What is the small-claims limit for a property damage case in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, you can sue for up to $6,000 in the Circuit Court (Small Claims).

Wyoming · Property damage

Property damage in Wyoming small claims

Q: What is the deadline to file a property damage case in Wyoming?

The Property damage in Wyoming is 4 years (W.S. 1-3-105(a)(iv)(B)). A property damage claim typically falls under the property damage statute of limitations in the state where the damage occurred. If the damage arose from a breach of contract — for example, a service provider who caused damage — the contract period may also be relevant. Confirm which deadline applies to your specific claim with the court.

Someone damaged your property? Recover in small claims.

When someone damages your property — a neighbor, a tenant, a contractor, or another driver — small claims court is often the fastest and least expensive way to recover. Your case turns on proving who caused the damage, the extent of the damage, and what it costs to repair or replace. Documentation is everything: photos of the damage, repair estimates, and any witnesses or communications that establish fault.

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.

Property damage: steps that matter

Photograph and video the damage immediately and in detail, before any repairs are made.
Get at least one written repair estimate from a professional to establish the dollar value of your claim.
Identify any witnesses and note their contact information.
Send a written demand to the responsible party stating the amount you are seeking and why, and keep proof you sent it.
File in the court for the county where the damage occurred or where the defendant is located.

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 property damage

A property damage claim typically falls under the property damage statute of limitations in the state where the damage occurred. If the damage arose from a breach of contract — for example, a service provider who caused damage — the contract period may also be relevant. Confirm which deadline applies to your specific claim with the court.

Property damage: 4 years (W.S. 1-3-105(a)(iv)(B))

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 property damage 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 property damage 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.