What to Do When Someone Dies in Salt Lake County, Utah
Probate in Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake 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
District Court
Salt Lake County · 3rd Judicial District
Address
450 S State StSalt Lake City, UT 84114
Phone
Fax
801-238-7088
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneysSelf-filing allowed
Departments
- Probate3rdslcprobate@utcourts.gov
- Civil/Domesticslccivdom@utcourts.gov
- New Case Filing3rdnewcase@utcourts.gov
- Accounting3rdslcacct@utcourts.gov
- Archivesarchiverequestslc@utcourts.gov
Located in Matheson Courthouse. Public parking garage closed Jan 2026; disability placard holders still accommodated. Alternative parking: nearby surface lots and metered street parking on 400 South. Probate department phone: 801-238-7164. Also has West Jordan location: 8080 S Redwood Rd, Suite 1701, West Jordan, UT 84088, phone 801-233-9700.
Verified July 5, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Salt Lake County
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 Salt Lake County, probate runs through the District Court at 450 S State St, Salt Lake City. The court sits in the 3rd Judicial District. Salt Lake County shares the 3rd Judicial District with Summit and Tooele.
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 monthsUtah Code § 75-1-110Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to 12 monthsUtah Code § 75-1-110Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to move through this process. The 3 monthsUtah Code § 75-3-801Verified Jul 14, 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 Salt Lake County
What probate costs in Salt Lake 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 450 S State St, Salt Lake City. The court is part of the 3rd Judicial District.
Probate matters are handled through Probate, Civil/Domestic, New Case Filing, and Accounting. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Local procedures at this court: Dedicated probate email for 3rd District Salt Lake; E-filing mandatory for attorneys; Probate filing fee is $375. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Salt Lake 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 Jul 14, 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 Jul 14, 2026View source to 3.5%Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 14, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation runs 2%Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to 4%Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 14, 2026View source of estate value, based on reasonable pay for time and effort. 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 monthsUtah Code § 75-1-110Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to 12 monthsUtah Code § 75-1-110Verified Jul 14, 2026View source, and costs accrue throughout. The 3 monthsUtah Code § 75-3-801Verified Jul 14, 2026View source creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
How to File Probate at the District Court
If you're handling probate yourself in Salt Lake 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 3rd Judicial District.
Filings here are routed through Probate, Civil/Domestic, New Case Filing, and Accounting. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Salt Lake County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
E-Filing Also Available
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 InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the District Court is realistic. Salt Lake County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Salt Lake County Self-Filing Assessment.
Salt Lake County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Dedicated probate email for 3rd District Salt Lake
Probate-specific filings and inquiries can be directed to 3rdslcprobate@utcourts.gov.
SourceE-filing mandatory for attorneys
Per UCJA Rule 4-503, all pleadings filed by attorneys in civil, probate, and domestic cases must be electronically filed. Self-represented parties are exempt. Contact efiling@utcourts.gov for account requests.
SourceWhat to Bring
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.
Transferring Property in Salt Lake County
Clearing title to real estate after a death—recording a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order—happens at the County Recorder.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Salt Lake County
Address
2001 South State Street, Suite N1-600Salt Lake City, UT 84190
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
E-recording
Available
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $40 |
$40 per document. The $5 surcharge added by H.B. 38 (2026) under Utah Code 17-71-407(3)(b) reaches only counties of the second through sixth class; Salt Lake County is a county of the first class (Utah Code 17-60-104(2)(a)), and Utah County publicly declined the increase. Flat fee per document — Utah has NO per-page recording fee, regardless of page count. If an instrument contains more than 10 descriptions, $2 for each additional description (Utah Code 17-71-407(3)(a)(ii)(B)). A county recorder may not charge more than one recording fee per instrument, regardless of multiple descriptive titles or attachments (17-71-407(6)). Utah imposes no state or local real estate transfer tax.
Utah Code 17-71-407(3)(a)(i) (formerly 17-21-18.5)
Largest county in Utah by population. Located in the Salt Lake County Government Center.
Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Salt Lake County
Utah allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Salt Lake 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 Jul 14, 2026View source to 3.5%Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 14, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Salt Lake 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.
Wasatch Front Firms
Able & Strong Law, Inc.
FirmBountiful firm combining estate planning with Social Security disability practice, providing families of disabled individuals a single firm for both disability benefits and special needs trust planning.
Location
380 N 200 W, #102Bountiful, UT 84010
Phone
(385) 438-8801
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsSpecial Needs PlanningPowers Of AttorneyHealthcare DirectivesGuardianshipConservatorshipProbateEstate Litigation
Free consultationVisit site
LeBaron & Jensen, P.C.
FirmPrimary Layton/Davis County firm with estate litigation capability. Fills a geographic gap in the Davis County corridor between Ogden and Salt Lake City.
