Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of managing the legal process of probate. At Westwood Law, we help families across Utah settle estates with clarity, efficiency, and trusted legal support. Our goal is to make the probate process as smooth and stress-free as possible, giving you peace of mind during a challenging time.

If you’re searching for an experienced probate attorney in Utah—whether you’re in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, or anywhere in between—Westwood Law provides compassionate, knowledgeable representation statewide.

Serving Clients Throughout Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah County, Davis County, Ogden, Provo, Cedar City, St. George, and beyond

What Is Probate in Utah?

Probate is the legal process the court uses to settle a deceased person’s estate by validating a will, paying debts, and distributing property to heirs. When an individual passes away, the deceased’s assets must be distributed according to their will. If a will was not created prior to death, state statutes will govern the administration of the deceased’s estate. The probate process includes validating a will, paying debts, and distributing property to heirs. Probate in Utah is handled in the district courts, making it important to work with an experienced Utah probate lawyer to avoid mistakes. The case must be filed in the county where the deceased resided or where they owned property.

There are two main types of probate in Utah:

• Informal Probate – Used for uncontested, straightforward estates.
• Formal Probate – Required when there are disputes or complications.

What Is Informal Probate?

Informal probate is the most commonly used process for administering estates in Utah. It’s a simplified court procedure used when:

• The will (if any) is valid and uncontested
• There are no disputes among heirs or beneficiaries
• The estate meets Utah’s legal requirements for informal handling

This process avoids formal court hearings, making it faster, less expensive, and less stressful for families. It is often the best option for families that are looking to quickly sell property or gain access to a bank account. You may qualify for informal probate in Utah if:

✅ Valid, uncontested will (or no will, but no disputes exist)
✅ No disputes among heirs
✅ The person filing is entitled to be the personal representative (sometimes called an administrator or executor)
✅ All interested parties are in agreement
✅ Estate is not unusually complex

If any party objects to the will or to the appointment of the personal representative at any point during the administration of the estate, the court may require a formal probate process instead. Most families in Utah prefer informal probate if eligible, because it is faster and much less expensive.

What Is Formal Probate in Utah?

Formal probate is a court-supervised process used when an estate is contested, unclear, or otherwise requires judicial oversight. Unlike informal probate in Utah, which is typically faster and handled by a court clerk, formal probate requires a judge’s approval at multiple stages. Formal probate requires court appearances and follows a strict, structured process. 

• Disputes over the validity of a will
• Questions about heirs or beneficiaries
• Creditors contesting claims against the estate
• Complex estates with significant assets or debts

Why use Westwood Law for my probate case?

1. Expertise and knowledge of probate laws
2. Efficiency in handling probate cases
3. Client satisfaction and feedback
4. Success rate in resolving probate disputes
5. Cost-effectiveness compared to competitors
6. Flat rate fees
7. Availability of additional services such as estate planning or trust administration
8. Reputation and experience within the legal industry
9. Communication skills with clients and other parties involved in the probate process
10. Trained staff to answer questions and help throughout the process

If you are facing probate in Utah, our team at Westwood Law is here to help. Whether your case qualifies for informal probate or requires formal court proceedings, we provide trusted guidance every step of the way.

If you need a probate attorney in Utah, Westwood Law is here to help — no matter where you live in the state. Let us guide you through the process.

Learn all about Probate Law and read our FAQs on our Probate Services Page.