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Wyoming · Filing guide · Small Claims, Circuit Court

How to file a small claims case in Wyoming, step by step

Everything from the first letter to getting paid, in the order you'll do it. Tick each step as you go; your progress is saved in this browser.

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Before you file

1–3 weeks before filing

Your small claims affidavit must say you asked the defendant to pay and they refused.

Use the free demand letter generator, give them 10–14 days, and keep a copy with proof of the date you sent it.

In Wyoming you can sue for up to $6,000 in the Small Claims, Circuit Court.

Run the 60-second case check to see the last day you can file.

  • Your full name, address and phone
  • The defendant's exact legal name and a street address where they can be served (not a P.O. box)
  • The amount you're asking for and how you got that number
  • The date the problem happened
  • A short plain description of what happened
  • Proof you asked for payment and were refused

Use the company's exact legal name and serve its registered agent.

Search: Wyoming Secretary of State business search.

  • The contract, lease, invoice or receipt
  • Photos of the damage, dated if possible
  • Texts, emails and letters with the other side
  • Two written repair estimates or proof of what you paid
  • Your demand letter and proof it was sent
  • Names and contact details of any witnesses

Fill in the claim

1–2 evenings

SC 01: Small Claims Affidavit. Get the form.

  • Who: you and the defendant, with full legal names and addresses
  • What: the agreement or event, in 2–4 plain sentences
  • When: the date it happened
  • How much: the exact amount (no more than $6,000) and how you calculated it
  • What you did: when you asked for payment and their response

The affidavit is a sworn statement, so sign it in front of the clerk or a notary.

Bring the original plus one copy for each defendant and one for yourself.

File and pay

Filing day

Choose how you'll file:

OnlineSome courtsWyoming is adding eFiling to circuit courts in phases; check with your court. Filing on paper in person or by mail works everywhere. File & ServeXpress (circuit courts, phased rollout)
In personTake your Small Claims Affidavit (SC 01) and Summons (SC 02) to the circuit court clerk in the right county and pay the $10 fee plus service costs.
By mailYou can file by mail, but you must come to the hearing or your case will be dismissed.

The circuit court in the county where the defendant lives, or where the claim arose.

$10 to file. Service by the sheriff or a process server costs extra, charged per defendant and per attempt. Can't afford it? Ask for a fee waiver: Ask the circuit court clerk about waiving fees if you can't afford them..

The judge sets the hearing date, and the summons goes to the sheriff, a process server, or out by certified mail.

Serve the defendant

Right after filing

The sheriff or a private process server delivers the papers in person. For in-state defendants, the court may serve by certified mail instead.

State law sets the hearing 12 to 20 days after service; the court's guide still mentions 3 to 12 days, so confirm with the clerk.

SC 03 Return of Service / SC 04 Affidavit of Service

The sheriff or process server completes the return and it's filed with the court before the hearing.

Don't wait until the hearing. Ask the clerk right away for a new hearing date and try another method, such as personal delivery instead of mail, or a different address.

Before the hearing

1–4 weeks before

The defendant doesn't have to file a written answer; they just come to the hearing.

If you settle, tell the clerk so the hearing can be canceled and the case dismissed.

Get any settlement in writing, signed by both sides, with the amount and payment date.

A witness who saw what happened is stronger than a written statement; some judges won't accept letters.

Get a subpoena from the clerk and have it served at least 5 days before trial; you pay the server.

  • Three copies of every document: for you, the judge and the defendant
  • A one-page timeline of what happened, with dates
  • A short sheet showing how you calculated the amount
  • Photos printed or ready on your phone (ask the clerk if screens are allowed)

The hearing

Hearing day

  • Arrive early and check in with the clerk
  • Bring three copies of each document: for the judge, the other side and you
  • Bring your evidence in date order
  • Bring your witnesses; serve any subpoena at least 5 days before trial
  • Turn your phone to silent; dress neatly

What to say, in about two minutes
  1. Who you are and what you're asking for: the amount.
  2. What the agreement or situation was.
  3. What went wrong, with dates.
  4. What it cost you and how you calculated it, showing your documents.
  5. That you asked for payment and what they said.

Speak to the judge, not the other side. Stay calm, answer the question asked, and don't interrupt.

If the defendant doesn't come, you can get a default judgment for the amount claimed plus court costs. If you don't come, your case is dismissed.

After the judgment

Weeks to months

Either side can appeal to district court, but only on legal questions, not on whether the evidence was enough. Ask the clerk about the deadline, usually 30 days.

The court doesn't collect for you. If they don't pay, ask the clerk about garnishment or execution against property.

Keep proof of every payment. When you're paid in full, tell the court; some courts require a satisfaction-of-judgment form.

Free help in Wyoming

Wyoming Judicial Branch: Small Claims

Ready to start? Check your case and create your demand letter.

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