Wyoming Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps individuals or businesses who are unable to meet their financial obligations seek relief from their debts. This process runs under federal law, but Wyoming controls what you keep through its own exemption system. Wyoming is an opt-out state, so residents generally cannot use the federal exemptions. Instead, you may claim Wyoming exemptions.

To use Wyoming’s exemptions, you must have been domiciled in Wyoming for at least 730 days. These exemptions assist debtors in protecting their assets.

How to File Bankruptcy in Wyoming

Before you file for bankruptcy in Wyoming, take a look at this practical, compliance-focused sequence from preparation to discharge or plan confirmation. The first step is to inquire about the required documents to support your case. You must gather two years of tax returns, the last six months of income, bank statements, asset/debt lists, deeds and titles, and any lawsuits or garnishments. Before filing these documents, take a credit counseling course within 180 days.

Choose a chapter (Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11) that matches your situation. Prepare and file your petition and schedules with the Court. You may follow the guide for filing without an attorney or consult an attorney to help you file your case. Always check the latest fee schedule for the filing fee and pay up or request installments/waiver (if eligible).

In accordance with the law, an approved “notice provider” must give a bankruptcy notice to creditors. After filing, you must attend the 341 meeting of creditors with an ID and respond to trustee requests until discharge or plan confirmation.

Wyoming Bankruptcy Types: Chapter 7, Chapter 13 & Chapter 11

You can take a look at the following types of bankruptcy chapters in Wyoming.

Chapter 7 (liquidation)

The court allows a trustee to sell non-exempt property to repay creditors. This chapter is suitable for low-income individuals with unsecured assets.

Chapter 13 (repayment)

When you select this chapter, it allows you to cure your arrears and protect assets by paying creditors over 3–5 years. The repayment plan must be court-approved and cover your non-exempt equity.

Chapter 11 (reorganization)

Chapter 11 is commonly used by businesses and some high-debt individuals. This chapter allows debtors to continue operating their businesses while they negotiate a plan under the court’s supervision.

Steps in Filing for Bankruptcy in Wyoming

Check out the following list of steps required in filing for bankruptcy in Wyoming.

• Complete a credit counseling course.
• Gather all required documents, including financial records and asset/debt lists.
• Choose Chapter 7, 13, or 11 (Wyoming exemptions apply)
• File your petition and schedules in the District of Wyoming
• Pay the filing fee or request relief
• Attend the 341 meeting of creditors
• After filing, complete a debtor-education
• Monitor and respond to trustee/court communications

Wyoming Bankruptcy Court Details & Record Access

With a single federal bankruptcy district in Wyoming, you can file for bankruptcy in the nearest court office closest to you.

Court Locations

• The District of Wyoming: While the court has offices in Cheyenne and Casper, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Wyoming is headquartered in Cheyenne. The court lists approved bankruptcy notice providers on its webpage. You may visit or mail the main courthouse in:

Record Access

The federal judiciary offers the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system for individuals to obtain court records. However, you must register an account and pay $0.10 to search and view case documents such as petitions and court orders.

The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) allows the public to access basic case information by touch-tone phone searches by case number or debtor. You may reach VCIS at (866) 222-8029, a toll-free number.

For copies of cases filed before December 1, 2003, or closed for more than one year, you must visit the clerk’s office. You may visit the court offices, which feature a public terminal for accessing case records. Printouts of records may be done for a nominal fee as listed in the Fee Schedule.

You may also search for a case document over the counter or request records at the clerk’s office. To do so, visit the office at lobby hours 8:30 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Furthermore, if you are unable to visit the clerk’s offices, you may request copies by phone. However, such requests made by phone will include a search fee as well as the appropriate fee for the number of copies printed. You must pay the fees in advance, and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope unless copies are held for pick-up.