Wyoming Divorce Records: Official Certificates, Decrees, and Search Options

Wyoming divorce records refer to the legal documents compiled during the dissolution of a marriage. The Wyoming Vital Statistics Services (VSS) is the custodian of divorce certificates, while district courts maintain other divorce records. Divorce parties may require these records to confirm their marital status or to provide legal proof that a marriage has been legally ended.

According to the Wyoming Vital Statistics Services' Historical Statistical Data, approximately 1,960 divorce cases were handled in 2023, a 0.56% increase from the 2022 data. That same year, the divorce rate was 3.4 per 1,000 population, and approximately 868 cases (44.3%) involved at least one minor.

Official Types of Divorce Documentation in Wyoming

Residents in Wyoming may access various forms of divorce documentation:

• Divorce Certificate: This is a one-page official document that confirms the finalization of a divorce. The Wyoming Vital Statistics Services (VSS) issues divorce certificates in the state, which contain the full names of both spouses, the date and place of the divorce, and the court where it was granted. These certificates help prove marital status for remarriage, settle insurance or pension claims, and other administrative or legal purposes.
• Divorce Decree: This is a formal court order that officially ends a marriage. District Courts in Wyoming are the custodians of divorce decrees, and they contain the details of the terms of the dissolution of the marriage. Divorce decrees protect each spouse's rights, serve as proof of divorce, and provide enforceable legal authority.
• Divorce Case File: This is the comprehensive collection of legal documents related to a divorce proceeding. The district courts in the county where the divorce was filed maintain the divorce case file. The file will contain every document filed or created during the entire divorce process. Divorce case files serve as evidence in the event of disputes that arise after the divorce and allow for review or modification of divorce terms in the future.

Document Type	Issued By	Purpose	Contains
Divorce Certificate	Wyoming Department of Health Vital Statistics Services (VSS)	Proof of legal divorce	The full names of the case parties, the divorce date, and the county and court where the divorce was finalized
Divorce Decree / Judgment	District Courts	Details of the terms of the divorce	Rulings, child custody orders, spousal support, and property division
Divorce Case File	District Courts	Serves as evidence of the divorce	Petitions, summons, response or answer, financial affidavits and disclosures, motions, court orders, settlement agreements, and divorce decrees

Public Access and Confidentiality of Wyoming Divorce Records

Divorce records are not fully public in Wyoming. Record seekers may find basic information about a divorce proceeding on the State Court Case Search portal in compliance with the Wyoming Public Records Act and the Rules Governing Access to Court Records. However, anyone seeking to obtain copies of divorce records must be aware that most documents contained in a divorce case file are confidential. Confidential divorce records are only open to the case parties and their attorneys. Below is a list of some confidential documents or information that may be found in a divorce case file:

• Divorce decrees
• Medical records
• Parentage adjudication information
• Mental health and counseling records
• Substance abuse evaluation reports
• Divorce certificates until 50 years.
• Child abuse and neglect information and records
• Domestic relations, financial affidavits, and records
• Domestic violence protection order petitioners' and their children's identifying information

Divorce records are maintained at the state and county levels. Individuals may obtain copies of divorce certificates at the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services (VSS), which is located at the address below:

Wyoming Department of Health

What Information Do Wyoming Divorce Records Include?

Wyoming divorce records contain detailed information about the dissolution of a marriage. The exact contents may vary depending on the type of record, but generally, they include:

• Case summary (case number, status, the date the case was docketed, case type, original court, short title, and full title)
• Party information (role, party names, names of their attorneys)
• Case decision information (issues and opinion number)
• Docket information (filing date, document description, docket entry type, docket entry subtype, and status)

Procedures for Locating Divorce Records in Wyoming

Individuals may access Wyoming divorce records at the county District Courts where the divorce was filed and the Vital Statistics Services (VSS). Those who want to search divorce case information online without charges may do so on the Wyoming State Court Case Search portal. The cost for obtaining copies of divorce records usually ranges from $1 to $25 per copy, depending on the issuing agency and the type of record requested.

