State requirements
Making a will in Wyoming
Wyoming lists 2 witnesses, recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills, and offers a self-proving affidavit that speeds up probate. These are educational source notes, not a certification of an individual document. Verify the current official rules before signing.
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Witnesses
2 witnesses
Notarization
Optional (affidavit)
Holographic wills
Recognized
Self-proving affidavit
Available
Overview
Wyoming has traditional will requirements. Wyoming recognizes holographic wills. Wyoming is NOT a community property state but has elective share protections.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Citation | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Testamentary Capacity | Wyo. Stat. § 2-6-101 | 18+ and of sound mind |
| Execution Requirements | Wyo. Stat. § 2-6-112 | Written, signed, 2 witnesses |
| Holographic Wills | Wyo. Stat. § 2-6-113 | Material portions handwritten |
| Self-Proving | Wyo. Stat. § 2-6-114 | Available with affidavit |
| Elective Share | Wyo. Stat. § 2-5-101 | 1/2 of estate |
Execution Requirements
WYOMING WILL REQUIREMENTS:
✓ In writing
✓ Signed by testator
✓ Signed by 2 or more competent witnesses
HOLOGRAPHIC WILLS:
✓ Material provisions in testator's handwriting
✓ Signed by testator
✓ NO witnesses required
Elective Share
WYOMING ELECTIVE SHARE:
- Surviving spouse may elect 1/2 of decedent's estate
- Must elect within specified time period
- Applies to probate estate
Wyoming Tax Benefits
WYOMING TAX BENEFITS:
- NO state income tax
- NO state estate tax
- NO state inheritance tax
Checklist for Wyoming Wills
- •[ ] Testator is 18+ and of sound mind
- •[ ] Will is written
- •[ ] Testator signed
- •[ ] 2 competent witnesses signed
- •[ ] Self-proving affidavit completed
- •[ ] OR: Holographic will with material portions handwritten
Wyoming will questions, answered
Can I make a will online in Wyoming?
You can prepare wishes online, but the method of drafting alone does not establish validity. Check Wyoming requirements, your circumstances and the currently supported drafting scope. Professional review is separate.
How many witnesses does a will need in Wyoming?
Wyoming requires 2 witnesses. Witnesses should not be beneficiaries — an interested witness can jeopardize their gift or invite a contest.
Does Wyoming require a will to be notarized?
Notarization and witnessing serve different purposes. Check the rules for your particular Wyoming document; neither action alone establishes validity. A notary is used for the optional self-proving affidavit, which lets the probate court accept the will without contacting your witnesses.
Are handwritten (holographic) wills valid in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming recognizes holographic wills under specific conditions. They are riskier than witnessed wills — harder to probate and easier to contest — so a witnessed will remains the safer choice.
What makes a will legally valid in Wyoming?
Wyoming sets out what happens at signing: the will is in writing, the person making it is 18 or older and of sound mind, they sign it, and 2 witnesses who are not beneficiaries sign it as well. A notary is not part of that list — notarization belongs to the optional self-proving affidavit. Capacity and freedom from pressure matter as much as the formalities, and statutes change, so read the current Wyoming source above and get local help for your circumstances. Note: Wyoming has no state income, estate, or inheritance tax.
Keep reading
All guides →Your Wyoming wishes, thoughtfully prepared.
Start with your location and supported circumstances. A public guide does not mean generation is currently open. Professional review and signing remain separate steps.
Check drafting availabilityThis page is general information about Wyoming law, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current requirements or consult a licensed Wyoming attorney for complex situations.