Heir Claims in Wyoming: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

If a family member passed away in Wyoming and you suspect they left behind unclaimed money or property, you may be able to claim it as an heir. This can include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, or other assets that were never delivered to them while they were alive.

This guide explains how heir claims in Wyoming typically work, what documents you may need, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only and does not manage claims or applications—we simply help you understand the process so you can contact the correct offices.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, unclaimed property usually refers to financial assets that have had no activity or contact with the owner for a certain number of years. After a legally defined “dormancy period,” businesses and financial institutions are often required to turn those assets over to the state’s unclaimed property program.

Common types of unclaimed property include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor checks, rebates)
• Security deposits (utilities, rentals)
• Stocks, dividends, and mutual funds
• Insurance proceeds or refunds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Gift cards or credit balances in some cases

Real estate and vehicles usually do not fall under unclaimed property programs. Those are normally handled through probate, the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate.

Can Heirs Claim Unclaimed Property in Wyoming?

Yes, in many cases heirs and beneficiaries can claim unclaimed property that belonged to a deceased person with ties to Wyoming.

You may be able to file an heir claim if you are:

• A surviving spouse
• A child (biological, adopted, sometimes stepchild depending on documentation)
• A parent or sibling
• Another relative who would inherit under Wyoming’s inheritance laws
• A personal representative, executor, or administrator of the estate
• A court-appointed fiduciary handling the deceased person’s affairs

The exact rules and proof required can depend on:

• Whether there was a will
• Whether the estate went through probate
• How large the estate was
• The relationship between you and the deceased

When in doubt, the best step is to contact the Wyoming unclaimed property office or the Wyoming State Treasurer’s office for specific guidance.

Step-by-Step: How to Check for Unclaimed Property in Wyoming

While the process can vary slightly over time, it typically involves these steps:

1. Gather Basic Information

Before you search, have this ready:

• The full legal name of the deceased relative
• Any previous names (maiden names, name changes, nicknames)
• Last known address or city in Wyoming
• Approximate date of death
• Your relationship to the deceased

2. Search the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Database

Wyoming typically maintains an online searchable database where anyone can look up unclaimed property by name.

You would generally:

1. Go to the official Wyoming unclaimed property website (usually through the Wyoming State Treasurer).
2. Search by:
   • Last name
   • First name
   • Possible alternative spellings
3. Review the results for:
   • Name matches
   • Address matches
   • Business or employer names you recognize

If you do not have internet access, you can often:

• Call the state unclaimed property office, or
• Visit or write to the Wyoming State Treasurer’s office for assistance.

3. Identify Potential Matches

Look carefully at the search results:

• Is the name spelled exactly or very closely?
• Is the city or address associated with your relative?
• Does the holder (bank, company, insurer) look familiar?

If there are multiple entries, you may need to submit a claim for each one that appears to belong to your deceased relative.

How Heir Claims for a Deceased Person Typically Work

When the property owner is deceased, the claim process is usually more detailed than for a living person. Wyoming will generally require proof of your relationship and authority to receive funds.

While the exact process can change, it often looks like this:

1. Start a claim online or by contacting the Wyoming unclaimed property office.
2. Indicate that the owner is deceased.
3. Provide information about the deceased, such as date of death and last address.
4. Upload or mail required documents (see below).
5. Wait for the office to review and either:
   • Approve the claim,
   • Request additional information, or
   • Deny the claim with a reason.

Documents You May Need for a Wyoming Heir Claim

The documents you need depend on:

• Whether the estate is open or closed
• Whether there is a will
• Your specific relationship to the deceased
• The size and type of property

Below is a general list of documents often requested. It’s common for the state to require certified copies of key records.

Common Required Documents

• Death certificate of the property owner
• Your government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Your Social Security number (or other taxpayer ID), for reporting purposes
• Proof of your current address (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)

Estate and Relationship Documents

Depending on the situation, you may also need:

• Will or trust documents (if they exist)
• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (showing you are the personal representative/executor)
• Court order appointing you as executor or administrator
• Probate documents, including:
  • Order admitting the will to probate
  • Final distribution order
  • Small estate affidavit, if applicable in Wyoming
• Marriage certificate if claiming as a spouse
• Birth certificate (yours and/or the deceased’s) to show parent–child relationship
• Affidavit of heirship or inheritance (often notarized)
• Name change documents, such as:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Court order for a legal name change
  • Divorce decree, if relevant

Quick Reference Table: Typical Documents by Role

Because rules and forms can change, it’s important to check directly with the Wyoming unclaimed property office for their current list of required documents before you submit anything.

Where and How to Submit a Claim in Wyoming

HowToGetAssistance.org does not accept or process claims. To move forward, you’ll need to use official Wyoming channels.

Common options include:

1. Online Claim Submission

Wyoming typically offers an online claims portal linked from the Wyoming State Treasurer’s website.

You can usually:

• Create an account or log in as a guest
• Select the property you want to claim
• Indicate you are filing as an heir or estate representative
• Upload scanned copies of your documents
• Submit the claim electronically

2. Mail-In Claim

If you prefer paper, you can often:

• Print the claim form from the official Wyoming unclaimed property site
• Fill it out completely and sign it (sometimes notarization is required)
• Attach copies or certified copies of required documents
• Mail the packet to the address listed on the official form

3. Phone or In-Person Help

If the claim is complex or you’re unsure about steps:

• Call the Wyoming unclaimed property office or Wyoming State Treasurer’s office for guidance.
• Ask about any in-person assistance options, especially if you live within Wyoming.

When you contact them, have:

• The name of the deceased
• The claim or property ID number, if you already started a claim
• Your contact information

What Happens After You File an Heir Claim?

