How Long Does Guardianship Take in Wyoming?

The Short Answer: 1 to 3 Months for Uncontested Cases

From filing the petition to receiving Letters of Guardianship, a straightforward, uncontested adult guardianship in Wyoming typically takes one to three months. That timeline assumes nobody opposes the petition, the medical evaluation is ready at filing, and the court's docket isn't backed up.

Contested cases — where the proposed ward or another family member opposes the guardianship — can stretch to six months or longer depending on discovery, expert witnesses, and the court's schedule.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Weeks 1–2: Pre-Filing Preparation Before you file anything, you need the clinical evaluation. Under W.S. § 3-2-106 and § 3-1-106, at least one written evaluation by a licensed physician, psychologist, or qualified mental health professional is required. Scheduling this with your provider and waiting for the written report typically takes one to two weeks. You can draft the petition during this waiting period.

Week 2–3: Filing and Service Filing the petition at the Clerk of District Court is usually a same-day task once your paperwork is ready. The $160 filing fee is due at filing. Then the county Sheriff must personally serve notice on the proposed ward, their custodian, parents, spouse, adult children, and any known agents. Service timing varies by county and by the availability of the people who need to be served.

Weeks 3–6: Guardian Ad Litem Investigation After filing, the court appoints a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) — an independent attorney who interviews the proposed ward, reviews the medical evidence, and files a written report within 30 days. This is usually the longest single phase of the process and the one you have the least control over.

Weeks 6–10: Hearing and Order The court schedules the formal hearing after the GAL report is filed. Docket availability varies by county — rural districts with fewer cases may schedule hearings faster than Natrona or Laramie County. At the hearing, you present evidence and testimony. If the court grants the petition, the judge signs the Order Appointing Guardian.

Week 10+: Qualifying and Letters After the order, you sign a written Oath of Guardian (conservators must also post a surety bond). The Clerk of District Court then issues Letters of Guardianship — your official proof of legal authority.

What Slows Things Down

Three factors commonly delay the process. First, incomplete petitions — missing the medical evaluation, failing to identify all parties who need notice, or not specifying whether you're seeking limited or plenary authority. Second, sheriff service difficulties — a family member who's hard to locate or deliberately avoids service can add weeks. Third, contested proceedings — if the proposed ward objects or retains counsel, the court may schedule additional hearings, order independent evaluations, and extend the GAL's investigation period.

When You Can't Wait 1–3 Months

For genuine emergencies, Wyoming offers expedited pathways. An emergency guardian can be appointed the same day a petition is filed under W.S. § 3-2-106(d), though authority is limited to medical decisions and a formal hearing must follow within 72 hours. Temporary guardianship lasts up to 90 days and can be extended once.

But if you're simply trying to get authority in place before your child's 18th birthday, the better approach is starting the process eight months early. Voluntary tools like a Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directive can be executed in a single afternoon if your child has capacity. The Wyoming Adult Guardianship & Alternatives Guide includes a planning timeline that maps the full eight-month window.

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