Probate in Garfield 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 Garfield 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
Garfield County · 6th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
County clerk manages district court staff and facilities due to low case volume.
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 Garfield County, probate runs through the District Court at 55 South Main Street, Panguitch. The court sits in the 6th Judicial District. The same 6th Judicial District also serves Kane, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier and Wayne.
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 Garfield 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 55 South Main Street, Panguitch. The court is part of the 6th Judicial District.
Garfield 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 Garfield 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 6th 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 Garfield 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. Garfield County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Garfield 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 Garfield County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by County Recorder Brayton Talbot, at 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, UT 84759. Phone: 435-676-1110. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 77, Panguitch, UT 84759-0077.
The County Recorder charges $45 flat, regardless of page count.
Garfield County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Garfield County · County Recorder · Brayton Talbot
Address
Phone
Fax
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 Garfield 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 Garfield 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.
FirmCedar City, UT
Full-service estate planning and probate firm with over 50 years of combined experience. Cedar City office opened through partnership with W. Kent Corry, who has served Southern Utah for over 40 years.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawGuardianshipand 3 more
FirmCedar City, UT
Cedar City firm serving Iron, Washington, Beaver, Garfield, and Kane counties since 1998. Handles estate planning and probate alongside business formation and real estate transactions. Two attorneys, Justin W. Wayment and Christian Jones.
PracticesEstate PlanningBusiness LawReal EstateTrustsWills
FirmSt. George, UT
Boutique St. George estate planning firm serving Washington County and southern Utah, with a second office in Scottsdale, AZ. Handles revocable living trusts, probate, trust administration, and estate settlement, plus special needs trusts and asset protection trusts. Founder Ben E. Connor has practiced estate planning for 29+ years and is a longtime WealthCounsel member.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateSpecial Needs PlanningAsset Protectionand 3 more
FirmSt. George, UT
St. George firm serving Southern Utah families with estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Handles Medicaid and special-needs planning, asset protection, and estate/trust litigation, with 95+ years of combined staff experience.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 5 more
FirmSt. George, UT
Offering legal guidance since 1986, one of the largest locally owned firms in Southern Utah with locations in St. George, Cedar City, and Kanab.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawReal Estate
FirmSt. George, UT
St. George firm in the historic district serving Southern Utah families and business owners. Founded by Wesley Winsor in 2013 (formerly Wes Winsor Law); practices estate planning, probate and estate administration, and business law. Member of the Southern Utah Estate Planning Council; Spanish and Portuguese spoken.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateBusiness Lawand 3 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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Step-by-step tools for families in Garfield County, Utah.
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