For most San Juan County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a San Juan County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the District Court. The two tools that keep a San Juan County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Recorder, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, San Juan County property passes through the District Court — even simple Utah probates run 4+ months and start with $375 in filing fees.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives San Juan County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Recorder during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.
Before recording, an Utah transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentUtah Code 75-6-401 to 75-6-419Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathUtah Code 75-6-401 to 75-6-419Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Deeds and other real property documents for San Juan County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by County Recorder Cindi Holyoak, at 117 South Main Street, Room 103, Monticello, UT 84535. Phone: 435-587-3228. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 789, Monticello, UT 84535.
The County Recorder charges $45 flat, regardless of page count. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in San Juan County comes to $45.
San Juan County accepts electronic recording.
Recording Office Record
San Juan County · County Recorder · Cindi Holyoak
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
FirmMonticello, UT
The only law firm physically located in Monticello. General practice firm with estate planning as a core service area.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawWills
Solo PracticeBlanding, UT
Long-established attorney in Blanding with 46+ years of experience providing estate planning services including wills, trusts, and estate tax planning to San Juan County residents.
PracticesEstate PlanningTax PlanningTrustsWills
FirmMoab, UT
Estate planning firm in Moab with 20+ years serving Grand and San Juan counties. Attorney Autumn Fitzgerald has been practicing since 2003 in trusts, estates, wills, and probate matters.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateFamily Law
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
FirmSalt Lake City, UT
Salt 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).
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 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.
Estate planning articles for Utah.
Forms and tools for property owners in San Juan County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Utah.