Once you submit your claim through an official channel, the Wyoming unclaimed property office usually:

1. Acknowledges receipt (online confirmation, email, or mail).
2. Reviews your documents to verify identity, relationship, and authority.
3. Checks for conflicting claims, such as:
   • Other heirs filing for the same property
   • Court orders that affect distribution
4. May request more information or clarification if:
   • Some documents are missing
   • Names do not match exactly
   • The estate status is unclear
5. Approves or denies the claim:
   • If approved, they typically issue a check payable to the verified heir or estate representative.
   • If denied, they usually explain the reason and may describe what could resolve the issue.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing time can vary, but it often depends on:

• How complete and clear your documentation is
• How many claims the office is handling
• Whether probate or other court documents are required

It is common for heir claims to take several weeks or longer, especially if the estate is complex. The unclaimed property office can often give general timeframes, but they rarely promise exact completion dates.

Common Reasons Wyoming Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Knowing frequent problems can help you avoid them:

1. Missing or Incomplete Documents

• No death certificate
• No proof of relationship (e.g., missing birth or marriage certificate)
• No Letters Testamentary when required

2. Name Mismatches

• Maiden names vs. married names
• Nicknames vs. legal names
• Spelling differences or initials only

Tip: Include name change documentation and explain any differences clearly.

3. Conflicting Heir Claims

• Multiple heirs claiming the same property without agreement
• Disputes over who is entitled to what
• Incomplete estate administration where the court has not yet clearly assigned assets

Often, disputes must be resolved in probate court, not by the unclaimed property office.

4. Estate Not Properly Settled

• No probate when probate is required
• No small estate affidavit where needed
• Unclear authority of the person submitting the claim

In these cases, the office may tell you to consult the local probate court or an attorney for help.

How Appeals or Reviews Typically Work

If your Wyoming heir claim is denied or only partially paid, you may have options:

1. Read the denial letter carefully. It often states:

   • The reason for denial
   • Any missing documentation
   • Whether you can refile or appeal

2. Contact the unclaimed property office.

   • Politely ask for clarification.
   • Ask what specific documents or steps could correct the issue.

3. Submit additional documents or corrections if allowed.

   • Sometimes simply providing a certified record or clearer proof can resolve the problem.

4. If the issue involves legal disputes (for example, competing heirs), you may need to:

   • Go through probate court or
   • Seek advice from a Wyoming estate or probate attorney.

The unclaimed property office cannot act as your lawyer or decide family disputes; they typically must follow court orders and Wyoming law.

If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Heirship

Sometimes a person believes they should inherit from a deceased relative, but they cannot provide the proof Wyoming requires.

In those situations, you might consider:

• Checking with the probate court in the county where the deceased lived:
  • Ask whether an estate case was opened.
  • Request copies of any orders naming heirs or distributing assets.
• Reviewing Wyoming’s intestate succession laws (laws that apply when there is no will) to understand who is legally recognized as an heir.
• Speaking with a Wyoming-licensed attorney familiar with estate and probate issues.

If you ultimately cannot prove you are a legal heir under Wyoming law, the state may not be able to release unclaimed property to you.

Wyoming-Specific Tips for Heir Claims

While exact details can vary, these Wyoming-focused tips may help:

• The Wyoming State Treasurer’s office typically administers unclaimed property.
• Some smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures, but you should confirm the rules through:
  • The local county court, or
  • An attorney familiar with Wyoming estate law.
• If the deceased lived in another state but had Wyoming ties (such as a Wyoming employer or bank), you may need to:
  • Check Wyoming’s unclaimed property database, and
  • Also check the unclaimed property program in the state where they lived.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Wyoming Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it’s important to verify that you’re dealing with an official Wyoming office:

• Look for “.gov” websites when searching for Wyoming unclaimed property or the State Treasurer.
• Confirm phone numbers and addresses through:
  • The official State of Wyoming government website, or
  • A trusted state directory or phone book.
• Be cautious if someone:
  • Asks for upfront fees to “unlock” your money
  • Demands sensitive information (like full Social Security numbers) by email or text
  • Pressures you to act immediately or secretly

Some private “heir finder” or “asset recovery” companies are legitimate but charge a fee or percentage of what they recover. You generally do not need to pay such companies to file a claim—most people can work directly with the state unclaimed property office for no fee beyond standard document costs.

If you are unsure:

• Call the Wyoming unclaimed property office directly using a phone number you look up independently, not a number given by a stranger.
• Ask whether the person or company contacting you is recognized or necessary for your claim.

When to Consider Legal or Professional Help

You might want to seek advice from a Wyoming estate or probate attorney, legal aid organization, or other professional if:

• The deceased left large or complex assets.
• Multiple heirs are disputing who should get the property.
• There was a business, trust, or corporation involved.
• There is no clear documentation of family relationships.
• You receive a denial that you do not understand or believe is incorrect.

An attorney licensed in Wyoming can explain how state inheritance laws apply to your situation and may help you get the right documents in place for the unclaimed property office.

Key Takeaways for Heir Claims in Wyoming

• Unclaimed property in Wyoming often includes forgotten accounts, checks, or insurance proceeds.
• Heirs and estate representatives can usually claim unclaimed property that belonged to a deceased person with ties to Wyoming.
• You’ll typically need proof of death, proof of relationship, and proof of authority to act for the estate or as an heir.
• Claims must be filed through official Wyoming channels, such as the unclaimed property section of the Wyoming State Treasurer’s office.
• Be prepared for processing time, and respond quickly to any requests for additional documentation.
• If you run into roadblocks, probate court records or a Wyoming attorney may be needed to clarify heirship or authority.

By understanding the basic process and gathering the right documents early, you can make it easier to pursue any unclaimed assets your deceased relative may have left behind in Wyoming through the state’s official systems.