Wyoming Bankruptcy Law
Bankruptcy Courts in Wyoming
If you live in Wyoming and are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, your case will be handled in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Wyoming, which has office locations in Cheyenne and Casper. You’ll file your case in the office that covers the county where you live or where your main property or business is located.
All bankruptcy cases filed in Wyoming follow federal bankruptcy law, but the court also applies local rules and procedures that supplement those laws. Court decisions follow guidance from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which also covers Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Utah. Because the Wyoming bankruptcy court has its own local rules and procedures, consulting a bankruptcy attorney is the best way to ensure your case is filed correctly and meets all local requirements.
Where You File Depends on Where You Live
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Wyoming serves all 23 counties statewide. Case administration is coordinated through two office locations: Casper and Cheyenne.
Casper Office (Generally serves central and northern Wyoming)
Counties:
Big Horn • Campbell • Converse • Crook • Fremont • Hot Springs • Johnson • Natrona • Niobrara • Park • Sheridan • Sublette • Teton • Washakie • Weston
Cheyenne Office (Generally serves southeastern and southwestern Wyoming)
Counties:
Albany • Carbon • Goshen • Laramie • Lincoln • Platte • Sweetwater • Uinta
Bankruptcy Filing Trends in Wyoming
Most Wyoming filers choose Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which eliminates unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Chapter 13 repayment plans are less common but still used by individuals who want to catch up on secured debts, protect vehicle or home equity, or prevent foreclosure.
Even with relatively low filing numbers, bankruptcy remains an important tool for Wyoming residents seeking relief from garnishments, repossessions, lawsuits, and persistent collection activity.
Wyoming Exemptions — What You Can Keep
Bankruptcy does not mean losing everything you own. Wyoming law protects certain property, including the basic items you need to live and work. This “exempt” property cannot be taken or sold to pay creditors.
Wyoming does not allow the use of federal bankruptcy exemptions, meaning debtors must use property exemptions provided by state law. Married couples filing jointly may each claim the full amount of an exemption for property they jointly own.
Below are examples of the most common exemptions available to Wyoming residents. These amounts show how much property you can protect when filing for bankruptcy.
Wyoming State Exemptions
| Property Type | Amount Protected (Individual / Joint) |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $100,000 / $200,000 |
| Wearing apparel (excluding jewelry except wedding ring) | $2,000 / $4,000 |
| Household furniture, bedding, provisions, other household goods | $4,000 / $8,000 |
| Family Bible, pictures, schoolbooks | 100% |
| Cemetery plots and burial property | 100% |
| Motor vehicle | $5,000 / $10,000 |
| Firearms (up to 3) and ammunition | $3,000 / $6,000 |
| Tools of trade or professional library | $4,000 / $8,000 |
| Wages | 75% or 30× federal minimum wage |
| Qualified retirement plans & pensions | 100% |
| Qualified medical savings account | 100% |
| Crime-victim compensation | 100% |
| Workers’ compensation benefits | 100% |
| Unemployment compensation | 100% |
| Public assistance / social-services benefits | 100% |
| Disability, group insurance, and certain life-insurance benefits | Typically 100% |
| Tenancy by the entirety (certain circumstances) | Protected |
These exemptions allow most filers to keep their homes, vehicles, retirement accounts, and other essential property. A bankruptcy attorney can help you apply them correctly and ensure maximum protection under Wyoming law.
Steps and Local Requirements
Credit counseling. Before filing, you must complete a short credit counselling course from an approved provider. A second debtor education course is required before discharge.
Means test. To qualify for Chapter 7, your household income must be below Wyoming’s median income or pass a means test comparing income and necessary expenses.
Filing fees. The filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. If you can’t pay the fee all at once, you can request to pay in installments or apply for a waiver.
Meeting of creditors. About a month after filing, you’ll attend a brief “341 meeting.” This is not held before a judge. Instead, a bankruptcy trustee will confirm your identity and review your financial paperwork.
Local rules and forms. The Wyoming bankruptcy court has its own set of required forms and procedures. A bankruptcy attorney can help ensure your filing is complete and meets all deadlines.
What This Means for You
Filing for bankruptcy in Wyoming can provide a fresh financial start and immediate relief from creditor pressure. The process stops most lawsuits, foreclosures, repossessions, and wage garnishments.
Most filers keep their homes, vehicles, and personal property. Because bankruptcy involves complex eligibility rules, strict deadlines, local procedures, and specific property protections under Wyoming law, it’s best to consult an experienced bankruptcy attorney before filing.
An attorney can help you:
- Decide whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is best for your situation
- Choose exemptions that best protect your property
- Complete credit-counseling and education requirements
- File all forms accurately and meet local deadlines
With proper preparation and legal guidance, bankruptcy can offer a fresh financial start and a path toward long-term stability.
