Overview
Juab County is located in Utah with a population of approximately 13,297. The Fourth 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 the Utah Uniform Probate Code (Title 75). The process begins with filing a Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (or an 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, successors may claim assets via a Small Estate Affidavit after a 30-day waiting period, without court involvement.
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 Juab 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
Fourth District Court
Probate matters in Juab County are handled at the Juab County Courthouse.
Address: 102 East 200 North, Nephi, UT 84648
Phone: (435) 623-0901
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Fourth District Court serves Juab, Millard, Utah, and Wasatch counties. The court clerk's office can assist with procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse. Visitors pass through security screening upon entry; prohibited items include weapons and potential hazards.
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 liens/encumbrances) and includes no real property (unless the affidavit is used for transferring title to vehicles/boats), you may be able to skip probate after a 30-day waiting period.
- Joint Tenancy/Survivorship: Assets held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship pass directly to the co-owner.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal or informal probate is needed, file the appropriate Petition or Application with the Fourth District Court. Include:
- Application for Informal Probate or Petition for Formal Probate
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($375)
- Acceptance of Appointment
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants via the Utah Courts e-filing system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the application/petition to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before any hearing (or within 30 days of informal appointment).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Juab County (such as The Times-News) once a week for three successive weeks.
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. If approved, the judge or clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 3 months from the first publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge (or a sworn statement to close the estate)
Local Requirements
Juab County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are required to e-file. Self-represented parties may e-file or file in person.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Juab County, typically The Times-News.
- Mediation: The Fourth District may refer contested probate matters to mediation.
- Hearings: Many uncontested informal matters are handled administratively by the court clerk without a court appearance.
Always check with the court clerk for the most current local rules and standing orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Juab County)
- Probate Petition/Application: approximately $375
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (not filed with court unless there is a dispute)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5 per document plus $0.50 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Objection to Probate: approximately $375
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. A convenience fee may apply for card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal, no disputes): 4-6 months
- Average estates: 6-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period is 3 months from the first date of publication, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Juab County Court Resources
- Court Website: Fourth District Court
- Probate Self-Help: Utah Courts Probate Help
- Utah Probate Forms: MyPaperwork (formerly OCAP)
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Utah State Bar: (801) 531-9077 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Utah Legal Services: (800) 662-4245 — utahlegalservices.org
- Licensed Lawyer Search: licensedlawyer.org
Publication
- The Times-News: (435) 623-0525 — nephitimesnews.com