reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 1 - In General › Section 1-22-109 - Consent to Adoption.

1-22-109. Consent to adoption.
(a) A written relinquishment of custody of the child to be adopted and written consent to adoption shall be filed with the petition to adopt and shall be signed by:
(i) Both parents, if living; or
(ii) The surviving parent; or
(iii) The mother and putative father of the child if the name of the putative father is known; or
(iv) The mother alone if she does not know the name of the putative father, in which case she shall sign and file an affidavit so stating and the court shall determine whether the putative father has registered under W.S. 1-22-117 and if so, shall require notice to be given to the putative father; or
(v) The legal guardian of the person of the child if neither parent is living or if parental rights have been judicially terminated; or
(vi) The executive head of the agency to whom the child has been relinquished for adoption; or
(vii) The person having exclusive legal custody of the child by court order; or
(viii) The legally appointed guardian of any parent or putative father who has been adjudged mentally incompetent.
(b) If the child to be adopted is over the age of fourteen (14) years his written consent to adoption shall also be filed with the petition to adopt.
(c) The consent to adoption shall be signed any time after the birth of the child. The consent shall be acknowledged or may be approved in the following manner:
(i) The consent shall be acknowledged by a:
(A) Person authorized to take acknowledgments;
(B) Representative of the department of family services; or
(C) Representative of a certified agency to whom the custody of the child is being relinquished for adoption.
(ii) If not acknowledged as provided in paragraph (i) of this subsection, the consent to adoption may be approved by the court after:
(A) The person giving the consent has appeared before the court in an informal hearing in court chambers; and
(B) The court finds that the consent is knowingly and voluntarily given.
(d) Consent to adoption and the relinquishment of a child for adoption are irrevocable unless obtained by fraud or duress, except that if the court should deny the adoption on account of a claim or objection of the putative father of the child, the court may also allow the mother of the child to withdraw her consent and relinquishment. The consent or relinquishment by a parent who is a minor is valid and may not be revoked solely because of minority.
(e) The consent to adoption and the relinquishment of custody of a child for adoption may be contained in a single instrument.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 1 - In General › Section 1-22-110 - When Adoption Permitted Without Consent.

1-22-110. When adoption permitted without consent.
(a) In addition to the exceptions contained in W.S. 1-22-108, the adoption of a child may be ordered without the written consent of a parent or the putative father if the court finds that the nonconsenting parent or putative father is unknown and that the putative father has not registered under W.S. 1-22-117 and the affidavit required by W.S. 1-22-109(a)(iv) has been filed with the petition to adopt or if the court finds that the putative father or the nonconsenting parent or parents have:
(i) Been given notice of the hearing as provided in W.S. 1-22-107 and has failed to answer or appear at the hearing; or
(ii) Been judicially deprived of parental rights of the child for any reason; or
(iii) Willfully abandoned or deserted the child; or
(iv) Willfully failed to contribute to the support of the child for a period of one (1) year immediately prior to the filing of the petition to adopt and has failed to bring the support obligation current within sixty (60) days after service of the petition to adopt; or
(v) Willfully permitted the child to be maintained in or by a public or private institution or by the department of family services for a period of one (1) year immediately prior to the filing of the petition without substantially contributing to the support of the child; or
(vi) Failed, within thirty (30) days after receiving notice of the pending birth or birth of the child, to advise or notify the agency which gave the putative father the notice of pending birth or birth of his interest in or responsibility for the child or his declaration of paternity; or
(vii) Been adjudged by a court to be guilty of cruelty, abuse, neglect or mistreatment of the child; or
(viii) Caused the conception of the child born out of wedlock as a result of sexual assault or incest for which he has been convicted; or
(ix) Willfully failed to pay a total dollar amount of at least seventy percent (70%) of the court ordered support for a period of two (2) years or more and has failed to bring the support obligation one hundred percent (100%) current within sixty (60) days after service of the petition to adopt.
(b) Any petition filed pursuant to paragraphs (a)(iv) or (ix) of this section shall contain a clear statement of the consequences of the respondent's failure to bring the support obligation current.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 1 - In General › Section 1-22-111 - Decree; Investigation; Denial of Adoption.

