These rules govern the procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment pursuant to statute. Rules 38 and 39 govern a demand for a jury trial. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a declaratory judgment that is otherwise appropriate. The court may order a speedy hearing of a declaratory judgment action.
Rule 57.Declaratory judgment
Group VII: Judgment · Last amended March 1, 2017 · Last verified July 14, 2026
In one sentenceRule 57 folds declaratory judgment actions into ordinary civil procedure, preserves the right to demand a jury trial under Rules 38 and 39, confirms that having another remedy available does not block declaratory relief, and lets the court set an expedited hearing.
Full Text of Rule 57
Amendment History
Added February 2, 2017, effective March 1, 2017.
Plain-English Summary
A declaratory judgment lets a party get a binding ruling on rights or legal status without having to wait for a breach or a claim for damages to arise. Rule 57 makes clear that once such an action is filed, it proceeds under the same procedural rules as any other civil case — there is no separate track or special pleading regime just because the relief sought is declaratory rather than compensatory.
Two features set declaratory actions apart in practice. First, the fact that a party could have pursued some other remedy — an injunction, a damages claim, or otherwise — does not by itself prevent the court from issuing a declaratory judgment where one is otherwise appropriate. Second, because these cases often exist to resolve uncertainty quickly, the rule lets the court order a speedy hearing. The right to a jury trial is not lost because the case is framed as a declaratory action; Rules 38 and 39 still govern whether and how a party can demand one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a declaratory judgment action?
It is a lawsuit asking the court to declare the parties' rights, status, or legal relations, rather than to award damages or another traditional remedy. Rule 57 confirms that these actions run through the same civil procedure rules as any other case.
Do the normal rules of civil procedure apply to a declaratory judgment case?
Yes. Filing for declaratory relief does not create a separate procedural track; the ordinary rules governing pleadings, motions, discovery, and trial all apply.
Can I get a jury trial in a declaratory judgment case?
Yes, where a jury trial would otherwise be available. Rules 38 and 39 continue to govern the demand and scope of a jury trial in a declaratory judgment action.
Does having another available remedy stop me from seeking a declaratory judgment?
No. Rule 57 specifically says the existence of another adequate remedy does not prevent the court from granting declaratory relief when it is otherwise appropriate.
Can I ask the court to move faster on a declaratory judgment case?
Yes. Because these actions often exist to resolve uncertainty, the rule lets the court order a speedy hearing of the case.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Wyoming. Last verified July 14, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: declaratory judgment ruledeclaratory relief proceduredeclaratory judgment jury trialspeedy hearing declaratory actiondeclaratory judgment act procedure