What Happens to Debt When You Die in Utah?
In Utah, creditors have 3 monthsUtah Code § 75-3-801Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
The creditor claim period of 3 monthsUtah Code §§ 75-3-801, 75-3-803, 75-3-805, 75-3-806Verified Oct 19, 2026View source runs from the first publication of the creditor notice, which follows the executor's appointment. Distributing assets before the period has run can leave the executor personally liable for a claim that arrives later.
Utah does not require publicationUtah Code §§ 75-3-801, 75-3-803, 75-3-805, 75-3-806Verified Oct 19, 2026View source, but publishing the notice is what starts the 3 monthsUtah Code §§ 75-3-801, 75-3-803, 75-3-805, 75-3-806Verified Oct 19, 2026View source claim period. Without it, claims are cut off only by the state's longer absolute bar.
Utah does not require direct notice to known creditorsUtah Code §§ 75-3-801, 75-3-803, 75-3-805, 75-3-806Verified Oct 19, 2026View source, though sending it can start a shorter deadline for that creditor.
In Utah, estate debts are paid in this order: Reasonable funeral expenses; Costs and expenses of administration; Debts and taxes with preference under federal lawUtah Code § 75-3-805(1)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source, then the remaining classes. If the estate is insolvent, a class is paid in full before the next receives anything, and claims within a class share proportionally. The Utah insolvent estate calculator walks the order against the assets.
Yes. Every claim in Utah is barred 12 monthsUtah Code §§ 75-3-801, 75-3-803, 75-3-805, 75-3-806Verified Oct 19, 2026View source after the date of death, whether or not notice was given. The bar is the final cutoff even where the executor never published or mailed a notice.
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Forms for Settling an Estate in Utah
Free forms for settling an estate in Utah: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Notice to Creditors
In Utah, creditors have 3 monthsUtah Code § 75-3-801Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Utah, the Small Estate AffidavitUtah Code § 75-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates valued at $100,000Utah Code § 75-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 30 daysUtah Code § 75-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Utah, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysUtah Code §§ 75-3-705, 75-3-706, 75-3-707Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Utah, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsUtah Code §§ 75-3-1003(2), 75-3-1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Utah
Free tools for settling an estate in Utah: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Utah pays executors reasonable compensationUtah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 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 the estate.
Can I Self-File Probate?
Utah has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is availableUtah Code § 75-3-301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In Utah, the Utah District Court appoints the personal representative and the District court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableUtah Code § 75-3-301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Utah pays the claims in 6Utah Code § 75-3-805(1)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with reasonable funeral expenses.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Utah costs an estimated $27,719Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 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 under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Hire an Utah Probate Attorney
Browse 50 probate firms in Utah with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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Utah Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Utah probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.