How Long Does a Divorce Take in Wyoming

May 5, 2023 Amanda

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Wyoming

Type of Divorce	Timeframe
Uncontested Divorce	Minimum of 20 days after filing
Contested Divorce	Varies depending on complexity of issues and court docket; may take several months to a year or more
Simplified Divorce	Minimum of 20 days after filing
Default Divorce	Minimum of 20 days after filing

Introduction

If both parties agree on all issues related to their separation, including property division, child custody, and support payments, then they may be able to file for an uncontested divorce. This type of divorce typically takes less time because there are no disputes that need to be resolved in court. On the other hand, if one party contests any aspect of the separation agreement or refuses to sign off on certain terms, then a contested divorce may be necessary. This could take significantly longer as both parties will have to appear in court and present evidence before a judge makes decisions regarding how assets will be divided.

Overview of divorce process in Wyoming

Filing for divorce: One party files a petition with the district court in their county and serves it to the other party, who has 20 days to respond.
Discovery phase: Both parties exchange information about assets, debts, and income through written questions (interrogatories), requests for documents, and depositions (oral testimony under oath).
Negotiation or mediation: Parties may attempt to resolve any disputes outside of court through negotiation or mediation. A mediator is an impartial third-party who can help both parties come to an agreement.
Court proceedings: If negotiations are unsuccessful, then both parties will appear before a judge who will make decisions on contested issues such as child custody, support payments, and property division.

The length of time required to complete each step varies depending on whether there are any complications or disagreements between the parties involved. Generally speaking though, uncontested divorces can be finalized within a few months while contested divorces could take years to reach resolution.

Grounds for Divorce in Wyoming

Wyoming is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning that neither party needs to prove fault or wrongdoing in order to obtain a divorce. Instead, one or both parties must simply assert that the marriage is irretrievably broken and cannot be repaired.

However, there are still some specific grounds for divorce recognized by Wyoming courts:

Adultery: If one spouse has committed adultery during the marriage, it may be considered as evidence of irreconcilable differences.
Cruelty: Physical or emotional abuse towards one spouse by the other can also demonstrate irreconcilable differences.
Abandonment: If one spouse has abandoned the other for a period of at least 60 days without cause or justification, this can also serve as grounds for divorce.

If none of these grounds apply to your situation and you wish to file for divorce in Wyoming, then asserting that your marriage is irretrievably broken will typically suffice. It’s important to note that if there are children involved in the separation agreement, custody arrangements and support payments must still be determined regardless of whether fault is asserted or not.

No-fault grounds for divorce

Here are some common reasons why couples file for no-fault divorces in Wyoming:

Growing apart: Couples may realize over time that they have grown apart and no longer share the same goals and values.
Lack of communication: Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, disagreements, and resentment between spouses.
Different priorities: As couples go through different life stages (such as having children or pursuing new career opportunities), their priorities may shift and cause them to grow apart from each other.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Wyoming but aren’t sure if it’s the right decision for you, it’s important to seek out professional support such as counseling or legal advice. A family law attorney can help guide you through the process of filing for divorce and ensure that your rights are protected throughout.

Fault-based grounds for divorce

If you choose to file for divorce on any of these fault-based grounds, you must prove them in court with admissible evidence. This could include witnesses testifying about your spouse’s adultery or abusive behavior, medical records documenting physical injuries resulting from domestic violence, and/or proof that your spouse left you without any explanation or support.

Fault-based divorces are generally more complicated than no-fault divorces because they require additional documentation and evidence-gathering. They may also take longer to resolve due to disputes over allegations made by either party. However, if fault is established successfully in court, it could potentially affect property division and spousal support payments since they will consider factors like who was responsible for causing the breakup of the marriage.

Residency Requirements for Divorce in Wyoming

If neither party meets the residency requirement, then they may need to consider postponing their divorce proceedings until they do. Alternatively, it may be possible to file for legal separation instead of a full divorce if there are extenuating circumstances that prevent meeting these requirements but still require some form of separation agreement.

It’s important to note that even if both parties agree on all aspects of their separation agreement and no dispute exists over property division, child custody arrangements or support payments, certain formalities will still need to be observed before a final decree can be issued by the court. These formalities include filing appropriate paperwork with the court, attending hearings when required and complying with any additional requests made by your judge.

How long must a person live in Wyoming to file for divorce?

The residency requirement is as follows:

If both spouses are residents: There is no minimum residency requirement.
If only one spouse is a resident: The non-resident spouse must have been served with divorce papers while physically present in Wyoming or must have voluntarily appeared in court to answer the petition.
If neither spouse is a resident: At least one spouse must establish residency by living within Wyoming’s borders for at least 60 consecutive days before filing for divorce.

