Guardianship and conservatorship in Wyoming: who, where, cost
How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Wyoming, what it costs and what to try first.
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Short answer
Guardian and conservator of an incompetent person (plenary or limited); temporary or emergency guardian; standby guardian.
- Filing fee
- Set by the local district court clerk
- Court
- District court of the county where the proposed ward lives or is present.
What guardianship or conservatorship is
- What it is called
Guardian and conservator of an incompetent person (plenary or limited); temporary or emergency guardian; standby guardian
- When a court may appoint one
An 'incompetent person' is unable, unassisted, to properly manage and take care of themselves or their property because of advanced age, physical disability, disease, alcohol or drug use, mental illness, mental deficiency or intellectual disability. The court may appoint a guardian if the status of the proposed ward and the need for a guardian are proved by a preponderance of the evidence; the order states the reasons, the term and whether the duties are limited or plenary. The petitioner, proposed ward or custodian may demand a jury trial.
Law: Wyo. Stat. §§ 3-1-101, 3-2-103, 3-2-104
- Kinds
- Plenary guardian
- Limited guardian
- Temporary or emergency guardian
- Standby guardian
- Conservator (plenary or limited)
Law: Wyo. Stat. §§ 3-1-101 to 3-3-1101
Who can ask, which court and your own choice
- Who may ask
Any person may file a petition; the proposed ward may file a voluntary petition.
Law: Wyo. Stat. §§ 3-2-101, 3-2-105
- Court
District court of the county where the proposed ward lives or is present.
Law: Wyo. Stat. § 3-1-103
- Choosing your own
A person you nominated while able to make a reasonably intelligent choice has first priority for appointment as guardian. In a power of attorney you may nominate a conservator or guardian; the court follows your most recent nomination except for good cause or disqualification.
Law: Wyo. Stat. § 3-2-107(c)(i); Wyo. Stat. § 3-9-108(a)
- Effect on a power of attorney
If a court appoints a conservator or other fiduciary for some or all of your property, the agent is accountable to the fiduciary as well as to you; the power of attorney continues unless the court limits, suspends or ends it. Notice of an involuntary guardianship petition must be served on any agent under a known power of attorney.
Law: Wyo. Stat. § 3-9-108(b); Wyo. Stat. § 3-2-102(b)
Cost, fee waiver and forms
- Filing fee
Set by the local district court clerk
Source: Wyoming Judicial Branch instructions
- Fee waiver
Affidavit of Indigency and Request for Waiver of Filing Fees and all Fees Associated Therewith
- Forms
- Steps
Other options and where to report abuse
- Less restrictive options
- Durable power of attorney and power of attorney for health care: Agents you name can act without a court case; an agent's health care decisions take precedence over a guardian's absent a court order.
- Limited guardianship: The court order states whether the guardian's duties are limited or plenary and for how long.
- Social Security representative payee: The Wyoming courts' adult guardianship page points to Social Security's Representative Payment Program for people who only need help managing benefits.
- Report abuse or exploitation
Wyoming Department of Family Services (reports go to your local DFS office) · 1-800-457-3659
Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov
Free help in Wyoming
- Wyoming Judicial Branch / Equal Justice Wyoming: Find legal help
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: Power of Attorney
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: Advance Directive
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: Guardianship (Adult)
- Find free legal aid at LawHelp.org
Report abuse or exploitation
Wyoming Department of Family Services (reports go to your local DFS office) · 1-800-457-3659
Questions about powers of attorney in Wyoming
How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Wyoming?
An 'incompetent person' is unable, unassisted, to properly manage and take care of themselves or their property because of advanced age, physical disability, disease, alcohol or drug use, mental illness, mental deficiency or intellectual disability.
What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in Wyoming?
Set by the local district court clerk
What are the alternatives to guardianship in Wyoming?
Durable power of attorney and power of attorney for health care; Limited guardianship; Social Security representative payee.