Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Wyoming
How to become a guardian of a child or an adult in Wyoming: who can petition, the court process and alternatives.
Short answer: Any person may file a petition with the district court clerk stating the proposed ward's status as a minor, the reasons for and facts showing the guardianship is in the minor's best interest, and the proposed guardian's fitness; Wyo. Stat. §§ 3-2-101, 3-2-104, 3-2-105
| Guardianship of a child | Any person may file a petition with the district court clerk stating the proposed ward's status as a minor, the reasons for and facts showing the guardianship is in the minor's best interest, and the proposed guardian's fitness; the case may be transferred to juvenile court if the child is already under its jurisdiction. The court may appoint a guardian if the petition's allegations are proved by a preponderance of the evidence, and the order states the reasons, the duration and whether the duties are limited or plenary. A minor 14 or older may petition voluntarily for their own guardian. |
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| Guardianship of an adult | Any person may petition the district court for a guardian of an incompetent or mentally incompetent adult; notice goes to the proposed ward, custodian, parents, spouse, adult children and any agent under a known power of attorney. The court may appoint a guardian if the person's status and the need for a guardian are proved by a preponderance of the evidence, and the order must state the reasons, duration and whether the guardian's duties are limited or plenary. An adult may also petition voluntarily for a guardian, and temporary guardianships of adults are generally limited to 90 days. |
Where to get help in Wyoming
More Wyoming divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Wyoming
- Adopting a Child in Wyoming
- Establishing Paternity in Wyoming
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- Child Custody Laws in Wyoming
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Wyoming
- Divorce Records in Wyoming
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Wyoming
- How to File for Divorce in Wyoming
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Wyoming
- All Wyoming divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get guardianship of a child in Wyoming?
Any person may file a petition with the district court clerk stating the proposed ward's status as a minor, the reasons for and facts showing the guardianship is in the minor's best interest, and the proposed guardian's fitness; the case may be transferred to juvenile court if the child is already under its jurisdiction. The court may appoint a guardian if the petition's allegations are proved by a preponderance of the evidence, and the order states the reasons, the duration and whether the duties are limited or plenary. A minor 14 or older may petition voluntarily for their own guardian.
How do you get guardianship of an adult in Wyoming?
Any person may petition the district court for a guardian of an incompetent or mentally incompetent adult; notice goes to the proposed ward, custodian, parents, spouse, adult children and any agent under a known power of attorney. The court may appoint a guardian if the person's status and the need for a guardian are proved by a preponderance of the evidence, and the order must state the reasons, duration and whether the guardian's duties are limited or plenary. An adult may also petition voluntarily for a guardian, and temporary guardianships of adults are generally limited to 90 days.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.