1-22-111. Decree; investigation; denial of adoption.
(a) After the petition to adopt has been filed and a hearing held the court acting in the best interest and welfare of the child may make any of the following orders:
(i) Enter an interlocutory decree of adoption giving the care and custody of the child to the petitioners pending further order of the court;
(ii) Defer entry of an interlocutory decree of adoption and order the department of family services or a private licensed agency to investigate and report to the court the background of the child and of the petitioners, and the medical, social and psychological background and status of the consenting parent and putative father. After a written report of the investigation is filed, the court shall determine if the adoption by petitioners is in the best interest and welfare of the child and thereupon enter the appropriate order or decree;
(iii) Enter a final decree of adoption if the child has resided in the home of the petitioner for six (6) months; or
(iv) Deny the adoption if the court finds that the best interests and welfare of the child will be served by such denial.
(b) If the court denies the adoption it shall make an order for proper custody consistent with the best interest and welfare of the child.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 1 - In General › Section 1-22-112 - Application for Final Decree.

1-22-112. Application for final decree.
(a) If an interlocutory decree has been entered petitioners may apply for a final decree of adoption after the child has resided in the home of the petitioners for six (6) months and a hearing on the petition may be required.
(b) If an interlocutory decree has not been entered a hearing on the petition for a final decree of adoption shall be set as provided in W.S. 1-22-106, notice thereof shall be given as provided in W.S. 1-22-107 and a final hearing shall be had on the petition.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 1 - In General › Section 1-22-113 - Petition for Adoption of an Adult; Consent Required.

1-22-113. Petition for adoption of an adult; consent required.
When a petition to adopt an adult is filed a copy of the petition together with a summons issued as in other civil actions shall be served on the adult. If the adult objects to adoption by the petitioner the petition shall be dismissed. When the consent of the adult is given, the petition shall be granted and a final decree of adoption made and entered. The decree may change the name of the adopted person.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 1 - In General › Section 1-22-114 - Effect of Adoption.

1-22-114. Effect of adoption.
(a) Upon the entry of a final decree of adoption the former parent, guardian or putative father of the child shall have no right to the control or custody of the child. The adopting persons shall have all of the rights and obligations respecting the child as if they were natural parents.
(b) Adopted persons may assume the surname of the adoptive parent. They are entitled to the same rights of person and property as children and heirs at law of the persons who adopted them.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 1 - In General › Section 1-22-115 - Subsidization of Adoption; Qualification for Payments; Authority to Adopt Rules and Regulations.

1-22-115. Subsidization of adoption; qualification for payments; authority to adopt rules and regulations.
(a) The department of family services may grant subsidy payments to the adoptive parent of a child or to another person on behalf of the child, if, at the time the child is placed for adoption:
(i) The child is in the legal custody of the department or a private child placement agency certified by the state and is legally available for adoption;
(ii) The department or a certified private child placement agency is financially responsible for the child;
(iii) Reasonable efforts to place the child for adoption prior to consideration of a subsidy payment have been unsuccessful;
(iv) The child has special needs as determined by the division; and
(v) The department or a certified private child placement agency has determined the adoptive parent can provide for the nonfinancial needs of the child.
(b) Subsidy payments under this section may provide for the cost of health, maintenance, medical and surgical treatment and costs incurred for the adoption, care, training and education of the child.
(c) The determination of an adoptive parent's eligibility for subsidy payments shall be made before the completion of the legal adoption of the child. All payments shall be reviewed not less than annually by the department. Subsidy payments may continue, subject to rules and regulations of the department, for any adoptive parent terminating Wyoming residency with the child in custody.
(d) The department of family services shall adopt a plan pursuant to P.L. 96-272 and rules and regulations necessary for the administration of this section.
(e) Subsidy payments made under this section shall:
(i) Not exceed the amount of payments for comparable assistance under foster care;
(ii) Be terminated or reduced if the need for payments has altered or no longer exists as determined by the department or if the child has reached the age of majority; and
(iii) Be made from funds appropriated to the department for foster care purposes.
(f) The department of family services may accept on behalf of the state any available federal funds for purposes consistent with this section. The department shall administer the funds in conformance with this section and the terms and conditions under which they are issued.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 1 - In General › Section 1-22-116 - Medical History of Natural Parents and Adoptive Child.

