Wyoming · Contractor dispute
Contractor dispute in Wyoming small claims
Contractor didn't finish or won't refund? Sue in small claims.
When a contractor takes a deposit and disappears, leaves a job unfinished, or does work that causes damage, small claims court is often the right venue to recover your money. You do not need a lawyer. Your case rests on your contract or estimate, proof of payment, documentation of what was promised, and evidence of what was actually delivered — or not delivered.
In Wyoming, small-claims cases are heard in the Circuit Court (Small Claims) and you can sue for up to $6,000.
Good to know: Wyoming small claims cases are heard on the small claims docket of the Circuit Court (W.S. 1-21-201). You file with the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county of proper venue.
Contractor dispute: steps that matter
- Gather your written contract, estimate, or text messages showing what was agreed, and keep all receipts and payment records.
- Document the incomplete or defective work with photos and, if possible, a written assessment from another contractor.
- Send a written demand to the contractor stating what you are owed and a deadline to respond, and keep proof you sent it.
- File in the court for the county where the contractor operated or where the work was done, and bring every document to the hearing.
- If the contractor holds a license, check your state's licensing board — a complaint there may run parallel to your court case.
Filing your Small Claims Affidavit (SC Form 01) in Wyoming
- Confirm your claim qualifies. The amount owed must be $6,000 or less, and you must have already demanded payment and been refused.
- Complete the Small Claims Affidavit (SC 01). Fill in the county, the parties, the amount chart (principal, interest, fees, the $10 filing fee, service fees), and why the defendant owes you. Do not sign until in front of the Clerk or a notary.
- Bring the supporting forms and copies. Also bring a Small Claims Summons (SC 02), blank Return of Service and Affidavit of Service, two extra copies of the Affidavit, and copies of any invoices or agreements.
- File with the Clerk and pay the fee. File with the Clerk of Circuit Court and pay the $10 filing fee plus any service fee. The clerk assigns a case number and the court schedules a hearing.
- Court serves the defendant and sets the hearing. In Wyoming the court, not the plaintiff, serves the defendant. The summons states the hearing date and place; bring your evidence and witnesses.
Filing fees: The court's official instructions set a fixed $10 statewide filing fee (SC-01a). Sheriff or process-server fees are separate, and the clerk charges about $1 per page for copies.
Deadline that applies to your contractor dispute
A contractor dispute is typically a contract claim — you hired someone, paid them (or they want payment), and the work was not done or not done properly. The contract statute of limitations is the usual deadline to file, though some claims may also involve property damage. Confirm which category applies to your situation with the court.
Written contract: 10 years (W.S. 1-3-105(a)(i))
Answering a lawsuit: No written answer is required; the defendant appears at the scheduled hearing.
Serving the defendant: The court serves the defendant, by certified mail (return receipt) if the defendant is in Wyoming, or by sheriff or process server. The hearing date set in the summons must be 12 to 20 days after service.
Appeals: Either party may appeal to the district court within 30 days by filing a Notice of Appeal at the Circuit Court that ruled. Small-claims appeals are reviewed on questions of law only (W.R.A.P. 2.01).
All Wyoming small-claims deadlines
The table below lists the filing deadlines Circuit Court (Small Claims) applies by claim category. Confirm the exact rule that applies to your contractor dispute claim with your court before relying on any figure.
| Claim type | Filing deadline |
|---|---|
| Written contract (W.S. 1-3-105(a)(i)) | 10 years |
| Oral contract / debt (W.S. 1-3-105(a)(ii)(A)) | 8 years |
| Property damage (W.S. 1-3-105(a)(iv)(B)) | 4 years |
| Personal injury (W.S. 1-3-105(a)(iv)(C)) | 4 years |
Wyoming small-claims forms for your contractor dispute case
These forms are published by the Circuit Court (Small Claims). Download and complete them before filing.
- SC 01 - Small Claims Affidavit: The initial document that starts the case; states the amount owed and why the defendant owes it. Must be signed before the Clerk or a Notary.
- SC 02 - Small Claims Summons: Notifies the defendant of the case and the hearing date and location; filed together with the Affidavit.
- SC 01a - Instructions for Small Claims Affidavit: Step-by-step official instructions for completing and filing the Small Claims Affidavit, including the $10 filing fee and what to bring.
- SC 05 - Instructions for Summons, Return, and Affidavit of Service: Explains the Summons and service forms and confirms the court is responsible for serving the defendant.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Wyoming Judicial Branch: Small Claims (Legal Help by Topic). Last reviewed 2026-06-24.