How Long Does Probate Take in Utah?

What Affects How Long Probate Takes

Common factors include:

• whether there is a valid will
• the size and complexity of the estate
• required waiting periods under state law
• court workload and processing time
• whether the estate is contested

These factors influence how much time the court needs to process the estate and whether additional review or waiting periods apply.

Typical Probate Timeline in Utah

While every case is different, probate generally follows these steps:

• Filing the application (Week 1–2) For informal probate, an application is filed with the district court.
• Appointment of personal representative (Week 1–3) In informal probate, the registrar appoints the personal representative without a hearing.
• Inventory (Month 1–3) An inventory of estate assets is prepared within three months.
• Notice to creditors (Month 1–4) Notice is published and creditors have three months from first publication to file claims.
• Payment of debts and taxes (Month 4–7) Valid claims and taxes are paid.
• Distribution to beneficiaries (Month 7–10) Remaining assets are distributed per the will or Utah intestacy law.
• Closing the estate (Month 9–12) A closing statement is filed.

Short vs. Long Probate Cases

• Simple estates often complete probate closer to the lower end of the typical range.
• Contested or complex estates can take significantly longer, especially if disputes arise or assets are difficult to locate.

How Utah Probate Differs From Other States

Utah follows the Uniform Probate Code and offers informal probate for uncontested estates. The state has a short three-month creditor period and a generous $100,000 small estate threshold. Utah has no state estate tax or inheritance tax. Combined with the UPC framework, this makes Utah one of the more efficient and cost-effective states for probate.

Utah’s Small Estate Threshold

Utah allows a small estate affidavit for estates valued at $100,000 or less. This bypasses formal probate entirely and allows heirs to collect assets using a simple affidavit after a 30-day waiting period following the decedent’s death. Given Utah’s UPC framework and lack of state estate tax, many estates can be settled quickly and inexpensively through either the small estate process or informal probate.