Informal Probate in Utah
Clear Guidance for Handling a Loved One’s Estate
After a death, knowing what to do next can be difficult—especially when a bank, title company, or other institution asks for court documents.
We help families with uncontested Utah probate matters, including the court paperwork needed to appoint a personal representative. You receive practical guidance and a clear explanation of the work and cost before moving forward.
$2,000 Flat Attorney Fee + Court Filing Fees
15–30 minutes · By phone or in person · No obligation
Is Informal Probate the Right Fit?
Informal probate allows the court to appoint someone to handle an estate, generally without a court hearing. That person is called the personal representative, also commonly known as the executor.
This process is generally appropriate when the interested parties are cooperating and there is no dispute requiring the court to resolve competing claims.
Our Practice Focuses on Uncontested Matters
We help with informal probate—not contested probate, will challenges, inheritance disputes, or litigation.
You do not need to know which process applies before contacting us. During your consultation, we will discuss the situation and whether it fits the services we provide.
Flat-Fee Informal Probate
$2,000 Attorney Fee
Plus Applicable Court Filing Fees
The flat fee includes preparing the necessary probate court paperwork from beginning to end, along with legal guidance and advice throughout the informal probate process.
Additional Services
The flat fee does not include preparing and recording property deeds or publishing notices to creditors in a newspaper. Those services are available for an additional fee when needed.
We will explain the anticipated work, identify any additional services, and discuss the costs before you proceed.
Do You Need Probate?
Probate may be needed when assets remain in a deceased person’s individual name and cannot be transferred through a beneficiary designation, survivorship arrangement, trust, or another applicable procedure.
Common questions include:
A home or other property is still titled in a deceased family member’s name.
A bank or financial institution requires proof of court appointment before releasing an account.
The family needs someone with legal authority to handle the estate.
The answer depends on the assets, their ownership, and the available transfer procedures—not simply whether the person had a will.
A Smaller Estate May Have Another Option
Some estates qualify for a small-estate affidavit that allows certain personal property, such as a bank account, to be collected without opening a probate case. This affidavit cannot transfer title to real estate.
We can discuss whether probate is needed or a simpler procedure may apply.
How We Help
1. Understand What Needs to Be Done
Start with a free consultation. Tell us about the person who died, the property or accounts involved, and any instructions you have received from a bank, title company, or other institution.
We will discuss the appropriate next step and whether your matter qualifies for our informal probate service.
2. Prepare the Court Paperwork
We prepare and submit the documents needed to request appointment of a personal representative.
If the court approves the appointment, it issues documents commonly called Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. These establish the appointed person’s authority to act for the estate.
3. Guide the Personal Representative
The personal representative handles the estate’s administration, including identifying assets, addressing debts and expenses, and keeping appropriate records.
We provide guidance on the legal requirements and next steps. Our role is to help you carry out your responsibilities—not leave you to interpret the court paperwork alone.
4. Address Distribution and Closing
We help you understand when the estate is ready for distributions and the applicable closing steps.
Closing follows administration; it is not a substitute for resolving the estate’s obligations or distributing its assets appropriately.
Support During a Difficult Time
“Justin has been wonderful to work with! Very knowledgeable & has helped us through a very rough time! I would for sure refer him to anyone who needs probate help!”
— Andrea G.
Questions About Utah Informal Probate
Can you help if there is no will?
Yes. Informal probate may be available whether or not the person left a will. Without a will, Utah law determines who inherits.
Does having a will avoid probate?
A will does not, by itself, avoid probate. It provides instructions for the assets governed by it.
Whether a court proceeding is needed depends on the assets and the available transfer procedures. Some assets pass outside probate, and some estates qualify for a small-estate alternative.
Will I need to attend a court hearing?
Usually not. Informal probate generally proceeds through court filings rather than a hearing. Additional proceedings may be necessary if an objection or another issue arises.
Our services are limited to uncontested informal probate. We do not handle disputed proceedings or litigation.
How long will the process take?
Getting someone appointed and completing the estate’s administration are separate steps.
Appointment timing depends on the court’s review and any required notices. Completing the estate also depends on the assets, creditor issues, taxes, and other administration requirements.
We will discuss the expected timing for your situation rather than promise a completion date before understanding the estate.
What is my role as personal representative?
You are responsible for handling the estate—not merely signing the application.
That includes gathering information about assets, maintaining records, addressing the estate’s obligations, and making appropriate distributions. We help you understand those responsibilities and the legal steps involved.
What should I have available for the consultation?
Start with the date of death, where the person lived, and a general description of the property or accounts involved.
Have any will, trust, death certificate, existing court documents, or written requests from a bank or title company available. Tell us about any known disagreements or deadlines at the outset.
You do not need a completed estate inventory simply to begin the conversation.
What happens if a disagreement arises?
Let us know promptly. A disagreement about the will, appointment, inheritance, or another estate issue may require a different process and an attorney who handles contested matters.
Our firm does not represent clients in probate litigation. We will discuss whether the matter remains within the services we provide.
Find Out What Your Family Needs to Do Next
You do not need to understand every probate requirement before asking for help.
Speak with an attorney about the estate, the documents you have, and the issue you need to resolve. We will explain whether informal probate is appropriate, what the work involves, and the anticipated cost.
By phone or in person · No obligation to hire us