Record Source	Office or Platform	Years Covered	Access Type	Fees
Vital Statistics Services (VSS)	Wyoming Department of Health	1941-present	Divorce certificates only	$25
Judiciary Portal	Wyoming State Court Case Search portal	Varies	Case search	Free
County Clerks	District Courts	All years	Certified decrees	$1 per first page, $0.50 for each additional page, plus $0.50 per document for certification.
Wyoming State Archives (WSA)	Historical Records	Varies	Old divorce records	$3 per page

How to Request Certified Copies of Divorce Records in Wyoming

Certified copies of divorce records in Wyoming are official documents that attest to the dissolution of marriages. They include seals or stamps saying they are a true copy of the original. Certified copies are accepted as legal proof of divorce for purposes such as changing your name, updating Social Security/DMV records, filing insurance claims, immigration, or settling estates. Individuals may request certified copies of divorce records in Wyoming by following the steps below:

• Step 1: Determine the Specific Divorce Record and its Record Custodian

Individuals need to contact the right office to obtain certified copies of divorce records because different agencies in Wyoming handle various types of divorce records. For example, the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services (VSS) issues only certified copies of divorce certificates, while the District Court where the divorce was finalized issues divorce decrees and related court documents. Individuals searching for older records should consult the Wyoming State Archives (WSA), which preserves historical divorce records.

• Step 2: Determine Eligibility

Divorce certificates are confidential and only become public after 50 years have passed. Confidential divorce certificates are issued only to the parties involved in the divorce and their respective attorneys.

• Step 3: Submit a Request

Each record custodian has their own distinct methods of disseminating certified copies of divorce records. Record seekers may order certified copies of divorce certificates online through the VSS portal, by mail, or in person at the VSS office. Mail requesters must submit a Request for Certified Copy of a Wyoming Vital Record form, a valid photo ID, and the appropriate fees. In-person requests may be made Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Friday by appointment by calling (307) 777-7591.

Certified divorce record requests may also be submitted through the Clerk of the District Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Requests may be made in writing or in person. For older divorce records, the Wyoming State Archives (WSA) accepts requests by phone at (307) 777-7826 or by fax at (307) 777-7044.

• Step 4. Pay the required fee

The VSS charges $25 for each certified copy of a divorce record. At the Clerk of District Court, the first page of a certified copy costs $1, and each additional page costs $0.50, plus an extra $0.50 per document for certification. Certified copies obtained from the WSA cost $3 per page from the record or case file.

Copy Type	Where to Request	Who may Order	Legal Use
Certified Divorce Certificate	Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services	Spouses and their attorneys	Proof for remarriage, name change, and settling insurance or pension claims
Certified Decree	County District Court Clerk	Party or counsel	Legal enforcement
Informational Copy	Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services Wyoming State Archives	Anyone	Genealogical/historical/personal use

Why Search for Divorce Records in Wyoming?

Individuals or organizations may search for divorce records in Wyoming for several reasons. These records provide official documentation of a marriage dissolution and are often required for legal, administrative, or personal purposes.

Divorce records serve as legal proof that a marriage has been officially terminated. They may be needed when applying for a marriage license, changing a name, or updating legal documents and identification. Attorneys, courts, or financial institutions may request divorce records to confirm the terms of a divorce decree when handling related legal or financial matters. Parties may also request copies of their own divorce records to maintain complete personal or family documentation, particularly when updating wills, insurance policies, or custody arrangements.

How Long Are Divorce Records Kept in Wyoming?

According to the Wyoming State Archives Record Retention Schedules, divorce records are retained permanently. These records are transferred to the Wyoming State Archives (WSA) once they are no longer needed for agency business (WY Stat § 9-2-408). The WSA preserves divorce records to ensure historical documentation and public access. Individuals seeking access to these records may contact the WSA by phone or fax.