Reviewed August 2026
Court Hearings in Wyoming
In a Wyoming divorce, either spouse can file a motion for a temporary hearing on support while the case is pending, under Wyo. Stat. 20-2-111. The court can require one party to pay whatever sum is necessary to let the other carry on or defend the case. It can also order support for that spouse and the couple's children while the case is still open. A separate statute, Wyo. Stat. 20-2-112, covers temporary custody. On either party's application, the court can set an order for the care, custody, and maintenance of the couple's minor children while the case is pending. It can also compel a party to answer under oath about their property and finances, to help the court decide alimony and custody questions. Wyoming law specifically directs the court to treat evidence of spouse abuse or child abuse as contrary to the children's best interest. If the court finds family violence occurred, it must arrange temporary custody visitation that protects children and an abused spouse.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how court hearings works under Wyoming law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Wyoming paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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Alimony pendente lite under 20-2-111
Wyo. Stat. 20-2-111 lets the court, in any divorce action, require either party to pay whatever sum is necessary to enable the other party to carry on or defend the case. It can also order support for that party and the couple's children during the case. The court can decree costs against either party and award execution for those costs. It can direct that costs be paid from sequestered property or property in the hands of a receiver. The court can also direct payment from any person who owes money to a party for this purpose.
Temporary custody under 20-2-112
On the application of either party, Wyo. Stat. 20-2-112(b) lets the court make an order for the care and custody of minor children and their suitable maintenance while the divorce case is pending. The party applying for the order must notify the court of any known protection or custody orders already issued on behalf of the parties from any other court. This helps the court coordinate with existing orders, rather than issue conflicting ones.
Family violence and temporary custody
Wyoming law directs the court to consider evidence of spouse abuse or child abuse as contrary to the children's best interest, when deciding temporary custody. If the court finds that family violence has occurred, it must make visitation arrangements during the temporary custody period. Those arrangements must best protect the children and the abused spouse from further harm. This requirement applies specifically to how temporary custody orders are structured while the case is pending.
Compelling financial disclosure and enforcing orders
Wyo. Stat. 20-2-112(a) lets the court compel either party to attend and answer under oath about their property, rights, interests, and money owed to or by them. The court then makes an order based on that information as is just and equitable. To enforce orders on temporary or permanent alimony, or property and pecuniary interests, the court can require security for compliance. It can also enforce its orders through attachment, commitment, injunction, or other means.
Restraining a party's liberty during the case
After a divorce or annulment complaint is filed, either party can petition the court to prohibit the other party from imposing any restraint on the petitioner's personal liberty while the case is pending. This gives a spouse a path to seek protective relief early in the case. It is separate from the alimony and custody provisions covered by 20-2-111 and 20-2-112.
Sources: Wyo. Stat. 20-2-111, alimony during pendency of action; allowances for prosecution or defense of action; costs, Wyo. Stat. 20-2-112, examination concerning property interests; enforcement of court orders; temporary custody of children, Wyoming Judicial Branch, self-help forms and resources
Not independently confirmed
- Confirm county-by-county scheduling practices and remote hearing availability directly with each Wyoming district court clerk before relying on them for a temporary order motion.
- Whether any Wyoming judicial districts use court commissioners or magistrates for temporary order hearings was not confirmed for this page.
Court Hearings in Wyoming: frequently asked questions
How do I request temporary alimony in a Wyoming divorce?+
You ask the court under Wyo. Stat. 20-2-111 to require the other party to pay a sum necessary to let you carry on or defend the case and to support you and any children during the case. The court can also award costs and direct payment from money owed to a party by others.
How do I get a temporary custody order in Wyoming?+
You apply to the court under Wyo. Stat. 20-2-112(b), which lets the court order care, custody, and suitable maintenance of minor children while the case is pending. You must notify the court of any known protection or custody orders already issued by another court.
Does family violence affect a temporary custody order in Wyoming?+
Yes. The court must consider evidence of spouse or child abuse as contrary to the children's best interest, and if it finds family violence occurred, it must arrange temporary custody visitation that best protects the children and the abused spouse from further harm.
Can a Wyoming court make me disclose my finances before ruling on temporary support?+
Yes. Wyo. Stat. 20-2-112(a) lets the court compel either party to attend and answer under oath about their property, rights, interests, and money owed to or by them, to help the court make a just and equitable order on alimony or property questions.
How does Wyoming enforce a temporary alimony or custody order?+
The court can require security for compliance, or enforce its orders through attachment, commitment, injunction, or other means under Wyo. Stat. 20-2-112(a). This applies to both temporary and permanent alimony orders and property or pecuniary interest orders.
Can I get protection from my spouse's interference during a pending Wyoming divorce?+
Yes. After the divorce or annulment complaint is filed, either party can petition the court to prohibit the other party from restraining the petitioner's personal liberty while the case is pending, separate from the alimony and custody statutes.
This page is general information about court hearings in Wyoming, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Wyoming's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Wyoming. Virdix does not prepare or file Wyoming divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Wyoming.
More Wyoming divorce guides
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