1-22-116. Medical history of natural parents and adoptive child.
To the extent available, the medical history of a child subject to adoption and his natural parents, with information identifying the natural parents eliminated, shall be provided by an authorized agency or may be provided by order of a court to the child's adoptive parent any time after the adoption decree or to the child after he attains the age of majority. The history shall include but not be limited to all available information regarding conditions or diseases believed to be hereditary, any drugs or medication taken during pregnancy by the child's natural mother and any other information which may be a factor influencing the child's present or future health. The department of family services shall promulgate rules governing the release of medical histories under this section.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 1 - In General › Section 1-22-117 - Putative Father Registry.

1-22-117. Putative father registry.
(a) The department of family services shall establish a putative father registry which shall record the names and addresses of:
(i) Any person adjudicated by a court of this state to be the father of a child born out-of-wedlock;
(ii) Any person who has filed with the registry before or after the birth of a child out-of-wedlock, a notice of intent to claim paternity of the child;
(iii) Any person adjudicated by a court of another state or territory of the United States to be the father of an out-of-wedlock child, where a certified copy of the court order has been filed with the registry by that person or any other person; and
(iv) Any person who has filed with the registry an instrument acknowledging paternity.
(b) A person filing a notice of intent to claim paternity of a child or an acknowledgement of paternity shall include therein his current address and shall notify the registry of any change of address pursuant to procedures prescribed by regulations of the department.
(c) A person who has filed a notice of intent to claim paternity may at any time revoke a notice of intent to claim paternity previously filed therewith and, upon receipt of the notification by the registry, the revoked notice of intent to claim paternity shall be deemed a nullity nunc pro tunc.
(d) An unrevoked notice of intent to claim paternity of a child may be introduced in evidence by any party, other than the person who filed such notice, in any proceeding in which such fact may be relevant.
(e) The department of family services shall, upon request, provide the names and addresses of persons listed with the registry to any court or authorized agency, and such information shall not be divulged to any other person, except upon order of a court for good cause shown.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 2 - Confidential Intermediaries › Section 1-22-201 - Definitions.

1-22-201. Definitions.
(a) As used in this act:
(i) "Adoptee" means a person who, as a minor, was adopted pursuant to a final decree of adoption entered by a court;
(ii) "Adoptive parent" means an adult who has become a parent of a minor through the legal process of adoption;
(iii) "Adult" means a person eighteen (18) years of age or older;
(iv) "Biological grandparent" means a parent, by birth or adoption, of a biological parent;
(v) "Biological parent" means a parent, by birth, of an adopted person;
(vi) "Biological sibling" means a sibling, by birth, of an adopted person;
(vii) "Chief justice" means the chief justice of the Wyoming supreme court;
(viii) "Confidential intermediary" means a person twenty-one (21) years of age or older who has completed a training program for confidential intermediaries which meets the standards set forth by the commission pursuant to W.S. 1-22-202(b) and who is authorized to inspect confidential relinquishment and adoption records at the request of an adult adoptee, adoptive parent, biological parent, biological sibling or biological grandparent;
(ix) "Consent" means voluntary, informed, written consent. Consent always shall be preceded by an explanation that the consent permits the confidential intermediary to arrange a personal contact among biological relatives;
(x) "Court" means any court of record with jurisdiction over the matter at issue;
(xi) "This act" means W.S. 1-22-201 through 1-22-203.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 22 - Adoption › Article 2 - Confidential Intermediaries › Section 1-22-202 - Commission Created; Powers; Duties.

1-22-202. Commission created; powers; duties.
(a) There is hereby created within the department of family services, an adoption intermediary commission of five (5) members. Representation and appointment of the members shall be as follows:
(i) One (1) member shall represent the judicial branch and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the chief justice;
(ii) One (1) member shall represent the department of family services and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director of the department;
(iii) One (1) member shall represent private adoption agencies and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director of the department of family services;
(iv) One (1) member shall represent programs which provide confidential intermediary services and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director of the department of family services;
(v) One (1) member shall be an adult adoptee, adoptive parent or biological parent appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director of the department of family services.
(b) The commission shall have the responsibility for:
(i) Drafting a manual of standards for training confidential intermediaries;
(ii) Monitoring confidential intermediary training programs to ensure compliance with the standards set forth in the manual with authority to approve or deny such programs based upon compliance with such standards;
(iii) Maintaining an up-to-date list of persons who have completed training as confidential intermediaries and communicating that list to the judicial branch.
(c) The commission shall adopt rules for its own procedure. The commission shall select a chairman, a vice-chairman, and such other officers as it deems necessary, and shall keep a record of its proceedings. The commission shall meet as often as necessary to carry out its duties, but in no instance shall it meet less than semiannually. The commission may seek input from confidential intermediary organizations in carrying out its duties.
(d) The commission shall be voluntary and no state funds or personnel, except members of the commission appointed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall be used in its operation. The commission may accept gifts and grants and expend funds received to carry out its duties.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 23 - Miscellaneous Contracts and Actions; Statute of Frauds › Section 1-23-101 - Right of Actions Abolished.

