With a 60-day residency requirement (one of the shortest in the nation), a 20-day waiting period (among the briefest), and filing fees that range from roughly $70 to $130 (among the lowest), Wyoming makes it possible to begin and complete an uncontested divorce faster and more affordably than most states. This combination of low barriers makes Wyoming particularly attractive for straightforward divorces where the parties are in agreement.

For a broader understanding of the divorce process, see our complete guide to divorce.

Residency Requirements

Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-107, the plaintiff must have been a resident of Wyoming for at least 60 days immediately preceding the filing of the complaint. Alternatively, if the marriage was performed in Wyoming, the plaintiff must have resided in the state continuously from the time of the marriage to the time of filing. Wyoming’s 60-day requirement is one of the shortest residency periods in the country, making it accessible to relatively new residents.

Grounds for Divorce

Wyoming recognizes irreconcilable differences as the no-fault ground for divorce under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-104. Either spouse may file on this ground without proving wrongdoing, and the vast majority of Wyoming divorces proceed on this basis.

Wyoming also recognizes a limited fault-based ground:

• Incurable insanity — The respondent spouse must have been confined to a mental institution for at least two years immediately preceding the filing of the complaint. This ground is rarely invoked.

Unlike many states that retain multiple fault grounds (such as adultery, cruelty, and abandonment), Wyoming’s approach is practical: nearly all divorces proceed on the no-fault basis of irreconcilable differences.

The 20-Day Waiting Period

Wyoming imposes a 20-day waiting period from the date the complaint is filed before the court may grant the divorce. This is one of the shorter waiting periods in the country. In uncontested cases, the divorce can proceed to final hearing shortly after the 20 days have passed, provided all paperwork is complete. Contested cases take longer depending on the issues involved.

Filing Fees and Costs

The filing fee for divorce in Wyoming ranges from approximately $70 to $130, depending on the county. These fees are among the lowest in the nation. Additional costs may include service of process fees, mediation fees, and the cost of a parenting education course in cases involving minor children. Fee waivers are available for individuals who can demonstrate financial hardship.

Fault as a Factor in Property Division and Alimony

While Wyoming’s only practical ground for divorce is no-fault, the court may consider fault when making financial decisions. Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-114, the court may consider the “respective merits of the parties” when dividing property and determining alimony. This language has been interpreted by Wyoming courts to encompass marital fault. This means that conduct such as adultery or financial misconduct during the marriage can influence how property is divided and whether alimony is awarded.

This is an important strategic consideration: even though you cannot gain an advantage in the grounds for divorce itself, evidence of fault may affect the financial outcome.

Property Division

Wyoming follows the equitable distribution model under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-114. The court divides marital property in a manner that is fair and equitable, considering:

• 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 their children
• The length of the marriage
• The age and health of each party
• The earning ability of each party
• The contributions of each party to the acquisition of marital property, including homemaker contributions

Wyoming courts have broad discretion in dividing property and may consider all property owned by either spouse. The division need not be equal.

Alimony

Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-114, the court may award alimony to either party. The court evaluates the ability of the spouse seeking support to earn a livelihood, the ability of the paying spouse to pay, the length of the marriage, the age and health of each party, the financial condition of each party after property division, the standard of living during the marriage, and any contributions to the education or training of the other spouse. Wyoming recognizes temporary, rehabilitative, permanent, and lump-sum forms of alimony.

The Divorce Process

1. Filing the complaint. One spouse files a complaint for divorce in district court and pays the filing fee.
2. Service of process. The respondent is served with the complaint and summons.
3. 20-day waiting period. The court cannot enter a decree until 20 days after filing.
4. Response. The respondent has 30 days to file an answer.
5. Discovery. Both parties exchange financial information and relevant documents.
6. Mediation or negotiation. The parties may attempt to resolve disputes cooperatively.
7. Trial or settlement. The parties either present a settlement agreement or proceed to trial.
8. Final decree. The court enters the decree of divorce.

Uncontested divorces in Wyoming can be finalized in as little as one to three months. Contested cases may take six months to two years or longer.

When to Consult an Attorney

Wyoming’s equitable distribution framework and consideration of fault in both property division and alimony create strategic considerations in many cases. Even in straightforward divorces, understanding how the “respective merits” factor may apply to your situation is valuable. Whether your divorce is simple or involves complex property or custody issues, consider scheduling a free consultation with a family law attorney to understand your rights under Wyoming law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must I live in Wyoming before filing?

Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-107, you must have been a resident of Wyoming for at least 60 days immediately preceding filing. This is one of the shortest residency periods in the country.

Is Wyoming a community property or equitable distribution state?

Wyoming is an equitable distribution state under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-114. The court divides marital property in a fair and equitable manner, considering factors like the length of the marriage, each party’s earning ability, and contributions to property acquisition.

What is the waiting period in Wyoming?

Wyoming imposes a 20-day waiting period from the date the complaint is filed. This is one of the shorter waiting periods in the country.

Can fault affect alimony in Wyoming?

Yes. Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-114, Wyoming allows the court to consider the “respective merits” of the parties when determining alimony, which has been interpreted to encompass marital fault. This can also influence property division.

Is Wyoming an expensive state to get divorced in?

Wyoming has some of the lowest divorce costs in the country. Filing fees range from approximately $70 to $130 depending on the county. Combined with the short 60-day residency requirement and 20-day waiting period, Wyoming allows for a relatively fast and affordable process in uncontested cases.

How This Guide Was Researched

This guide was developed through direct review of Wyo. Stat. Title 20, Chapter 2, with particular focus on Section 20-2-107 (the 60-day residency requirement), Section 20-2-104 (grounds for divorce — irreconcilable differences and incurable insanity), and Section 20-2-114 (equitable distribution of property, alimony factors, and the “respective merits” language enabling fault consideration). We also reviewed Wyoming Judicial Branch self-help forms and divorce filing instructions, Wyoming State Bar family law section publications on equitable distribution and the role of fault, and Wyoming Legal Aid divorce information guides.

Sources and Legal References

• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107 — Residency requirement (60 days of continuous residence)
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-104 — Grounds for divorce (irreconcilable differences; incurable insanity)
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114 — Equitable distribution of property, alimony factors, “respective merits” of the parties (fault consideration)

Official Wyoming Resources

• Wyoming Judicial Branch — Self-Help Forms

For more about how we research our guides, see our editorial policy and sources methodology.

Related Guides

• Child custody in Wyoming
• Child support in Wyoming
• How to file for divorce
• No-fault divorce explained
• How much does divorce cost?
• How long does a divorce take?
• Property division in divorce