It’s important to note that if you do not meet these requirements, then you may need to file for divorce in another state where either you or your partner meets the residency requirements. Additionally, if there are any complications or disputes throughout the process, it could take longer than anticipated regardless of how long you’ve lived in Wyoming.

What is the process for establishing residency in Wyoming?

If both spouses are residents of Wyoming, then there is no additional requirement related to establishing residency. However, if only one spouse is a resident and the other lives out-of-state, then certain legal procedures must be followed before the non-resident spouse can be served with divorce papers:

Affidavit and service by publication: If the non-resident spouse cannot be located or refuses to accept service of process (i.e., being formally served with notice), then an affidavit stating these facts must be filed with the court along with a request for service by publication. This means that notice will be published in a local newspaper where it is believed that the non-resident spouse will see it.
Acknowledgment and waiver: Alternatively, if both parties agree on terms related to property division and child custody/support payments ahead of time, then the non-resident spouse may sign an acknowledgment and waiver form indicating that they do not contest any aspects related to their separation agreement.

Filing for Divorce in Wyoming

Here are some important things to keep in mind when filing for divorce:

Residency Requirements: At least one party must be a resident of Wyoming for 60 days prior to filing.
Filing Fees: There is a fee associated with filing the petition which can vary by county. You may request a waiver of fees if you meet certain income requirements.
Serving Papers: Once the petition has been filed, it must be served to your spouse who then has 20 days to respond. This can be done through personal service or certified mail.

If both parties agree on all aspects of their separation agreement including property division, child custody arrangements and support payments they may file an uncontested divorce together. Uncontested divorces typically require less time and effort than contested ones since there are no disputes that need resolution before appearing in court.

How to file for divorce in Wyoming

The other party involved must be served with copies of the filed papers within 20 days after they are submitted. They may respond within this time period either admitting or denying claims made in the initial petition.

In conclusion, filing for divorce can seem like a daunting task but by knowing what steps need to be taken ahead of time you can make it much more manageable. Be sure that you meet all residency requirements before initiating proceedings and gather all relevant documents needed beforehand so there are no delays when filling out paperwork at your local courthouse clerk’s office!

What forms are required to file for divorce in Wyoming?

In addition, if there are children involved in your separation agreement, you may also need to file:

Child Support Worksheets: These worksheets help determine how much support should be paid based on each parent’s income and expenses.
Child Custody Affidavits: These documents outline each parent’s position regarding custody arrangements and any proposed visitation schedules.

Your attorney can assist you in preparing these documents or you can find templates online through various legal resources websites. It’s important to ensure all necessary forms are submitted correctly as incomplete filings will result in delays in processing your case.

How long does it take to get a divorce decree in Wyoming?

If both parties agree on all terms of the separation agreement, an uncontested divorce can typically be finalized more quickly than a contested one. In general:

An uncontested divorce may take as little as 20 days from start to finish if there are no children involved
A contested divorce with children could take several months to over a year to resolve
Contested divorces without children can also take several months up to a year or more depending upon the complexity of disputes and how long it takes for evidence presentation and court proceedings.

It’s important to note that even in an uncontested situation where both parties agree on everything, there is still usually a minimum waiting period before a judge will sign off on the final decree. This waiting period is typically at least 20 days after the initial filing date.

In addition, if there are disputes about child custody arrangements or other complex issues that cannot be easily resolved outside of court, then it may take significantly longer for the divorce process to reach completion. However regardless of what type of situation you find yourself in during this process; consulting with an attorney can help streamline your case while ensuring your legal rights remain protected.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Wyoming

If you are unsure whether your situation would qualify for an uncontested divorce in Wyoming or if you anticipate that there may be disagreements with your spouse regarding certain issues during the separation process, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

What is a contested divorce?

Some common reasons why a divorce may become contested include:

Disagreements over property division: This includes disputes over who gets to keep the family home, investments, retirement accounts and other valuable assets that were acquired during the marriage.
Child custody battles: Parents may not agree on where their children will live after the divorce or how much time each parent will spend with them.
Alimony or spousal support disputes: One spouse may feel entitled to receive financial assistance from their former partner for a period of time following the separation. The other party may disagree with this arrangement.

In a contested divorce case, both parties are required to provide evidence to back up their claims and present arguments before a judge who makes final decisions regarding disputed issues. These cases can take months or even years to resolve in court and can cost significantly more in attorney fees compared to uncontested divorces where both parties are able to reach an agreement outside of court.

What is an uncontested divorce?

