WY risk area
Complexity triggers in Wyoming
Scenarios that increase estate risk, such as blended families or multi-state property.
Wyoming provides a spousal elective share and a family allowance that can change distributions during administration.
Which situations create the most risk here?What types of families face higher default exposure?Where do disputes most often arise?
At a glance
Key takeaways
- A surviving spouse may elect to take a statutory share in lieu of the will’s provisions.
- A family allowance may be ordered for the surviving spouse and minor children during estate administration.
Questions to consider
Questions this risk area helps you evaluate in Wyoming
- Which situations create the most risk here?
- What types of families face higher default exposure?
- Where do disputes most often arise?
State overview
Wyoming provides a spousal elective share and a family allowance that can change distributions during administration.
- A surviving spouse may elect to take a statutory share in lieu of the will’s provisions.
- A family allowance may be ordered for the surviving spouse and minor children during estate administration.
Sources
- https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title02.pdf
- https://wyoleg.gov/NXT/gateway.dll/2023%20Wyoming%20Statutes%2F2023%20Titles%2F108%2F109%2F121
Risk sources
- Uniform Probate Code (2019) - Foreign personal representatives
Article IV addresses ancillary administration and multi-state estates.
- Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA)
Jurisdiction conflicts for multi-state guardianship matters.
- Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA)
Heirs property disputes and forced-sale protections.
National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Wyoming.