2019 Wyoming Statutes
Title 14 - Children
Chapter 1 - General Provisions
Article 1 - In General
Section 14-1-102 - Right to Contract.

14-1-102. Right to contract.

(a) An unemancipated minor may obtain a birth certificate from the department of health and may enter into a legally binding contract for housing, employment, purchase of a motor vehicle, receipt of a student loan, admission to postsecondary school, establishing a bank account, admission to a domestic violence or homeless shelter and receipt of services as a homeless youth or victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse, provided that the minor:

(i) Meets all of the following:

(A) At least sixteen (16) years of age;

(B) Willingly living separate and apart from his parents who consent to or acquiesce in the separate living arrangement;

(C) Homeless;

(D) Managing his own financial affairs.

(ii) Submits a notarized affidavit in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.

(b) A notarized affidavit required under this section shall be:

(i) Signed and sworn to by the minor which includes all of the following:

(A) The minor's full name;

(B) The minor's birth date;

(C) A statement by the minor verifying the conditions listed in paragraph (a)(i) of this section;

(D) A statement by the minor declaring that the information provided is true and correct under penalty of perjury.

(ii) Witnessed by two (2) or more adults. The acknowledgment by each adult witnessing the affidavit shall include a declaration that he is an attorney, health care provider, rabbi, priest, minister, clergy or other religious counselor or a college or school administrator or counselor and that to the best of his knowledge the minor signed the affidavit willingly and understands the nature and legal implications of the contract, if applicable. The affidavit shall require a rabbi, priest, minister, clergy or other religious counselor who witnesses an affidavit to verify under penalty of false swearing under W.S. 6-5-303 that the witness has not been convicted of a felony in this state or another jurisdiction. An adult witnessing an affidavit pursuant to this paragraph shall not assume any legal responsibility or liability under a contract entered into pursuant to this section.

(c) A person that in good faith accepts an affidavit purportedly signed and sworn to in accordance with this section and who is without actual knowledge that the affidavit is fraudulent or otherwise invalid may rely upon the affidavit as if it were genuine and may enter into a contract that is legally binding upon the minor as provided under subsection (a) of this section.

(d) For purposes of this section, "homeless" means as that term is defined in 42 U.S.C. section 11434a(2).