Location
1241 North Main StreetLayton, UT 84041
Phone
(801) 773-9488
Established
2004
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsProbateEstate Litigation
Free consultationVisit site
Voyant Legal, PLLC
FirmEstate planning firm with offices in Farmington, American Fork, Ogden, and Park City serving families and small businesses across northern Utah. Over two decades of combined experience in Utah estate planning law. Hosts "Legacy Lawyers" podcast. Flat-fee billing.
Location
991 Shepard Lane, Suite 210Farmington, UT 84025
Phone
(801) 951-0500
Established
2012
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningElder LawTrust AdministrationProbateBusiness Succession PlanningAsset ProtectionSpecial Needs PlanningMedicaid PlanningGuardianshipConservatorship
Free consultationVisit site
Alder Law Group
FirmSalt Lake City estate planning firm serving Wasatch Front families from offices in Sugarhouse and Bountiful. Handles revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, probate, powers of attorney, special needs trusts, Medicaid and elder-law planning, gun trusts, and asset protection. Offers initial calls by phone or Zoom with at-home document signing available.
Location
2159 S 700 E, Suite 135Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Phone
(801) 463-2600
Estate PlanningTrustsWillsProbateGun TrustsAsset ProtectionMedicaid PlanningElder LawPowers Of AttorneyHealthcare DirectivesTrust Administration
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Hanks & Peterson, P.C.
FirmSalt Lake City firm in the historic Judge Building handling probate, will and trust administration, and estate disputes including marital-property and estate division. Drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives for individuals and families. Two attorneys are admitted before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Location
8 East Broadway, Suite 740Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone
(801) 363-0940
Established
2005
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsProbatePowers Of AttorneyHealthcare Directives
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Law Office of Penniann J. Schumann PLLC
FirmSalt Lake City estate planning practice serving individuals and families across Utah. Handles wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts (including special needs and charitable trusts), powers of attorney, advance health care directives, trust and estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships. Attorney Penniann Schumann previously administered trusts as a national-bank trust officer.
Location
2150 S 1300 E, #500Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Phone
(801) 839-4891
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawProbateTrustsWillsPowers Of AttorneyHealthcare DirectivesAsset ProtectionGuardianshipConservatorshipBusiness Succession Planning
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Lewis Hansen
FirmSalt Lake City boutique firm (founded 1976) with an estate planning, probate, and elder law practice. Handles trust and estate administration, special needs planning, guardianships, and charitable giving. Brings NYU-trained tax expertise and 40+ years of experience in trusts, business law, and charitable giving.
Location
230 South 500 East, Suite 380Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Phone
(801) 746-6300
Established
1976
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationTax PlanningElder LawSpecial Needs PlanningGuardianshipBusiness Law
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Nelson, Taylor & Associates, PLLC
FirmExtensive knowledge of Utah probate law with representation of numerous clients since 2004. Over 25 years combined experience in elder law and estate planning. Serves Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Weber, Summit, and Tooele Counties.
Location
34 South 500 East, Suite 105Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Phone
(801) 901-7046
Established
2004
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationElder Law
Free consultationVisit site
Parr Brown Gee & Loveless
FirmSalt Lake City firm (founded 1975) handling probate, estate, and trust matters across the Intermountain West. Its estate and trust attorneys litigate formal and informal probate, trust and estate disputes, and contested matters for personal representatives, trustees, beneficiaries, heirs, and devisees.
Location
101 South 200 East, Suite 700Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone
(801) 532-7840
Established
1975
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationEstate LitigationGuardianshipTax Planning
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Paul J. Barton, Attorney at Law
Solo PracticeSolo practitioner with more than 40 years of experience handling estate planning, probate, and business formation matters in Salt Lake City.
Location
699 E South Temple, Suite 105Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Phone
(801) 322-2300
Established
1973
Estate PlanningProbateBusiness LawWillsTrustsTax Planning
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Froerer & Miles
FirmNorthern Utah law firm serving Ogden and Layton since 1959 with decades of estate planning knowledge. Takes time to understand client goals and create personalized estate plans.
Location
2661 Washington Blvd, Suite 201Ogden, UT 84401
Phone
(801) 621-2690
Established
1959
Estate PlanningProbateElder LawWillsTrustsHealthcare DirectivesPowers Of Attorney
Free consultationVisit site
Helgesen, Houtz & Jones
FirmSouth Ogden firm serving Weber County and the Wasatch Front in probate and estate administration, including complicated probate matters and the estate planning that helps families avoid it. Founded in 1982 by Jack Helgesen; Jack Helgesen and Michael Houtz have more than 50 years combined experience in Utah probate. Offices in South Ogden and Layton.
Location
5732 S 1475 E, Suite 200South Ogden, UT 84403
Phone
(801) 479-4777
Established
1982
Estate PlanningProbateElder LawTrustsRevocable Trusts
Free consultationVisit site
Pearson Butler
FirmSouth Jordan firm serving estate planning and probate clients across Utah, with 30+ attorneys. Handles wills, trusts, and probate administration, plus estate and beneficiary litigation including contested wills and trust disputes.
