Overview
Daggett County is located in Utah with a population of approximately 956. The 8th District Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Utah probate is governed by Title 75 of the Utah Code (Utah Uniform Probate Code). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate (or Application for Informal Probate) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Utah offers a simplified procedure for small estates. If the value of the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $100,000 and includes no real property, successors may use a Small Estate Affidavit to collect assets 30 days after death.
Utah does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on the services provided.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Daggett County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
8th District Court
Probate matters in Daggett County are handled at the Daggett County Courthouse.
Address: 95 North 1st West, Manila, UT 84046
Phone: (435) 784-3154 (Clerk's Office)
Hours: Contact the court for current office hours
The 8th District Court serves Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties. The court in Manila handles filings for Daggett County residents.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available at the courthouse.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $100,000 or less (excluding vehicles) and includes no real property, you may be able to use an affidavit 30 days after death.
- Summary Administration: For estates where the value does not exceed the homestead allowance, exempt property, family allowance, costs of administration, and funeral expenses.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate (or Application for Informal Probate) with the 8th District Court. Include:
- Application for Informal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- $375 filing fee
- Renunciations/Nominations (if applicable)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants via the Utah Courts e-filing system (GreenFiling, etc.).
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (or application) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing (or appointment)
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Daggett County for three successive weeks (to notify creditors)
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is often not required; the clerk reviews the application. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing, typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors — publish notice once a week for three consecutive weeks; creditors have 3 months from first publication to file claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Daggett County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys must e-file. Self-represented parties are encouraged to e-file but may file in paper.
- Remote Hearings: Many hearings in the 8th District are conducted via Webex. Check with the court clerk for specific instructions.
- Informal vs. Formal: Most uncontested estates in Utah proceed informally without a hearing before a judge, handled administratively by the court clerk.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Daggett County for three successive weeks.
Always check with the court clerk for the most up-to-date local rules and procedures.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Daggett County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $375
- Objection to Probate: approximately $375
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $30 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Foreign Probate Filing: approximately $35
Utah does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, check, credit card (Visa/Mastercard). A convenience fee applies for credit card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 4-6 months
- Average estates: 6-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 9 months to 2 years
Note that the creditor claim period is 3 months, which sets a minimum duration for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Daggett County Court Resources
- Court Website: utcourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Utah Courts Self-Help: Probate
- Utah Probate Forms: Utah Courts Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Utah State Bar: (801) 531-9077 — Find a Lawyer service
- Utah Legal Services: (800) 662-4245 — Free legal help for eligible low-income Utahns
- Utah Bar Licensed Lawyer Search: licensedlawyer.org
Publication
- Uintah Basin Standard: (435) 722-5131 — Serving the Uintah Basin
- Vernal Express: (435) 789-3511 — Regional newspaper