1-23-101. Right of actions abolished.
The rights of action to recover money as damage for the alienation of affections, criminal conversation, seduction or breach of contract to marry are abolished. No act done in this state shall give rise, either in or out of this state, to any of the rights of action abolished. No contract to marry made in this state shall give rise, either in or out of this state, to any right of action for the breach thereof.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 23 - Miscellaneous Contracts and Actions; Statute of Frauds › Section 1-23-102 - Contracts or Instruments Based on Right of Action Declared Void; Execution of Instruments, Settling Claims or Bringing Action Prohibited.

1-23-102. Contracts or instruments based on right of action declared void; execution of instruments, settling claims or bringing action prohibited.
All instruments executed within this state in payment, satisfaction, settlement or compromise of any claim or cause of action abolished or barred by W.S. 1-23-101, whether the claim or cause of action arose in or out of this state, are void. It is unlawful to cause any person to execute a contract or instrument or cause any person to give, pay, transfer or deliver any money or thing of value in payment, satisfaction, settlement or compromise of any such claim or cause of action, or to receive, take or accept any money or thing of value as payment, satisfaction, settlement or compromise of any such claim or cause of action. It is unlawful to commence or cause to be commenced, either as party, attorney or as agent of either in any court of this state, any proceeding or action seeking to enforce or recover upon any such contract or instrument, knowing it to be such, whether executed in or out of this state.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 23 - Miscellaneous Contracts and Actions; Statute of Frauds › Section 1-23-103 - Filing Pleading or Service of Process Prohibited.

1-23-103. Filing pleading or service of process prohibited.
It is unlawful for a person either as a party, attorney or an agent of either, to file or serve or threaten to cause to be filed or served, any process or pleading in any court of the state, setting forth or seeking to recover money upon any cause of action abolished or barred by W.S. 1-23-101, whether the cause of action arose in or out of the state.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 23 - Miscellaneous Contracts and Actions; Statute of Frauds › Section 1-23-104 - Penalty for Violation of Provisions.

1-23-104. Penalty for violation of provisions.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of W.S. 1-23-102 or 1-23-103, is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), or by imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, or both.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 23 - Miscellaneous Contracts and Actions; Statute of Frauds › Section 1-23-105 - Agreements Void Unless in Writing.

1-23-105. Agreements void unless in writing.
(a) In the following cases every agreement shall be void unless such agreement, or some note or memorandum thereof be in writing, and subscribed by the party to be charged therewith:
(i) Every agreement that by its terms is not to be performed within one (1) year from the making thereof;
(ii) Every special promise to answer for the debt, default or miscarriage of another person;
(iii) Every agreement, promise or undertaking made upon consideration of marriage, except mutual promise to marry;
(iv) Every special promise by an executor or administrator, to answer any demand out of his own estate;
(v) Every agreement or contract for the sale of real estate, or the lease thereof, for more than one (1) year;
(vi) To charge any person upon, or by reason of a representation or assurance concerning the character, conduct, credit, ability, trade or dealings of another, to the intent or purpose that such other may obtain thereby, credit, money or goods.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 23 - Miscellaneous Contracts and Actions; Statute of Frauds › Section 1-23-106 - Gambling Contracts Void.

1-23-106. Gambling contracts void.
All contracts, promises, agreements, conveyances, securities, and notes, made, given, granted, executed, drawn or entered into, where the whole or any part of the consideration thereof shall be for any money, property or other valuable thing won by any gaming, or by playing cards or any gambling device or game of chance, or by betting on the side or hands of any person gaming or for the reimbursing or paying any money or property knowingly lent or advanced at the time and place of such play, to any person or persons so gaming or betting, shall be utterly void and of no effect. No assignment of any bill, bond, note or other evidence of indebtedness, where the whole or any part of the consideration for such assignment shall arise out of any gaming transaction, shall in any manner offset the defense of the person or persons making, entering into, executing or giving such instrument so assigned, or the remedies of any person interested therein.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 23 - Miscellaneous Contracts and Actions; Statute of Frauds › Section 1-23-107 - Individual Liability of Members of Governmental Agencies.

