How Probate Works in Utah
Utah follows the Uniform Probate Code, and its efficient path for most uncontested estates is informal probate rather than a dollar-gated "simplified" tier — the real dollar threshold in Utah is the small-estate affidavit, which skips court entirely.
Probate court
District Court
Typical timeframe
6–9 months typical for informal probate; the affidavit route can close in as little as 30 days
Small-estate affidavit limit
$100,000
Simplified probate limit
No flat dollar limit — see below
Creditor claim deadline
90 days
Community property state
No
Does Utah require probate?
Probate is required for solely-titled assets above the small-estate threshold. Utah has no separate dollar-gated "simplified probate" distinct from the affidavit below — its efficiency lever is informal probate, available for any uncontested estate regardless of size.
How to avoid full probate in Utah
- Small-estate affidavit — the entire estate, less liens, up to $100,000, available 30 days after death, presented directly to whoever holds the asset. Not filed with the court at all. Up to four vehicles, boats, or trailers are excluded from the calculation and handled through a separate DMV affidavit instead.
- No pending or granted personal representative application anywhere is required. Real property cannot be transferred this way.
The probate process in Utah
Probate runs through the District Court. Informal probate, available for uncontested estates regardless of value, lets a registrar approve the appointment without a hearing.
Creditor claims in Utah
If the personal representative chooses to publish notice, creditors have 3 months from first publication to present a claim, or 90 days from published notice / 60 days from direct mailed notice (whichever is later) for individually-notified creditors — both hard bars. Even with no notice published at all, an absolute outer limit bars any claim 1 year after the date of death.
Let Estate Assist handle the rest
Estate Assist reads the estate's documents, builds a personalized checklist, and drafts the letters you need — so you're not piecing this together alone.
Start your free action plan →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Utah?
Not legally required, especially for informal, uncontested probate, though many executors use one once real estate or disputes are involved.
What happens if there's no will?
Utah's intestacy statute controls distribution, and the court appoints a personal representative under the informal probate process if uncontested.
My dad's estate is worth $95,000 with no house — can I skip the district court entirely?
Yes — if 30 days have passed since death and no probate application is pending anywhere, you can use the small-estate affidavit directly with the banks or institutions holding his assets, with no court filing required.
Related guides
Probate in other states
Utah figures checked against Utah Code §75-3-1201 (Official) on July 23, 2026. Probate rules, thresholds, and deadlines change and are frequently adjusted for inflation; confirm current figures before relying on them. Estate Assist provides general information, not legal, financial, or tax advice.