Where do I file for probate in Salt Lake County, UT?

Probate petitions for estates in Salt Lake County are filed at the Salt Lake County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Salt Lake County?

Probate filing fees in Salt Lake County, Utah vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Salt Lake County?

While not always legally required in Utah, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Utah, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Salt Lake County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Salt Lake County Probate Court, Utah

Q: How long does probate take in Utah?

Probate in Utah typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Court Location & Contact

Address

450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84114

Phone

801-238-7164

Email

slccopy@utcourts.gov

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Salt Lake County, Utah

Fee Type	Amount
Petition for Probate	$435

Judges & Officers

JN

Judge Name

Required Forms

Utah District Court Cover Sheet for Probate Actions

Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative

Statement of Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative

Acceptance of Appointment as Personal Representative

Letters Testamentary

Application for Informal Probate When there is No Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative

Statement of Informal Probate When there is No Will and Appointment of Personal Representative

Letters of Administration

Announcement of Appointment and Notice to Creditors

Certificate of Service - Probate Cases

Objection to Appointment of Personal Representative and Request for Hearing

Renunciation or Nomination

Waiver of Notice

Affidavit for Collecting Personal Property in a Small Estate Proceeding

Department of Motor Vehicles Survivorship Affidavit (vehicle)

Probate Cover Sheet

Renunciation Affidavit (Form 1004ESF)

Waiver of Notice (Form 1003ES)

Acceptance of Appointment (Form 1008ES)

Announcement and Notice to Creditors (Form 1011ES)

Estate Inventory

Estate Accounting

Application for Probate (Form 1002ES)

Statement of Informal Probate (Form 1007ESF)

Letters Testamentary (Form 1010ESF)

Application for Probate without a Will (Form 1001ES)

Statement of Informal Probate without a Will (Form 1006ESF)

Letters of Administration (Form 1009ESF)

Probate Guide

Probate in Salt Lake County, Utah

The Salt Lake County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Salt Lake County, UT, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Utah, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Utah?

Probate is generally required when:

The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
The estate contains assets above Utah's small estate threshold
There are disputes among heirs or creditors
Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Salt Lake County

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the Salt Lake County Probate Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Utah law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Utah, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Utah does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Salt Lake County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Salt Lake County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The probate court operates as a division of the Third District Court in Salt Lake County. Probate records can be accessed online through the Xchange Public Database or the Digital Archives. The Xchange database requires a subscription fee, while the Digital Archives are free.

Salt Lake County