Wyoming Small Claims

Small claims is Wyoming’s simple solution for resolving uncomplicated, lower-value money disputes. Understanding Wyoming’s small claims structure can help you effectively recover money as consumers, renters, landlords, tradesmen, and small businesses—often without the need for legal assistance. According to the Wyoming Code of Civil Procedure, small claims in the state are filed in the Circuit Courts.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Wyoming?

Small claims are only for money damages, not injunctions or orders to do something. Typical cases where you can use small claims include unpaid loans, security deposit disputes, simple contract issues, and minor property damage. The Wyoming Judiciary has a self-help page to help anyone with the small claims process. This is especially useful since many appear in court without lawyers. Now, lawyers are allowed in Wyoming small claims but are not necessary since the cases are set quickly.

Small Claims Court Limits in Wyoming

The monetary cap for small claims in the state is $6,000. This does not include court costs. Small claims are heard in Circuit Court in all 23 Wyoming counties. You can file your small claims complaint where the defendant is located or as otherwise allowed by Wyoming’s venue statutes. While you may hire a lawyer if you wish, you do not actually need one.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Wyoming

There are several steps that you should take when filing a small claims case in Wyoming, regardless of where in the state you file. These steps include:

1) Prepare the case: While preparing your small claims case, you can use the Small Claims Affidavit and Summons to make sure everything is in order. You can also find forms and step-by-step instructions on the Wyoming Judicial Branchwebsite.

2) File in Circuit Court and pay fees: You may file your completed Affidavit & Summons form with the appropriate county Circuit Court. There is a filing fee is $10 (service fees are additional). The clerk will give you available hearing dates—many courts set hearings about a month out.

3) Serve the defendant correctly and on time: Wyoming uses a tight service window. Specifically, it requires that the defendant must be personally served no fewer than 3 and no more than 12 days before the hearing. If they are not served in that nine-day window, the court cannot hold the hearing—you will have to request an alias summons (a second notice issued after the first one has failed)with a new date. Service is typically done by a sheriff or an approved process server. In addition, the court may be served by certified mail with return receipt when the defendant resides in Wyoming.

4) Proofs, counterclaims, and transfers: You should bring any evidence you hav,e including contracts, photos, texts, or emails, and witnesses to the court. The other side can also bring counterclaims if they think it will help their case. If your dispute is more than the cap or is too complicated, it will be better to file it as a regular civil action in either the Circuit Court or District Court, depending on the amount.

Small Claims Court in Major Wyoming Locations (examples)

• Cheyenne (Laramie County) & Casper (Natrona County): Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial District, Natrona County can be found at 115 North Center, Suite 400, Casper. WY 82601. You can find the Circuit Court of the 1st Judicial District, Laramie County, at its location at 309 West 20th Street, Room 2300, Cheyenne. WY 82001. You can file in the County Circuit Court in any of these counties.

Note that each county clerk provides local calendars and service logistics. The statewide Circuit Court directory lists every county’s addresses and phones.

• Jackson (Teton County): You can locate the Circuit Court of the 9th Judicial District, Teton County, at 180 South King Street, Jackson. WY 83001. The county’s small-claims FAQ highlights the 3–12 day service window and practical filing tips. If your suit does not get served during that window, you must reset the date.
• Uinta County (Evanston): You can find the Uinta Circuit Court at 225 9th St., Evanston, WY 82930-3473. The county page reiterates that the Circuit Court's small-claims jurisdiction is on cases under $6,000. If you have any questions about the process, you can reach out to the county clerk.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Wyoming

Small claims hearings are informal, judge-only bench trials. The hearing starts with the complainant presenting first. When they are done, the defendant can take their turn. Even on default, judges typically require proof of the amount owed. Wyoming’s small-claims court is very insistent that both parties involved in the case show up in person for the proceeding. While the court allows you to mail your filings, it emphasizes that you must appear or your case will be dismissed.

Appeals and Post-Judgment

• Appeal deadline & scope: Either party may appeal within 30 days. Small-claims appeals go to the District Court and are handled under the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure. The appeal is limited to questions of law (not a new trial on the facts).
• Collections: After judgment, you can collect payments by using ordinary civil collection tools (e.g., garnishment) with the help of the clerk’s self-help forms.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Wyoming

Wyoming does not offer a single, all-in-one online portal for all Circuit Court case files. To access small-claims information:

1. The first place you should check when looking for a small claims record is with the Circuit Court clerk in the county where the case was filed. You can use the statewide Circuit Court directory to find them. Clerks can also provide docket information and copies. You can request certified copies as well.
2. Judicial Branch self-help & forms list post-judgment and records-request tools (e.g., garnishment packets).
3. Older/archival records may be housed with the Wyoming State Archives (You can find some Justice-of-the-Peace/early Circuit records and county series). You can contact the Archives for holdings and retrieval.

You can find a lot of information on small claims cases, including the case number, parties, filings/events, hearing dates, and verdict. Furthermore, you may find document images by contacting the clerk of court. Unless a record is sealed by law or order, it is open to the public.

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