1-23-107. Individual liability of members of governmental agencies.
(a) Notwithstanding W.S. 1-39-101 through 1-39-120, the members of any governmental board, agency, council, commission or governing body are not individually liable for any actions, inactions or omissions by the governmental board, agency, council, commission or governing body.
(b) This section does not affect individual liability for intentional torts or illegal acts.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 24 - Amercement › Section 1-24-101 - Causes for Amercement.

1-24-101. Causes for amercement.
(a) On motion in court and notice in writing as provided in W.S. 1-24-102, an officer shall be amerced in the amount of the judgment including costs, and ten percent (10%) thereon for the plaintiff or defendant when:
(i) An execution or order of sale is directed and delivered to him to be executed, and he neglects or refuses to execute it;
(ii) He neglects or refuses to sell any property which by any writ or order he is directed to sell;
(iii) He fails to call an inquest, or to return to the clerk's office a copy of the certificate of inquisition made by the inquest;
(iv) He neglects to return to the proper court on or before the return day an execution or order of sale directed and delivered to him;
(v) He neglects to return a correct inventory of personal property taken on execution, unless he returns that the amount of the judgment, including costs, has been paid to him;
(vi) He neglects, on demand, to pay to the person entitled thereto, any money collected or received by him for the use of such person, at any time after he collects or receives the same; or
(vii) He neglects or refuses to pay to the judgment debtor on demand all money received by him on any sale made beyond what is sufficient to satisfy the writ or order of sale, with interest and costs.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 24 - Amercement › Section 1-24-102 - Notice of Motion for Amercement.

1-24-102. Notice of motion for amercement.
If the officer resides in the county in which the motion is made, the notice shall be served upon him at least two (2) days before the motion is heard. If he is an officer of another county, the notice shall be served upon him or left at his office at least fifteen (15) days before the motion is heard, or sent to him by certified mail at least sixty (60) days before the motion is heard.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 24 - Amercement › Section 1-24-103 - Amercement for Failure to Serve or Return Process.

1-24-103. Amercement for failure to serve or return process.
If an officer fails to execute any summons or other process directed to him, or to return the same as required by law, unless he is prevented by unavoidable accident from doing so, he shall be amerced, upon motion and notice in writing as provided by law in a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and be liable to the action of any person aggrieved by the failure. He is not liable to an action or amercement for failure to execute any process directed to him from any county other than that in which he was elected unless his fees are deposited with the clerk who issued the process and an endorsement of that fact is made and subscribed by the clerk on the process at the time of its issue.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 24 - Amercement › Section 1-24-104 - Amercement of Clerks of Court.

1-24-104. Amercement of clerks of court.
If a clerk of court neglects or refuses on demand to pay to the person entitled thereto any money received by him in his official capacity for the use of that person, he may be amerced, on motion and notice as provided by law.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 24 - Amercement › Section 1-24-105 - Amount of Amercement for Not Paying Over Money.

1-24-105. Amount of amercement for not paying over money.
When the cause of amercement is the refusal to pay over money collected, the officer shall not be amerced in a greater sum than the amount withheld, with ten percent (10%) thereon.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 24 - Amercement › Section 1-24-106 - Surety of Officer May Be Made Party to Judgment.

1-24-106. Surety of officer may be made party to judgment.
A surety of an officer may be made party to a judgment of amercement against the officer, but the goods, chattels, lands and tenements of the surety are not liable to execution when sufficient goods, chattels, lands and tenements of the officer against whom judgment is rendered can be found to satisfy the execution. Either party may proceed against the officer by attachment.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 24 - Amercement › Section 1-24-107 - Officer May Have Execution on Original Judgment.

1-24-107. Officer may have execution on original judgment.
If an officer who is amerced has not collected the amount of the original judgment, he may sue out an execution and collect for his own use the amount of the judgment, in the name of the original plaintiff.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 25 - Change of Name › Section 1-25-101 - Verified Petition to Be Presented; Information to Be Shown in Petition; Order of Court Making Change; Record to Be Made.

