PRO SE GUIDELINES

The Clerk of District Court Office (CODC) wants to encourage you to seek legal counsel for any court procedure.  The Wyoming Supreme Court has recently adopted rules which allows an attorney to “limit the scope of representation”, which means that an attorney may help you fill out these forms.  The Wyoming State Bar Referral Service, 307-632-9061, will give you a list of attorneys in our community that will provide this service.   

The CODC keeps the records of all court papers according to the law.  We are NOT attorneys and cannot give you legal advice.  We will, however, give you information regarding basic court procedures.

These forms are available through our office for a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) each.

If you plan to proceed without legal counsel, PLEASE READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS before filling out the forms. 

1. The filing fee is seventy dollars ($70.00).  We only accept cash, certified check, money order or MasterCard/Visa.  Keep your receipt; as it refers to your “docket number” which identifies your case.  There is no additional filing fee for the “Answer”, “Motions”, or any other Pleadings filed in the case.
2. If your case is closed for any reason with a Court Order, you will need to pay a $70.00 filing fee to re-open the case.
3. If you are re-opening a matter after a final Decree has been entered, you must pay a $70.00 filing fee.
4. Service on the opposing party may be made through the Sheriff or Private process servers.  We cannot recommend anyone; however, here is a list of a few choices: 

1. Many forms you complete must be notarized; we can notarize your court documents; you will need to provide us with a government issued ID.
2. If you are seeking a Divorce, the “Affidavit for Divorce” is required in Laramie County, First Judicial District Court.  This document is in your packet.
3. “Supplemental Order for Divorce” and “Standard Visitation” forms are required in this District when children are involved.  The “Standard Visitation” form may be obtained at the Judges Chambers.
4. Child Support:  Both parents are required to complete a Confidential Financial Affidavit with a Child Support Computation Form along with copies of supporting documents.  For further information on how to calculate child support, you may visit: www.alllaw.com/calculator/childsupport/wyoming/.

Procedures:

1. All original documents plus copies must be provided by you, and must be filed in the CODC.  If we make copies for you, we must charge the statutory rate of $1.00 for the first page, and $.50 for each additional page. 
2. Please refer to the instructions regarding “Answers and Counterclaims” and the time frames allowed.
3. The final Order of Decree of Divorce can generally be submitted to the CODC for the Judge’s signature, 20 days after service (in state) or 30 days after service (out of state).  This applies ONLY if the matter is uncontested. Please read your instructions in your packet carefully.

Exception: If you and the defendant agree on all issues concerning your divorce and you both are
 signing the Decree of Divorce, then you do not need to wait for this time to expire.  You
 may submit your Decree of Divorce to the CODC for the Judge’s signature 20 days after
 the date you filed your complaint.

1. It generally takes the Judge 10-14 days to review your paperwork.  After 14 days, you may call our office to see if the Decree has been signed.  (307-633-4270). Assuming all of your pleadings and paperwork comply with the statutes, the Judge will return the signed Decree to the CODC.
2. You must provide TWO (2) sets of copies of the Decree and corresponding Orders or you will be charged the statutory fee for TWO (2) sets of copies.
3. Your divorce is NOT effective unless it has been file stamped by the CODC. Once the Judge signs your Decree, it will be filed and mailed to the appropriate parties.

The Law Prevents Us From Doing the Following Things:

1. We cannot fill out the forms for you, or advise you of what information should be included on the forms, or instruct you on which forms should be filed.
2. We cannot make arrangements for any person to speak with a Judge about their case.
3. We cannot refer you to a specific attorney or law firm.
4. Here is a list of names and numbers that you might be able to ask for assistance:

The CODC is here to serve the public.  We are here to provide information about cases and the Court.  You must seek legal advice from a licensed attorney.