Utah Probate Court Filing Fees by Document Type

Filing probate documents in Utah isn't free, and the costs add up differently depending on what you're filing. If you're handling an estate whether you're a personal representative, an heir, or working without a lawyer knowing exactly what each document costs at the Utah probate court can save you from surprise expenses and rejected filings. A Utah probate court filing fees breakdown by document type gives you the clarity to budget properly, avoid paying for unnecessary filings, and understand where your money goes during the probate process.

What Filing Fees Apply When You Open a Probate Case in Utah?

When you first open a probate case in Utah's district court, the filing fee covers the court's administrative cost of processing your case. The most common initial filings and their approximate fees include:

Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative: $375
Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (Intestate/No Will): $375
Small Estate Affidavit: $40–$75 (varies by district)
Petition for Summary Administration: $375

The $375 filing fee is the most common cost people encounter. This is the fee you pay when you submit your initial petition to the court, regardless of whether the deceased left a will. If you're filing without an attorney, our guide on how much it costs to file probate in Utah without a lawyer walks through every line item you'll face.

How Much Do Supplemental and Ongoing Probate Filings Cost?

Probate doesn't end with the initial petition. Several documents may need to be filed throughout the process, and each comes with its own fee:

Petition for Final Distribution and Discharge: $40–$75 (motion/filing fee in most districts)
Objection or Response to Petition: $40–$75
Motion for Authority to Sell Real Property: $40–$75
Petition for Appointment of Guardian/Conservator (if needed): $375
Annual Account Filing: $0–$40 (varies by district)
Request for Hearing: $0 (typically no separate fee, but some districts charge $40)

These supplemental fees are where many people underestimate costs. A straightforward estate might only require the initial petition and a final discharge motion. But if there are disputes, real property sales, or guardianship issues involved, expect to pay multiple filing fees over the life of the case.

What About Certified Copies and Other Court Service Fees?

Certified copies of court orders, letters testamentary, and other probate documents are separate from filing fees. Here's what to expect:

Certified copy of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration: $5–$10 per page, plus $2 certification fee (minimum ~$12–$22 total)
Certified copy of Order of Probate: $5–$10 per page, plus $2 certification fee
Plain copies from the court file: $0.50–$1.00 per page
Service of process by sheriff: $20–$45 per service (varies by county)
Publication of notice (newspaper): $75–$200+ (this goes to the newspaper, not the court)

You'll typically need at least one certified copy of your Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration to prove your authority to banks, title companies, and financial institutions. Budget for multiple copies you'll be surprised how often they're requested.

Do Utah Probate Filing Fees Differ by District Court?

Yes. Utah has district courts organized by judicial district, and while many fees are standardized statewide, some costs vary. For example, the $375 filing fee for a probate petition is consistent across all Utah districts. But supplemental motion fees, certified copy costs, and any local administrative fees can differ slightly between Salt Lake County, Utah County, Davis County, Washington County, and others.

Before filing, check with the specific district court clerk's office where the case will be filed. The Utah Courts website at utcourts.gov publishes a fee schedule that is updated periodically.

If you need a full walkthrough of the filing process itself, see our step-by-step guide on how to file probate documents in Utah.

What Documents Do You Need to File for a Utah Small Estate?

If the estate qualifies as a small estate under Utah Code §75-3-1201 (currently estates valued at $100,000 or less, with no real property), you can use a simplified process with significantly lower filing fees. The required documents include:

Small Estate Affidavit: Filing fee of approximately $40–$75
Death certificate: Certified copies from the Utah Office of Vital Records (~$20–$30 each)
Proof of identity and relationship to the decedent

There's no hearing required for most small estate filings, which saves time and money. Our detailed breakdown of Utah small estate probate filing fees and required documents covers eligibility, forms, and exact costs.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make With Probate Filing Fees?

After helping self-represented filers navigate Utah probate courts, these are the errors that cost people the most time and money:

Not budgeting for certified copies. People plan for the filing fee but forget they'll need multiple certified copies at $12–$25 each.
Filing in the wrong county. The petition must be filed in the county where the decedent lived. Filing in the wrong district means paying the fee twice.
Assuming the filing fee covers everything. The $375 covers the petition only. Every subsequent motion or objection has its own fee.
Skipping the small estate option. Some people open a full probate case when a small estate affidavit would work paying $375 instead of $40–$75.
Not accepting multiple payment methods. Some Utah courts only accept cash, check, or money orders for in-person filings. Credit card payments may only be available for e-filed documents.

How Can You Reduce or Waive Probate Filing Fees in Utah?

Utah allows fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford filing costs. If you qualify based on income, you can file a Request to Waive Fees (Form 1006) with the court. The judge reviews your financial situation and may waive all or part of the filing fees.

To qualify, you generally need to show:

You receive public assistance (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, etc.)
Your income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level
You cannot pay fees without depriving yourself of basic necessities

Fee waivers apply to court filing fees only not to certified copies from the vital records office or newspaper publication costs.

For a complete cost picture, including strategies for self-represented filers, check our complete cost guide for self-represented probate filing in Utah.

What Payment Methods Do Utah Probate Courts Accept?

Most Utah district courts accept the following payment methods for filing fees:

Personal checks and cashier's checks (payable to the specific district court)
Money orders
Cash (in person only)
Credit/debit cards (for e-filing through Utah's e-filing system additional convenience fees may apply)

If you're filing in person, call the clerk's office ahead of time to confirm accepted payment methods. Some smaller district courts have limited payment options.

Quick-Reference Fee Summary Table

Here's a consolidated look at the most common Utah probate filing fees:

Probate petition (with or without will): $375
Small estate affidavit: $40–$75
Supplemental motions and objections: $40–$75 each
Certified copies: $12–$25 each
Service of process: $20–$45 per service
Newspaper publication: $75–$200+
Fee waiver request: Free to file

These amounts reflect standard Utah court fees as of the most recent published schedule. Always confirm current fees with your specific district court before filing.

Next Steps: Your Probate Filing Fee Checklist

Identify the estate type. Determine whether you need a full probate, small estate affidavit, or summary administration.
Confirm the filing county. File in the district court where the decedent was a resident.
Call the clerk's office. Verify current fees and accepted payment methods for your specific district.
Budget beyond the filing fee. Add costs for certified copies, publication, and any supplemental motions you anticipate.
Check if you qualify for a fee waiver. If affording the fees is a hardship, request the waiver form before filing.
File through Utah's e-filing system. It's faster, reduces errors, and lets you pay by credit card.