Overview
Piute County is located in Utah with a population of approximately 1,534. The Sixth 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 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 without formal court administration.
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 Piute 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
Sixth District Court - Piute County
Probate matters in Piute County are handled at the Piute County Courthouse.
Address: 550 N Main St, Junction, UT 84740
Phone: (435) 577-2840
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The court is located in the county seat of Junction. The Sixth District Court serves Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, Wayne, Garfield, and Kane counties.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available at the courthouse in Junction. The building is accessible to the public during standard business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate consists only of personal property valued at $100,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit 30 days after death.
- 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 probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate with the Sixth District Court. Include:
- The original will (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee of approximately $375
- Application for Informal Probate or Petition for Formal Probate
Utah courts require electronic filing (e-filing) for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail, though e-filing via a service provider is encouraged.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the application or petition to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before any hearing (or within 10 days of informal appointment).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Piute County (such as The Richfield Reaper) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is often not required if the paperwork is in order. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing. Upon approval, the judge or registrar issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 3 months for claims after the first publication of notice
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Verified Statement of Personal Representative Closing Estate to conclude the matter
Local Requirements
Piute County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are mandated to e-file. Pro se litigants can use the MyCase system or file paper documents.
- Newspaper: Legal notices are typically published in The Richfield Reaper, which serves the region including Piute County.
- Hearings: Many probate matters in the Sixth District can be handled informally without a court hearing unless contested.
Always check with the court clerk for the most current local rules and judge-specific requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Piute County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $375
- Small Claims Affidavit: $60-$100 (depending on claim amount)
- Certified copies of Letters: $4.00 per document + $0.50 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
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: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Utah is 3 months after the first publication of notice, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Piute County Court Resources
- Court Website: Sixth District Court
- Probate Self-Help: Utah Courts Self-Help Center
- Utah Probate Forms: State Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Utah State Bar: (801) 531-9077 — Licensed Lawyer Referral
- Utah Legal Services: (800) 662-4245 — utahlegalservices.org
Publication
- The Richfield Reaper: (435) 896-5414 — richfieldreaper.com