Here are some key factors that make an uncontested divorce possible:

Agreement on major issues: Both parties must be in agreement regarding the terms of their separation. If one party contests any aspect of the agreement, then it may be necessary to proceed with a contested divorce.
No hidden assets or debts: Both parties must fully disclose all assets and liabilities before reaching an agreement to avoid future disputes.
No minor children: If there are children involved, custody arrangements and support payments must still be determined regardless of whether fault is asserted or not.

In order to file for an uncontested divorce in Wyoming, both spouses will need to sign a joint petition indicating their mutual desire to end the marriage. The judge will then review the petition and issue a final decree dissolving the marriage once they determine that all aspects of the separation have been properly addressed.

How long does each type of divorce take in Wyoming?

In addition, some factors that can impact how long a divorce takes include:

The backlog in your local court system: Some counties may have more cases waiting for processing than others, which could lead to delays in scheduling hearings or other court proceedings.
The complexity of your case: If you have significant assets or debts that need dividing or if child custody issues are contested, then this could lengthen the amount of time needed for resolution.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Wyoming and want an estimate on how long it might take based on your specific situation, consider consulting with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance throughout the process.

Divorce Mediation in Wyoming

If you are considering divorce mediation in Wyoming, here are some things you should know:

Voluntary: Divorce mediation is voluntary, meaning that both parties must agree to participate.
Confidential: Anything discussed during mediation remains confidential and cannot be used against either party if they end up going to court later on.
Inexpensive: Mediation fees are typically much lower than attorney fees or court costs associated with a contested divorce.

The mediator’s role is not to make decisions for the couple but rather help facilitate communication between them so that they can come up with mutually agreeable solutions. If successful, the mediated agreement will then be submitted to the court for approval and become legally binding once signed by a judge.

What is divorce mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process that helps couples going through a divorce come to an agreement on various issues such as property division, child custody, and support payments. A mediator facilitates discussions between both parties and helps them reach a mutually beneficial solution without having to go to court.

Here are some key things you should know about divorce mediation:

Voluntary: Mediation is not mandatory in Wyoming but can be chosen by the couple if they wish to avoid litigation.
Impartial: The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for either party; instead, they help facilitate communication and understanding between both sides.
Faster and less expensive: Mediation can be quicker than going through the court system, which means less time and money spent on legal fees and other expenses associated with divorce proceedings.

If you’re considering divorce mediation in Wyoming, it’s important to choose a mediator who is experienced in family law matters. They should also be licensed by the state of Wyoming or have appropriate credentials from an accredited institution. With the right mediator, you may be able to save yourself time, money, and stress during this difficult period in your life.

How does divorce mediation work in Wyoming?

If successful, divorce mediation can significantly reduce legal costs associated with a contested divorce while allowing both spouses greater control over decisions that impact their future. Mediation may not always work out if one party refuses to cooperate or come to reasonable terms but giving it a try could ultimately save time and money while keeping stress levels low during this difficult time.

How long does divorce mediation take in Wyoming?

In general, divorce mediation in Wyoming usually takes between two and six sessions lasting between one and two hours each. However, this timeline can vary widely depending on individual circumstances. Once an agreement has been reached through mediation, it must still be approved by a judge before becoming legally binding.

Property Division in Wyoming Divorce

In Wyoming, all marital assets are subject to division regardless of how they are titled. This includes real estate, personal property, savings accounts, investment portfolios and retirement plans. Debts may also be divided between spouses based on their respective incomes and ability to pay.

If both parties can agree on how to divide their assets outside of court this will save them time and money. However if there is disagreement over who gets what then mediation or litigation may be necessary in order for a judge to make a determination about asset division.

How is property divided in a Wyoming divorce?

In Wyoming, only marital property is subject to division. This typically includes all property acquired during the course of a marriage except for gifts or inheritances designated for one specific spouse. Property owned before entering into a marriage can also remain with that individual after divorce unless it has been commingled with marital assets.

If both spouses agree on how their assets should be divided, they can submit a written agreement outlining their decisions to the court. However, if there is no agreement or issues cannot be resolved through mediation/negotiation, then a judge will make decisions regarding asset division based on evidence presented in court.

What factors does the court consider when dividing property?

Length of marriage: The longer the marriage lasted, the more likely it is that property will be divided equally.
Earning capacity: The income-earning potential of each spouse is taken into account when dividing property.
Contribution to marital property: Each spouse’s contribution to building up marital assets and debts is considered.
Fault in divorce: If one party was at fault for causing the divorce (e.g., committed adultery), this may affect how much property they receive.

In addition to these factors, the court also takes into account any prenuptial agreements or other written agreements between spouses regarding their assets. It’s important to note that separate property – meaning assets acquired before marriage or through inheritance or gift – are typically not subject to division during a divorce.