1-25-101. Verified petition to be presented; information to be shown in petition; order of court making change; record to be made.
Every person desiring to change his name may petition the district court of the county of the petitioner's residence for the desired change. The petition shall be verified by affidavit setting forth the petitioner's full name, the name desired, a concise statement of the reason for the desired change, the place of his birth, his place of residence and the length of time he has been an actual bona fide resident of the county in which the petition is filed. If the court is satisfied that the desired change is proper and not detrimental to the interests of any other person, it shall order the change to be made, and record the proceedings in the records of the court. In the event a confidentiality order has been entered pursuant to W.S. 35-21-112 or any other court order allowing a party to maintain confidentiality of addresses, city or state of residence or other information identifying the residence, the address, city or state of residence or other information identifying the residence of the party shall remain confidential.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 25 - Change of Name › Section 1-25-103 - Notice to Be Given by Publication.

1-25-103. Notice to be given by publication.
Except in a proceeding in which the court has issued a confidentiality order pursuant to W.S. 35-21-112 or any other court order allowing a party to maintain confidentiality of addresses, city or state of residence or other information identifying the residence of the party, public notice of the petition for a change of name shall be given in the same manner as service by publication upon nonresidents in civil actions. Upon good cause shown to the court, public notice shall not be required with respect to a petition for a change of name of a minor.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 25 - Change of Name › Section 1-25-104 - Change of Name in Adoption Proceedings.

1-25-104. Change of name in adoption proceedings.
In all cases of the adoption of children in the manner provided by law, the court before which such adoption proceeding is held, may change the name of any child so adopted and make an order to that effect, which shall be recorded in the records of the proceeding of adoption. Each child who has heretofore, in Wyoming, been adopted according to law, may have his or her name changed to that of the parents who have adopted him or her, upon the parents, who have adopted such child, on behalf of such child, filing a petition therefor.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-501 - Short Title.

1-26-501. Short title.
(a) This act shall be cited as the "Wyoming Eminent Domain Act".
(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, the power of eminent domain may be exercised only as provided by this act and the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure to the extent the Rules of Civil Procedure do not conflict with this act.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-502 - Definitions.

1-26-502. Definitions.
(a) As used in this act:
(i) "Condemn" means to take property under the power of eminent domain;
(ii) "Condemnee" means a person who has or claims an interest in property that is the subject of a prospective or pending condemnation action;
(iii) "Condemnor" means a person empowered to condemn;
(iv) "Litigation expenses" means the reasonable costs, disbursements and expenses, including attorney, appraisal and engineering fees, associated with a condemnation proceeding;
(v) "Public entity" means the state of Wyoming and its agencies, municipalities, counties, school districts, political subdivisions and special districts;
(vi) "This act" means W.S. 1-26-501 through 1-26-817.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-503 - Public Use Required; Other Acquisitions.

1-26-503. Public use required; other acquisitions.
(a) Nothing in this act requires that the power of eminent domain be exercised to acquire property. Whether property necessary for public use is to be acquired by purchase, other means or by eminent domain is a decision left to the discretion of the person authorized to acquire the property.
(b) Subject to any other statute relating to the acquisition of property, any person or public entity authorized to acquire property for a particular use by eminent domain may also acquire the property for the use by grant, purchase, lease, gift, devise, contract or other means.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-504 - Requirements to Exercise Eminent Domain.

1-26-504. Requirements to exercise eminent domain.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, the power of eminent domain may be exercised to acquire property for a proposed use only if all of the following are established:
(i) The public interest and necessity require the project or the use of eminent domain is authorized by the Wyoming Constitution;
(ii) The project is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; and
(iii) The property sought to be acquired is necessary for the project.
(b) Findings of the public service commission, the interstate commerce commission and other federal and state agencies with appropriate jurisdiction are prima facie valid relative to determinations under subsection (a) of this section if the findings were made in accordance with law with notice to condemnees who are parties to the condemnation action and are final with no appeals from the determinations pending.
(c) When a public entity determines that there is a reasonable probability of locating a particular public project on specifically identifiable private property and that the project is expected to be completed within two (2) years of that determination, the public entity shall provide written notice of the intention to consider the location and construction of the project to the owner as shown on the records of the county assessor. The notice shall include a description of the public interest and necessity of the proposed project. The public entity shall provide an opportunity for the private property owners to consult and confer with representatives of the public entity regarding the project.
(d) A condemnor shall prove each requirement of subsection (a) of this section by a preponderance of the evidence. Failure of the condemnor to prove any requirement of subsection (a) of this section shall result in dismissal of the condemnation action without prejudice.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-505 - Condemnation of Property Devoted to a Public Use.

