Question 1

How much does probate cost in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Probate costs in Utah typically include attorney fees (based on reasonable compensation determined by the court), executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $29,194 — roughly 6% of estate value — varying with complexity. Use the executor fee calculator to estimate executor compensation separately.

Utah allows estates valued at $100,000 or less to use the Small Estate Affidavit, which avoids full probate administration. The Small Estate Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. The waiting period is 30 days after death. Check eligibility with the Utah probate need checker.

In Utah, simple estates typically take 4-6 months. Average estates take 6-12 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets can take 12-24 months or longer. The 3-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

Yes — the calculator above estimates Utah probate attorney fees from the estate value. Utah uses a "reasonable compensation" standard, so fees depend on estate complexity, time spent, and local rates. Typical fees run 2.2% to 3.5% of estate value. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.

Utah allows executors to receive reasonable compensation. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Utah executor fee calculator.

Real property cannot be transferred through this procedure in Utah — an estate that includes real estate uses a separate process.

Question 2

Can I skip probate for a small estate in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Utah allows estates valued at $100,000 or less to use the Small Estate Affidavit, which avoids full probate administration (Utah Code § 75-1-110 (CPI cost-of-living adjustments), § 75-3-718 (compensation), § 75-3-1201 (small estate affidavit; amended 2025 Ch.123 eff. 5/7/2025), § 75-3-1203 (summary admin formula), § 75-3-801 (notice to creditors / 3-month claim bar), § 75-3-603 (bond), § 75-3-301 (informal probate), § 75-3-501 (unsupervised admin), § 75-3-705 (inventory), § 75-2-402 (homestead allowance — 2026 CPI: $33,700; base $22,500), § 75-2-403 (exempt property — 2026 CPI: $22,500; base $15,000), § 75-2-404 (family allowance — reasonable amount), § 75-2-405 (PR family-allowance determination cap — 2026 CPI: $40,500 lump-sum / $2,250 per month; base $27,000 / $2,250), § 78A-2-301(1)(a)+(1)(r) (filing + accounting fees); le.utah.gov; utcourts.gov/en/about/miscellaneous/legal-community/price.html (Estate CPI table); utcourts.gov/en/self-help/categories/probate; utcourts.gov Filing/Record Fees (eff. 7/1/2023); re-verified 2026-05-27 against le.utah.gov and utcourts.gov primary sources). The Small Estate Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. The waiting period is 30 days after death.

Question 3

How long does probate take in Utah?

Accepted Answer

In Utah, simple estates typically take 4-6 months. Average estates take 6-12 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets can take 12-24 months or longer (Utah Code § 75-1-110 (CPI cost-of-living adjustments), § 75-3-718 (compensation), § 75-3-1201 (small estate affidavit; amended 2025 Ch.123 eff. 5/7/2025), § 75-3-1203 (summary admin formula), § 75-3-801 (notice to creditors / 3-month claim bar), § 75-3-603 (bond), § 75-3-301 (informal probate), § 75-3-501 (unsupervised admin), § 75-3-705 (inventory), § 75-2-402 (homestead allowance — 2026 CPI: $33,700; base $22,500), § 75-2-403 (exempt property — 2026 CPI: $22,500; base $15,000), § 75-2-404 (family allowance — reasonable amount), § 75-2-405 (PR family-allowance determination cap — 2026 CPI: $40,500 lump-sum / $2,250 per month; base $27,000 / $2,250), § 78A-2-301(1)(a)+(1)(r) (filing + accounting fees); le.utah.gov; utcourts.gov/en/about/miscellaneous/legal-community/price.html (Estate CPI table); utcourts.gov/en/self-help/categories/probate; utcourts.gov Filing/Record Fees (eff. 7/1/2023); re-verified 2026-05-27 against le.utah.gov and utcourts.gov primary sources). The 3-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

Question 4

Is there a probate attorney fee calculator for Utah?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the calculator above estimates Utah probate attorney fees from the estate value. Utah uses a "reasonable compensation" standard, so fees depend on estate complexity, time spent, and local rates (Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)). Typical fees run 2.2% to 3.5% of estate value. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.

Question 5

How much can an executor charge in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Utah allows executors to receive reasonable compensation (Utah Code § 75-3-718 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)). Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.

Question 6

Can I transfer real estate without probate in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Real property cannot be transferred through this procedure in Utah — an estate that includes real estate uses a separate process. (Utah Code § 75-1-110 (CPI cost-of-living adjustments), § 75-3-718 (compensation), § 75-3-1201 (small estate affidavit; amended 2025 Ch.123 eff. 5/7/2025), § 75-3-1203 (summary admin formula), § 75-3-801 (notice to creditors / 3-month claim bar), § 75-3-603 (bond), § 75-3-301 (informal probate), § 75-3-501 (unsupervised admin), § 75-3-705 (inventory), § 75-2-402 (homestead allowance — 2026 CPI: $33,700; base $22,500), § 75-2-403 (exempt property — 2026 CPI: $22,500; base $15,000), § 75-2-404 (family allowance — reasonable amount), § 75-2-405 (PR family-allowance determination cap — 2026 CPI: $40,500 lump-sum / $2,250 per month; base $27,000 / $2,250), § 78A-2-301(1)(a)+(1)(r) (filing + accounting fees); le.utah.gov; utcourts.gov/en/about/miscellaneous/legal-community/price.html (Estate CPI table); utcourts.gov/en/self-help/categories/probate; utcourts.gov Filing/Record Fees (eff. 7/1/2023); re-verified 2026-05-27 against le.utah.gov and utcourts.gov primary sources)