One feature of Wyoming law, which we recommend you consider, are the default rules found at W.S. § 2-4-101(a)(i) (2021).  This statute provides that if a person without a will dies and is survived by both a spouse AND children, then ½ of the estate goes to the spouse and the other half goes to the children of the deceased.  This is often contrary to people’s expectation that all property should go a spouse.  In addition, in the event the surviving children are minors, this arrangement can require the appointment of a conservator to manage the children’s inheritance until they are adults. 

These default rules under Wyoming law can add significant expense and stress to an already difficult situation.  We can help Wyoming parents consider whether it would be beneficial to leave all of your estate to the surviving spouse under a written will.  Furthermore, if property is to be left to a minor child, we can recommend ways to lessen cost of safeguarding that property such as creating a trust or custodial account which don’t require judicial supervision.   Taking the simple step of getting your affairs in order now, can avoid a lot of difficulty in the future.