If you have concerns about how your marital assets will be divided during a divorce in Wyoming, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process.

How long does property division take in a Wyoming divorce?

If both parties can agree on how to divide their assets and debts, then they may be able to avoid a court hearing altogether. However, if there are disputes over who gets what property or how much debt each party should be responsible for paying off, then it may take longer to resolve these issues in court.

There is no set timeframe for how long it will take for property division in a Wyoming divorce case. It depends on many factors unique to your situation. If you have significant assets or complex financial holdings, such as business interests or investment properties, this could lengthen the process significantly.

Child Custody and Support in Wyoming Divorce

If parents can come to an agreement about child custody and support, then they may submit it for approval by a judge. However, if they cannot agree on these issues, then the court will make a determination based on what is in the best interests of the child.

Physical Custody: This refers to where the child resides most of the time after divorce.
Legal Custody: This refers to which parent has decision-making authority for major decisions such as education or healthcare.
Child Support: The non-custodial parent typically pays child support payments based on factors such as income, expenses related to raising the child(ren), daycare costs etc.

The amount of time each parent spends with their children also affects how much child support will be paid. If one parent has sole physical custody and does not work outside of home while other works full-time job ,then that person would generally receive more financial contribution from another person than if both shared 50/50 parenting time while earning equal incomes. It’s important for divorcing couples with minor children involved in separation agreement should consult an experienced family law attorney before agreeing any terms regarding custody or support payments.

How is child custody determined in Wyoming?

In some cases, the court may also appoint an independent third-party evaluator to assess various aspects related to a family situation. This could include interviewing family members or observing how they interact with one another.

Ultimately, if parents cannot come up with a mutually agreeable plan for custody arrangements on their own outside of court proceedings, then it will be left up to a judge to make these determinations based on evidence presented during trial. It’s important for individuals seeking custody rights in Wyoming divorce cases should consult with experienced family law attorneys who can help them navigate this complex process.

What factors does the court consider when awarding custody?

It’s important to note that both parents are presumed to have equal rights when it comes to custody unless there is evidence showing otherwise. In some cases, joint legal and physical custody may be awarded if it is deemed in the best interest of the child. This means that both parents share decision-making responsibilities as well as time spent with their children. Ultimately though, every case is unique and outcomes will depend on individual circumstances.

How is child support determined in Wyoming?

The Wyoming Child Support Guidelines provide a formula for calculating the amount of monthly child support payments based on these factors. However, there may be circumstances where a deviation from this guideline is necessary and appropriate. In such cases, the court will consider additional factors such as any special needs or expenses associated with raising the child or children involved and other relevant considerations.

If you have questions about how your specific situation might impact your obligations or entitlements regarding child support payments during a divorce proceeding in Wyoming, consulting an experienced family law attorney can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under state law.

How long does child custody and support take to resolve in a Wyoming divorce?

In general though, divorces involving child custody and support may take longer than those without. If both parties are willing to work together amicably and come up with an agreement regarding custody and support payments outside court, it could be resolved quickly. However, if litigation becomes necessary it could take several months or even years before a final decision is reached by the judge overseeing your case.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the time it takes to get a divorce in Wyoming depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and if there are any complications involved. The process typically involves filing for divorce, exchanging information during the discovery phase, attempting to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation, and ultimately appearing before a judge in court.

Wyoming is a no-fault divorce state which means that neither party needs to prove wrongdoing by their spouse in order to obtain a divorce. However, specific grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment can still be used as evidence of irreconcilable differences.

If you’re considering getting divorced in Wyoming, it’s important to understand your legal rights and obligations before starting the process. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help ensure that your interests are protected throughout every step of the proceedings.

FAQ on ‘How Long Does a Divorce Take in Wyoming’

Q: How long does an uncontested divorce take in Wyoming?

A: An uncontested divorce in Wyoming may take as little as 20 days if all requirements are met and there are no complications or disagreements between the parties.

Q: How long does a contested divorce take in Wyoming?

A: The length of time for a contested divorce in Wyoming varies depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly both parties can come to an agreement. It could take several months or even years to resolve a contested divorce case.

Q: Can I file for divorce online in Wyoming?

A: Yes, you can file for divorce online in Wyoming through the state’s eFile system. However, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney before proceeding with an online filing.

Q: Do I need to hire an attorney to get a divorce in Wyoming?

A: No, hiring an attorney is not required to get a divorce in Wyoming. However, it is recommended that you seek legal counsel to ensure that your rights are protected and all necessary paperwork is completed accurately.