Wyoming Small Claims Court

Wyoming Small Claims Court

The Wyoming small claims court is a division of the Circuit Courts in the State of Wyoming that hears civil matters that include torts, contracts and landlord/tenant disputes where the amount in question does not exceed $5,000. There are 9 Circuit Courts in the 23 counties of Wyoming and there is one small claims court in each of the 9 Circuit Courts. The small claims court is presided over by a judge and, upon request, may include a jury. An attorney is not necessary but any party may have legal representation in the small claims court.

To commence a Wyoming small claims court action a plaintiff must file a small claims affidavit with the clerk of the Circuit Court that has jurisdiction over the person, or property. Jurisdiction is proper in the Circuit Court that has jurisdiction over the county where the defendant resides, can be found, where the contract was signed or performed, or where the property in question is located. The plaintiff must file a small claims affidavit with the clerk. This form must include the names and addresses of both parties; the amount of damages sought; and the reason why the plaintiff is hailing the defendant into court. The clerk of the Wyoming small claims court will charge a $10 fee for processing the claim and an additional $4 appearance fee.

Once the claim is filed the plaintiff will be responsible for serving the defendant with the small claims affidavit and summons. This is to inform the defendant of the action being commenced; where and when to appear in court; and an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Service of process is usually done by the Sheriff of the county where the defendant lives.

To file an action in a small claims court in the State of Wyoming you may go to the Wyoming Judiciary www.courts.state.wy.us/ to locate the Circuit Court that has jurisdiction over the matter.