Wyoming Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is the final decision of a court that settles a legal matter, establishing the rights and obligations of the parties involved. In Wyoming, judgments may arise out of civil litigation, debt collection actions, property disputes, family law matters, or criminal restitution circumstances. Once the judgment is entered, it becomes enforceable as a matter of law, which can then result in liens, garnishment of wages, and negative credit reports.

What Is a Judgment in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, a judgment is an official pronouncement or ruling by a judicial officer who settles the legal issues in a case. Judgments might order a party to pay a specific amount of money, convey property, or order a party to engage in or refrain from certain actions. When the judgment is recorded, it becomes the enforceable order of the court pursuant to certain methods of collection permitted by law, e.g., liens, garnishments, or levies.

A creditor can obtain a monetary judgment to collect on a loan that has not been paid. Similarly, in a family court case, a judgment can impose obligations of child support, spousal support, or other repayment obligations. In Wyoming, a judgment remains in effect and enforceable until the obligations are paid off, satisfied, or lapse according to state regulations.

Types of Judgments in Wyoming

Wyoming courts issue several types of judgments based on the nature of the legal matter:

Money Judgments

Money judgments are the most common types and require a debtor to pay a creditor a fixed amount of money. These often arise from unpaid debts, contract disputes, or damages awarded in lawsuits.

Default Judgments

A default judgment occurs when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit or misses a scheduled court appearance. The plaintiff wins in due course, and the court generally grants the requested relief.

Property or Lien Judgments

Creditors may secure repayment by filing a judgment lien against a debtor’s property. In Wyoming, liens are recorded with the county clerk’s office and are attached to real estate properties. This puts a restriction on selling or refinancing the property until the debts are paid off. Wyoming liens are managed on a per-county basis.

Family Court Judgments

Family-related cases often result in judgment orders for child support, custody, or spousal support (alimony). These judgments are strictly enforced through wage withholding, contempt proceedings, or liens on property.

Criminal Restitution Judgments

In criminal cases, Wyoming courts may issue restitution judgments, requiring offenders to repay victims for financial losses. These operate similarly to civil money judgments and remain enforceable until they are paid in full.

How To Search for Judgments in Wyoming

Judgments are public records in Wyoming and may be accessed using several methods:

1. Clerk of Court Offices: Each county’s district court clerk maintains judgment records. Individuals may also request records in person, including certified copies.
2. Wyoming Supreme Court Docket and District Court Portals: Some counties provide limited online access to case information, including judgments. Also, certain counties require record seekers to visit the courthouse in person to find records, while others require a written request.
3. County Clerk’s Land Records: Judgment liens are filed locally and may be retrieved through county property and lien databases.
4. Third-Party Services: There are various third-party websites that offer judgment records online. It is important to explore a reliable service when considering third-party websites. In addition, official and certified copies are available at the courthouses.

Judgments recorded in Wyoming comprise the following information:

• Case number
• Names of the parties
• Court location
• Date judgment was entered
• Amount owed or type of relief granted

Judgment Records in Major Wyoming Counties

Wyoming has a smaller population compared to other US states; therefore, it operates a decentralized system of government. Records are maintained in individual counties, and they may be obtained directly from the clerk of court where a case was filed:

• Laramie County (Cheyenne): Judgments may be obtained at the District Court Clerk’s Office and through local land records for liens.
• Natrona County (Casper): Judgment information is maintained by the District Court Clerk's Office and via lien records at the Natrona County Clerk’s Office, found at200N. Center Street, Room 157, Casper, WY 82601.
• Campbell County (Gillette): Records may be accessed in person via the Campbell County Clerk of District Court, which is located at 500 S. Gillette Avenue, Suite 2600, Gillette, WY 82716.

While some counties offer limited online access to judgment records, certified records may be obtained directly from individual county District Court Clerks.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Wyoming?

According to Wyoming Statutes Title 1, Chapter 17, a civil judgment is valid and enforceable for 5 years from the date of entry. Also, creditors may renew the judgment before expiration, extending enforceability for another 5 years. This renewal may be repeated, which means judgments may remain enforceable indefinitely if creditors follow statutory procedures.

During its enforceable period, a judgment allows creditors to pursue liens, garnishments, or levies. Unresolved judgments may create long-term restrictions on credit, property ownership, and financial stability for debtors.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Wyoming?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors have the right to recover outstanding debts, while debtors face financial and legal restrictions.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may request a court order requiring employers to withhold a portion of a debtor’s wages until repayment is complete. Wyoming law limits the percentage of disposable income subject to garnishment.
• Judgment Liens: Creditors may record liens against real estate to enforce debt recovery. The debtor is therefore unable to transfer or refinance their property until the judgment is fully paid.
• Bank Levies: Creditors may seize funds directly from a debtor’s bank account with court approval.

For Debtors:

1. Credit Reporting: Judgments may appear on credit reports, reducing scores and limiting financial opportunities.
2. Satisfaction of Judgment: Once debts are paid, the creditor is required to file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court. This is done to lift the financial burden off the debtor.
3. Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If a judgment was entered unfairly, such as through a default without notice, the debtor may appeal or request the court to vacate the judgment.