Location
1802 South Jordan Pkwy, Suite 200South Jordan, UT 84095
Phone
(800) 265-2314
Estate PlanningProbateWillsTrustsTax PlanningEstate Litigation
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Stephen J. Buhler, Attorney at Law
Solo PracticeSolo practitioner since 1998 providing estate planning and probate services to the greater Salt Lake Valley. Left a large law firm to offer clients personalized service and attention. 25+ years of experience.
Location
3540 S 4000 W, Suite 245West Valley City, UT 84120
Phone
(801) 964-6901
Estate PlanningProbateWillsTrustsGuardianship
Free consultationVisit site
York Howell & Guymon
FirmSouth Jordan boutique firm serving the Salt Lake Valley, focused on estate planning, asset protection, business structuring, and tax planning. Handles trusts, charitable giving, and trust and estate matters. Attorneys are licensed in eight states (UT, ID, AZ, AK, TX, WA, WY, CA) and the U.S. Tax Court.
Location
10610 S Jordan Gateway, Suite 200South Jordan, UT 84095
Phone
(801) 527-1040
Established
2013
Estate PlanningAsset ProtectionTax PlanningBusiness Succession PlanningTrustsCharitable GivingReal Estate
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Firms from Neighboring Regions
Gibson Law Firm, PLLC
FirmEstate planning and business law firm in the heart of Silicon Slopes serving Utah County families and business owners. Offers free consultations and services in English and Mandarin.
Location
3450 N Triumph Blvd, Suite 102Lehi, UT 84043
Phone
(877) 540-4416
Established
2011
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningElder LawWillsTrustsAsset ProtectionProbateGuardianshipConservatorshipBusiness LawMedicaid Planning
Free consultationVisit site
Law Offices of Merrilee A. Boyack
Solo PracticeLehi solo estate planning practice serving Utah families. Handles wills, trusts, powers of attorney, community property agreements, and estate administration. Attorney licensed in both Utah and California, though the practice accepts Utah clients only.
Location
2847 N 50 WLehi, UT 84043
Phone
(801) 558-4656
Service Area
2 counties
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsPowers Of AttorneyTrust Administration
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Morgan & Associates, Attorneys at Law
FirmLehi estate planning and elder law firm serving Utah families, with offices in Lehi and Santaquin and statewide travel. Handles wills, trusts, special needs planning, asset protection, elder abuse, and guardianship. One of the few Utah firms offering in-home meetings; Chris Morgan speaks Spanish and Bill Morgan is also a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
Location
211 E Main StreetLehi, UT 84043
Phone
(801) 874-5644
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateSpecial Needs PlanningElder Law
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Trusted Estate Planning Attorneys, PLLC
FirmBoutique estate planning firm serving Lehi and the Utah County area, with a second office in Las Vegas. Handles wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and probate, with flat pricing honored as quoted. Spanish-language service available.
Location
3387 W Mayflower Ave, Suite 220Lehi, UT 84048
Phone
(385) 993-3523
Established
1998
Service Area
4 counties
Estate PlanningAsset ProtectionTrustsProbateTrust AdministrationGuardianshipElder LawBusiness LawWillsPowers Of Attorney
Free consultationVisit site
Statewide Practices
Cutler | Riley Law
FirmDraper-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.
Location
11681 S 700 E, Suite 150Draper, UT 84020
Phone
(801) 823-0010
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsAsset ProtectionProbatePowers Of AttorneyHealthcare Directives
Free consultationVisit site
Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar, P.C.
FirmNearly 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.
Location
111 South Main Street, Suite 2400Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone
(801) 415-3000
Established
1991
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationEstate LitigationTax PlanningBusiness LawGuardianship
Visit site
Kirton McConkie
FirmSalt Lake City headquartered firm whose Tax and Estate Planning group serves clients across Utah and Idaho from five regional offices. Handles wealth transfer and trust planning for estates of all sizes, including blended-family and second-marriage planning and special needs beneficiary trusts. One of Utah's largest firms, with 160+ attorneys and Legal 500 recognition (2026).
Location
50 E South Temple, Suite 400Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone
(801) 328-3600
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationElder LawSpecial Needs PlanningTax PlanningGuardianshipConservatorship
Visit site
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.
Legal Sources
- Utah Code § 75-1-110
- Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- Utah Code § 75-3-801
- Utah Code § 78A-2-301(1)(a)
Data sourced from Utah statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the District Court in Salt Lake County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($375). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
Total probate costs on a $500,000 estate run about $29,194 statewide in Utah. For Salt Lake County, that means filing fees ($375 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
Yes. The District Court in Salt Lake County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Utah self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
A simple Utah probate typically closes in 4–6 months; average estates run 6–12 months. The mandatory creditor-claim period accounts for much of that, so even uncontested estates rarely close quickly.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Salt Lake County probate.
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