1-26-505. Condemnation of property devoted to a public use.
(a) If a proposed use cannot be obtained under W.S. 1-26-813, any condemnor may exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire property appropriated to public use if the proposed use will not unreasonably interfere with or impair the continuance of the public use as it then exists or may reasonably be expected to exist in the future. The burden of proving that a proposed use will not unreasonably interfere with or impair the continuance of the existing public use is on the prospective condemnor.
(b) Where property is taken under subsection (a) of this section, the parties shall attempt to make an agreement determining the conditions upon which the property is taken and the manner and extent of its use by each of the parties. Except as otherwise provided by law, if the parties are unable to agree, the court shall fix the terms and conditions upon which the property is taken and the manner and extent of its use by each of the parties.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-506 - Entry Prior to Condemnation Action.

1-26-506. Entry prior to condemnation action.
(a) A condemnor and its agents and employees may enter upon real property and make surveys, examinations, photographs, tests, soundings, borings and samplings, or engage in other activities for the purpose of appraising the property or determining whether it is suitable and within the power of the condemnor to condemn if the entry is:
(i) Preceded by prior notice to the condemnee specifying the particular activity to be undertaken and the proposed use and potential recipient of the data thereby obtained and the condemnee has been given fifteen (15) days to grant written authorization;
(ii) Undertaken during reasonable hours, normally during daylight;
(iii) Accomplished peaceably and without inflicting substantial injury to land, crops, improvements, livestock or current business operations.
(b) The entry and activities authorized by this section do not constitute a trespass.
(c) The condemnor is liable under W.S. 1-26-508 for damages resulting from activities authorized by this section.
(d) Subject to applicable confidentiality restrictions under federal or state law, the results of survey information acquired from the property sought related to threatened and endangered species, cultural resources and archeological resources shall be made available to the condemnee upon request.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-507 - Entry Prior to Condemnation Action; Court Orders.

1-26-507. Entry prior to condemnation action; court orders.
(a) If reasonable efforts to accomplish a lawful entry or to perform authorized activities upon real property under W.S. 1-26-506 have been obstructed or denied the condemnor may apply to the district court for an order permitting entry.
(b) Unless after notice and hearing good cause to the contrary is shown, the court shall make its order permitting and describing the purpose of the entry and setting forth the nature and scope of activities the court determines are reasonably necessary and authorized to be made upon the property. In addition to requiring a deposit under subsection (c) of this section, the order shall include terms and conditions with respect to the time, place and manner of entry and authorized activities upon the property which will facilitate the purpose of the entry and minimize damage, hardship and burden to the parties.
(c) An order permitting entry under subsection (b) of this section shall include a determination by the court of the amount, if any, that will fairly compensate the owner or any other person in lawful possession or physical occupancy of the property for damages for physical injury to the property and for substantial interference with its possession or use, found likely to be caused by the entry and activities authorized by the order and shall require the condemnor to deposit cash or other security with the court before entry. The clerk of court shall invest any cash deposit in any legal interest bearing investment and the interest earnings shall accrue to the account of the condemnor. Unless sooner disbursed by court order, the cash or other security shall be retained on deposit for six (6) months following termination of the entry. The court for good cause may extend the period of retention.
(d) After notice and hearing the court may modify an order under subsection (c) of this section. If a deposit is required or the amount required to be deposited is increased by an order of modification, the court shall specify the time within which the required amount must be deposited and may direct that any further entry or specified activities or studies under the order modified be stayed until the required deposit has been made.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-508 - Entry Prior to Condemnation Action; Damages.

1-26-508. Entry prior to condemnation action; damages.
(a) A condemnor is liable for physical injury to, and for substantial interference with possession or use of, property caused by his entry and activities upon the property. This liability may be enforced in a civil action against the condemnor or by application to the court as provided by subsection (c) of this section unless voluntarily paid by the condemnor.
(b) In an action or other proceeding for recovery of damages under this section, the prevailing party shall be allowed his costs. In addition, the court shall award the condemnee his litigation expenses incurred in any proceeding under W.S. 1-26-507 if it finds that the condemnor:
(i) Entered the property unlawfully;
(ii) Entered upon the property lawfully but thereafter engaged in activities upon the property which caused significant damage to the property not reasonably necessary to the purposes of the entry; or
(iii) Failed substantially to comply with an order made under W.S. 1-26-507.
(c) If funds are on deposit under W.S. 1-26-507, the owner or other person entitled to damages under subsection (a) of this section may apply to the court for an award of the amount he is entitled to recover. The court shall determine the amount and award it to the person entitled thereto and direct that its payment be made out of the money on deposit. If the amount on deposit is insufficient to pay the full amount, the court shall enter judgment against the condemnor for the unpaid portion.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-510 - Preliminary Efforts to Purchase.

