For most Uintah 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 Uintah 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 Uintah 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.
Skipping this planning step means the District Court decides who receives the property: a simple Utah probate takes 4+ months and opens with $375 in court filing fees.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Uintah 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 Uintah County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by County Recorder Brenda McDonald, at 147 E Main Street, Vernal, UT 84078. Phone: 435-781-5398. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
The County Recorder charges $45 flat, regardless of page count. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $45 to record in Uintah County.
Uintah County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Uintah County · County Recorder · Brenda McDonald
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
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.
Estate planning articles for Utah.
Forms and tools for property owners in Uintah 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.
