Short answer

Yes — in most Wyoming probate administrations, proceeds from the sale of estate property can be used to pay reasonable estate expenses, including junk removal and personal-property cleanup, but only if you (the personal representative/executor) have authority to use estate funds, the expense is a proper administration expense, and you follow Wyoming probate procedures (notice to creditors, payment priority, recordkeeping, and, when required, court approval).

Disclaimer

This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a Wyoming probate attorney or the local probate court.

Detailed answer — how this works under Wyoming probate practice

1. Who controls estate property and sale proceeds?

Once someone dies, title to the decedent’s assets does not immediately pass free of the estate’s claims. If a will appoints a personal representative (called an executor in some places) or if the court appoints an administrator, that person has the duty to gather the estate’s assets, manage them, and pay valid debts and expenses of administration before distributing assets to beneficiaries. Sale proceeds from estate property are estate assets under the control of the personal representative and must be handled according to Wyoming probate procedures.

2. What expenses are “estate administration” expenses?

Estate administration expenses generally include costs reasonably necessary to preserve or prepare assets for sale or distribution. Typical examples:

Junk removal to clear a house or garage so the property can be marketed or sold.
Cleaning and hauling of personal property to prepare for estate sale or transfer.
Securing, winterizing, or minor repairs that preserve value while the estate is administered.

Expenses that are purely elective, extravagant, or benefit one beneficiary personally (rather than preserving estate value) may not be appropriate uses of estate funds.

3. Use of sale proceeds — order of operations

General rules you should follow:

Collect and deposit sale proceeds into the estate bank account. Do not mix estate funds with personal funds.
Pay valid funeral costs, administration expenses, and creditor claims in the order required by Wyoming law or by the court. Estate expenses like junk removal are usually paid as administration expenses.
Only after paying creditors and allowed expenses may the remaining funds be distributed to beneficiaries according to the will or Wyoming intestacy rules.

4. When do you need court approval?

Many routine, reasonable expenses can be paid by the personal representative without prior court approval. But obtain court approval in these situations:

If the will or court appointment limits the representative’s authority to sell property or spend funds.
If an expense is large, unusual, or contested by beneficiaries or creditors.
If you expect disputes over whether the expense benefits the estate.

When in doubt, file a petition with the probate court asking for instructions or for authorization to sell property and to use proceeds to cover cleanup expenses. Court approval protects the personal representative from later personal liability.

5. Practical documentation and process

Good practice reduces disputes and shows the expenses were reasonable:

Get multiple estimates for junk removal and cleanup when possible.
Keep invoices, contracts, photos, and before/after documentation.
Record all receipts and payments in an estate accounting ledger.
Provide beneficiaries with inventory and notice of major actions when required by the court or local rules.

6. Small estates and personal-property-only situations

If the estate is small and qualifies for Wyoming’s simplified or small-estate procedures, the rules about selling property and using proceeds still apply, but the administrative burden is lower. Even so, make sure you follow the statutory small-estate process so you don’t expose yourself to claims.

7. What if a beneficiary objects?

If a beneficiary claims you should not have spent sale proceeds on cleanup or alleges the expense was excessive, they can ask the probate court to review the transaction. If you obtained court approval or you can show the expense was reasonable, you are likely protected. If not, the court could order reimbursing the estate or reduce the representative’s compensation.

8. When to consult a Wyoming probate attorney

Talk to a probate lawyer if:

You anticipate disputes with beneficiaries or creditors.
The will or court order provides limited authority to sell assets or spend funds.
Cleanup or removal costs are large relative to estate value.
You need help filing petitions or handling notice and accounting requirements.

Resources

For local statutes, probate forms, and court procedures, check the Wyoming Legislature and Wyoming judicial branch pages:

Wyoming Legislature: https://wyoleg.gov/
Wyoming Judicial Branch (court & probate information): https://www.courts.state.wy.us/

Helpful Hints

Open a separate estate bank account immediately and deposit all sale proceeds there.
Keep a running inventory of estate property and sale records; include buyer names, amounts, and dates.
Document why cleanup or junk removal is necessary (safety, preserving value, preparing for sale).
Obtain at least two written estimates for significant cleanup costs before hiring services.
Provide informal notice to beneficiaries of major sales or expenses; consider getting written waivers if beneficiaries agree.
If you expect objections, petition the court for authority before spending sale proceeds.
Pay priority claims first (funeral, taxes, secured debts) before distributing leftover funds.
Retain all receipts and keep copies for the estate accounting and final distribution report.

Following these steps will reduce conflict and help ensure estate sale proceeds are used appropriately to cover necessary junk removal and cleanup costs during administration in Wyoming.