1-26-510. Preliminary efforts to purchase.
(a) Except as provided in W.S. 1-26-511, an action to condemn property may not be maintained over timely objection by the condemnee unless the condemnor made a good faith effort to acquire the property by purchase before commencing the action. A condemnee may not object to the good faith of the condemnor if the condemnee has failed to respond to an initial written offer as provided in W.S. 1-26-509(c)(iii)(E) and the condemnor has met the requirements of W.S. 1-26-509(c).
(b) Negotiations conducted in substantial compliance with W.S. 1-26-509(b) through (e) are prima facie evidence of "good faith" by the condemnor under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-511 - Purchase Efforts Waived or Excused.

1-26-511. Purchase efforts waived or excused.
(a) A condemnor's failure or inability substantially to comply with W.S. 1-26-509 and 1-26-510 does not bar the maintenance of a condemnation action, notwithstanding timely objection, if:
(i) Compliance is waived by written agreement between the property owner and the condemnor;
(ii) One (1) or more of the owners of the property is unknown, cannot with reasonable diligence be contacted, is incapable of contracting and has no legal representative, or owns an interest which cannot be acquired by contract; or
(iii) Due to an emergency affecting public health or safety, there is a compelling need to avoid the delay in commencing the action which compliance would require.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-512 - Contents of Authorization.

1-26-512. Contents of authorization.
(a) A public entity may not commence a condemnation action until it has first adopted a written resolution in substantial conformity with this section, authorizing commencement and prosecution of the action. The authorization may be amended or rescinded at any time before or after commencement of the condemnation action but if rescinded the public entity shall pay the litigation expenses of the condemnee.
(b) In addition to other requirements imposed by law, the condemnation authorization required by subsection (a) of this section shall include:
(i) A general statement of the proposed public use for which the property is to be taken and a reference to the specific statute that authorizes the taking of the property by the condemnor;
(ii) A description of the general location and extent of the property to be taken, with sufficient detail for reasonable identification; and
(iii) A declaration that a taking of the described property is necessary and appropriate for the proposed public use.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-513 - Deposit at Commencement of Action.

1-26-513. Deposit at commencement of action.
(a) At the time of commencing an eminent domain proceeding the condemnor shall deposit in court an amount equal to the condemnor's last offer of settlement prior to the action. Upon motion of the condemnee and following a hearing if the amount originally deposited is clearly inadequate, the court shall order the condemnor to make an additional deposit. The clerk of court shall invest the deposit in any legal interest bearing investment and interest earnings shall accrue to the account of the condemnor.
(b) The court may waive the requirement of a deposit for a public entity if the public entity is financially or legally unable to post the deposit but the public entity may not obtain possession of the property prior to judgment until the appropriate deposit is made.
(c) The condemnee may withdraw any portion of the deposit prior to final judgment which the court determines is not subject to claims of mortgagees and other claimants. The amount withdrawn constitutes a lien against the property of the condemnee and the condemnee is liable to the condemnor for any amount withdrawn which exceeds the final judgment in the action. If the condemnee withdraws any portion of the deposit prior to judgment, he waives all defenses to the action except the right to contest the amount to be awarded and the condemnor is entitled to immediate possession of the property subject to the court's determination of a reasonable period during which the condemnee can remove improvements and take other actions authorized by the court.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 1 - Code of Civil Procedure › Chapter 26 - Eminent Domain › Article 5 - Generally › Section 1-26-514 - Interest Taken; Due Compensation.

1-26-514. Interest taken; due compensation.
(a) In the case of public entities the court may grant an easement or fee simple title to the public entity if necessary for the purpose for which the land was condemned. In cases not involving public entities, following determination of due compensation the court shall enter an order granting an easement to the condemnor which shall not include any claim, interest or property in or to the underlying minerals or mineral estate except for subsurface support.
(b) The court in determining due compensation may authorize a lump-sum payment or an annual installment or amortization payment to continue throughout the term of the easement.