Overview
Rich County is located in Utah with a population of approximately 2,750. The First 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 Utah Uniform Probate Code (Title 75). The process begins with filing a Application for Informal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative 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 Small Estate Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $100,000 or less (excluding vehicles), provided no real property is involved and at least 30 days have passed since death.
Utah does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on services provided.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Rich 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
First District Court
Probate matters in Rich County are handled at the Rich County Courthouse.
Address: 20 South Main, Randolph, UT 84064
Phone: (435) 793-2415 (Clerk's Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for lunch)
The court is located within the Rich County Courthouse in Randolph. The First District Court handles probate matters here.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available around the courthouse building.
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 up to four vehicles) and contains no real property, you may be able to collect assets via affidavit 30 days after death.
- Joint Tenancy or Transfer on Death: Assets held in joint tenancy or with designated beneficiaries (POD/TOD) pass directly to the survivor outside of probate.
- 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 Application for Informal Probate with the First District Court. Include:
- Application for Informal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative
- Original Will (if applicable)
- 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.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Rich County for three successive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, 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 and allow 3 months for claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- 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
Rich County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys are required to e-file. Self-represented parties may file in paper or use the OCAP system.
- OCAP: The Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP) helps prepare probate documents.
- Hearings: Hearings may be held remotely via Webex; check with the court clerk for current protocols.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Rich County for three consecutive weeks.
Rich County is part of the First Judicial District. Judges may rotate or cover multiple counties.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Rich County)
- Probate Filing Fee: approximately $375
- Objection to Probate: approximately $375
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Oaths/Affirmations: varies
Utah law requires reasonable compensation; there is no statutory percentage fee.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, check, or credit card. Credit card payments may incur a processing fee.
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
Creditor claim period is 3 months. Inventory due within 3 months.
Local Resources
Rich County Court Resources
- Court Website: utcourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Utah Courts Self-Help Center
- Utah Probate Forms: Official court forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Utah State Bar: (801) 531-9077 — Attorney directory and resources
- Utah Legal Services: (801) 328-8891 — Free legal help for eligible residents
- Utah Bar Licensed Lawyer: licensedlawyer.org
Publication
- The News-Examiner: (208) 847-0552 — Serving Bear Lake Valley and Rich County
- The Herald Journal: (435) 752-2121 — Regional newspaper for Cache and Rich counties