AVOID COURT AND CONFLICT…

If you are here to learn about Utah probate after the passing of a loved one, I first want to say that I am very sorry for your loss.  I hope that the information you find on this page will simplify any legal and administrative headaches you might otherwise face during such a difficult time.

With that said, probate in Utah is a court-supervised procedure that helps to ensure the legal transfer of assets from the deceased to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.  Probate in Utah is also necessary to:

●        Prove the validity of the will

●        Appoint someone to manage the estate (The “administrator” if there is no will or the “executor” if there is one)

●        Inventory and appraise the estate property

●        Pay any debts or taxes (including estate taxes)

●        Distribute the property as directed by the will—or by state law if there is no will

In Utah, if someone has more than $100,000 in total assets or real property of any value, they will probably have to have their assets probated.

If the value of the estate is less than $100,000, there is no real property, at least 30 days have passed since the decedent’s death, and you have not yet applied for appointment of a personal representative, you may be able to file a Small Estate Affidavit instead of going through probate. Go here for more information about the Small Estate Affidavit qualifications and process.

If you are a surviving spouse with assets jointly titled in your name, probate is not necessary—you continue to own and control those assets—but updating title at your earliest convenience may make sense.

What’s so bad about probate in Utah... and what should I do next?

Many residents in Utah have heard that probate is bad news because it tends to be expensive, it’s time-consuming, and it’s also a public process.

The easiest way to avoid the probate process is to plan ahead by creating a complete Life and Legacy Plan, but if you are now in a situation where you must go through probate courts to finalize the estate of a loved one, the best thing you can do is get educated and get help to complete the process as quickly, and cost-effectively, as possible.

How is a probate started in Utah?

Although any beneficiary or creditor can initiate probate, normally the person named in the will as the Executor starts the process by filing the original will with the court and filing a Petition with the probate court. If there is no will, typically a close relative of the decedent who expects to inherit from the estate will file the Petition.

How is the Personal Representative chosen?

If the decedent had a will, the person named in the will as the Executor will serve, if eligible. If that person is unable or unwilling to serve as Executor, or if there is no Will, then any interested family member or person can petition the Court to be the administrator of the Estate.

How does the Personal Representative get paid?

Utah Uniform Probate Code Section 75-3-718 discusses compensation for the Personal Representative.

Could I Be Held Personally Liable For Making a Mistake as a Personal Representative?

Being an Personal Representative is a big responsibility. Utah’s probate code contains pages upon pages of complex legal rules and procedures that a Personal Representative must follow during the probate. Also, there are certain deadlines that a Personal Representative must meet in filing papers with the Court. If a Personal Representative violates any of these rules, they can be held personally liable for losses to the estate. A Personal Representative may also be required to post a bond as security for claims filed by others.

My loved one had a trust...will we need to go through probate?

In most cases, no.  If your loved one’s assets are owned in the name of a Trust, the family can contact a lawyer who will complete some paperwork and guide the loved ones through the process with ease without the need for court involvement.

Unfortunately, many people who have a Trust think they have it all taken care of.  But time and again, family members’ of a recently passed loved one come into my office and they find out they are facing the frustration, expense and delay of a probate, even though the person they loved had a trust.

Why is that?

Often the Trust was prepared many years ago and was never updated; and often, their loved ones’ assets were not owned in the name of their Trust.  That is why it is so very important that you carefully choose your estate planning attorney and have regular reviews of your plan and assets so the planning you do now works as planned later.

It’s why I do things so much differently than most other lawyers and law firms.

What Assets are Subject to Probate?

Assets owned solely in the name of the deceased person are subject to probate. Assets that pass by means of title, such as real estate titled as “Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship,” or bank accounts titled as “Transfer On Death” are not subject to the probate process. Assets that pass by means of a beneficiary designation, such as life insurance or some retirement accounts, are also not subject to probate. In some situations, however, assets that would otherwise pass by title or beneficiary designation can be subject to the probate process.  Talk to an attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.

How is Distribution of the Estate Handled if there is no Will?

If there is no will or trust, the estate will be distributed according to Utah probate and intestate laws, which generally provide that a person’s estate will be distributed in the following order: 1. Spouse 2. Children 3. Parents (if you have no children) 4. Siblings (if you have no children or parents).

How long does Probate take?

The length of time of a probate will depend on several factors. It usually takes a minimum of 12 months and can take up to two years or even longer for complex cases. In Utah, the length of time can vary a great deal—is the probate Formal or Informal, are the heirs in agreement or is there conflict requiring court proceedings, lawyers, and great expense, does the Personal Representative know about all of the decedent’s assets and have all of the necessary informatoin to transfer those assets?

How much does Probate Cost?

Probate legal fees are addressed in the Utah Uniform Probate Code. Some attorney’s charge a flat fee while others charge an hourly rate. There are also court costs and filing fees, document certification and recording fees, and property appraisal fees, among others. The Personal Representative is also entitled to reasonable compensation.

Getting Help: choosing the right -attorney for your probate case

The best way to ensure your probate is done right is to choose your attorney wisely. Do not assume that all attorneys are the same!  Too many lawyers only “dabble” in probate or trusts. Don’t choose a lawyer who does probate as a sideline because these lawyers often blunder causing real problems for their client and their cases often take longer than those handled by experienced probate lawyers.

You don’t have to use the attorney who prepared the Will either! Just because a particular attorney prepared the Will, this does not mean that attorney must handle the probate, nor are they necessarily the right person for the job. You need to be comfortable with the attorney and confident that they are the right attorney for you. Choosing your probate or trust lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. If you put in the time and effort to find the right lawyer, you will be rewarded with a skillful guide who will help you navigate the probate process.

Contact Goodwill Law for a complimentary post-death estate review

If you’re ready to get started with the probate process after the passing of a loved one, please contact me at 801-791-1358 or use schedule a Complimentary 15-minute consultation to help determine your next best steps. I’m here in service to making this all as easy as possible on you.

During this appointment, I will answer all of your questions about probate and guide you and your family through the next best steps.  I am committed to helping you administer your loved one’s estate as quickly and efficiently as possible, and look forward to relieving any administrative or legal burdens you may face during this time of loss.