What to Do When Someone Dies in Washington County, Utah
Probate in Washington 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 Washington 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
Washington County · 5th Judicial District
Address
206 West Tabernacle, Suite 100St. George, UT 84770
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneysSelf-filing allowed
Recording requests: stgcopies@utcourts.gov.
Verified July 5, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Washington 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 Washington County, probate runs through the District Court at 206 West Tabernacle, Suite 100, St. George. The court sits in the 5th Judicial District. The same 5th Judicial District also serves Beaver and Iron.
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 Washington County
What probate costs in Washington 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 206 West Tabernacle, Suite 100, St. George. The court is part of the 5th Judicial District.
Local procedures at this court: Audio recording requests via email. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Washington 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 Washington 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 5th Judicial District.
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 Washington 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. Washington County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Washington County Self-Filing Assessment.
Washington County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Records Access
Audio recording requests via email
Requests for copies of audio court recordings should be sent to stgcopies@utcourts.gov.
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 Washington 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
Washington County
Address
111 East Tabernacle StreetSt. George, UT 84770
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
E-recording
Available
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $45 |
$45 per document as of May 6, 2026: the $40 statutory base (Utah Code 17-71-407(3)(a)(i)) plus the $5 surcharge that counties of the second through sixth class shall charge under 17-71-407(3)(b), enacted by H.B. 38 (2026 General Session). 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 (formerly 17-21-18.5)
Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Washington County
Utah allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Washington 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 Washington 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.
St. George & Southwest Utah Firms
Barney McKenna & Olmstead, P.C.
FirmSt. George estate and probate firm serving Southern Utah's Fifth District region, with appointment offices in Hurricane, Cedar City, Panguitch, Richfield, and Mesquite, Nevada. Handles probate, trust and estate administration, small estate affidavits, will contests, and estate/trust litigation for personal representatives, trustees, and heirs. Licensed in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.
Location
43 South 100 East, Suite 300St. George, UT 84770
Phone
(435) 628-1711
Established
1999
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsProbatePowers Of AttorneySpecial Needs PlanningTrust Administration
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Brindley Sullivan
FirmSt. George estate planning firm where partner M. Sean Sullivan focuses exclusively on estate planning, probate, and asset protection. Provides depth of estate planning specialization in the growing Southern Utah market.
Location
50 E 100 S, Suite 302St. George, UT 84770
Phone
(435) 673-9220
Established
2004
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningProbateAsset ProtectionTrustsWillsBusiness Succession PlanningGuardianshipConservatorshipCharitable Giving
Free consultationVisit site
Grant Morris Dodds
FirmFull-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.
Location
415 N Main St, Suite 102ACedar City, UT 84721
Phone
(435) 447-4011
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningProbateTrustsGuardianshipElder LawAsset ProtectionBusiness Succession Planning
Free consultationVisit site
Wayment & Jones Law
FirmCedar City firm serving Iron, Washington, Beaver, Garfield, and Kane counties since 1998. Handles estate planning and probate alongside business formation and real estate transactions. Founded by partners Tom Wayment and Dallas Jones.
Location
51 East 400 North, Suite 1Cedar City, UT 84721
Phone
(435) 586-3300
Established
1998
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsBusiness LawReal Estate
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Connor Law Firm, PLC
FirmBoutique 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.
Location
20 N Main St, Suite 301St. George, UT 84770
Phone
(435) 359-1414
Estate PlanningTrustsLiving TrustsWillsProbateSpecial Needs PlanningAsset Protection
Free consultationVisit site
ProvenLaw
FirmSt. 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.
Location
216 W. St. George Blvd., Suite 200St. George, UT 84770
Phone
(435) 688-9231
Estate PlanningMedicaid PlanningSpecial Needs PlanningAsset ProtectionProbateTrust AdministrationTax PlanningElder LawBusiness Succession Planning
Free consultationVisit site
Snow Jensen & Reece, P.C.
FirmOffering legal guidance since 1986, one of the largest locally owned firms in Southern Utah with locations in St. George, Cedar City, and Kanab.
Location
912 West 1600 South, Suite B200St. George, UT 84770
Phone
(435) 628-3688
Established
1986
Estate PlanningProbateBusiness LawReal Estate
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Wealth & Estate Law Group
FirmSt. 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.
Location
217 West Tabernacle StreetSt. George, UT 84770
Phone
(435) 673-5009
Estate PlanningTrustsWillsProbateHealthcare DirectivesTrust AdministrationBusiness Law
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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
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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
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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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County probate.
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