Probate in Duchesne County runs through the District Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Duchesne County, settling their estate runs through the District Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Duchesne County · 8th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Also has a Roosevelt location: 255 S State, PO Box 1286, Roosevelt, UT 84066, phone 435-722-0235.
Verified July 5, 2026 · Source
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Duchesne, probate runs through the District Court at 21554 W 9000 S, Duchesne. The court sits in the 8th Judicial District. Duchesne County shares the 8th Judicial District with Daggett and Uintah.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Utah intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Utah estates take 6 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 3 monthsUtah Code § 75-3-801Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What probate costs in Duchesne County, Utah comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the District Court at 21554 W 9000 S, Duchesne. The court is part of the 8th Judicial District.
Duchesne County runs a probate self-help center (Monday - Friday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM), which is the single biggest cost-saver for families who can self-file. Staff can walk you through the paperwork and explain procedures, though they cannot give legal advice on your specific case. Call 888-683-0009.
Utah charges $375Utah Code § 78A-2-301(1)(a)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys filing at the District Court (https://www.utcourts.gov/en/legal-help/legal-help/procedures/filing/efiling/district.html). Self-represented filers can request a paper-filing exemption.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Utah are negotiated, typically 2.2%Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.5%Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Probate in Utah typically runs 6 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
If you're handling probate yourself in Duchesne County, Utah, you can file at the District Court in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the 8th Judicial District.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Duchesne County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationNot every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the District Court is realistic. Duchesne County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Duchesne County Self-Filing Assessment.
To file at the District Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Recorder.
Deeds and other real property documents for Duchesne County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by County Recorder Shelley Brennan, at 734 North Center Street, Duchesne, UT 84021. Phone: 435-738-1160. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 916, Duchesne, UT 84021.
The County Recorder charges $45 flat, regardless of page count.
Duchesne County accepts electronic recording.
Recording Office Record
Duchesne County · County Recorder · Shelley Brennan
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $45 |
Utah Code 17-71-407 (formerly 17-21-18.5)
Verified September 9, 2026 · Source
Utah allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Duchesne County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Utah are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2.2%Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.5%Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Duchesne County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the District Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
FirmRoosevelt, UT
The only law firm physically located in Roosevelt, serving Duchesne County residents who cannot easily travel to Vernal. Court records show involvement in probate proceedings.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate
Solo PracticeVernal, UT
Solo practitioner in Vernal serving the Uintah Basin (Eighth District Court). Handles estate planning, probate, and real estate matters alongside a general business practice. Licensed in Utah since 1981.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawReal EstateWills
FirmVernal, UT
The most established law firm in the Uintah Basin with estate planning services, founded in 1972. Attorney Gayle McKeachnie has been licensed for 55 years, serving Uintah, Duchesne, and Daggett counties.
PracticesEstate PlanningBusiness LawReal EstateTrusts
FirmVernal, UT
Multi-attorney firm in Vernal with estate planning as one of their practice areas, serving the Uintah Basin region. Formerly Sam, Reynolds & Van Oostendorp, P.C.
PracticesEstate PlanningLitigation
FirmDraper, UT
Draper-based firm (second office in Kaysville) focused exclusively on estate planning for Utah individuals and families. Drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, with asset protection planning and limited informal probate. Flat-fee pricing with a typical 7-10 day turnaround; recognized in the Best of SLC awards 2020-2025.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateAsset ProtectionHealthcare Directivesand 3 more
FirmSalt Lake City, UT
Nearly 100-attorney firm combined with Dentons, the world's largest law firm. Dedicated estate planning and probate team with offices in Salt Lake City, Lehi, Ogden, and St. George providing statewide coverage.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 4 more
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Utah statutes and official state code. How we research.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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