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Estate Planning Salt Lake City Utah

Estate Planning Salt Lake City Utah

Last Updated: June 11, 2026

This guide covers Estate Planning Salt Lake City and what you need to know. “Secure Your Future with Estate Planning in Salt Lake City, Utah”

Introduction

Welcome to Estate Planning Salt Lake City Utah! We are here to help you plan for the future and protect your assets. Estate planning is an important part of financial planning and can help you ensure that your wishes are carried out after you pass away. We understand that estate planning can be a complex and intimidating process, so we are here to provide you with the resources and guidance you need to make the best decisions for your future. Our team of experienced estate planning attorneys will work with you to create a comprehensive plan that meets your individual needs and goals. We look forward to helping you plan for the future and protect your assets.

Estate Planning Attorneys in Salt Lake City: Who to Trust

When it comes to estate planning, it is important to find an attorney you can trust. Salt Lake City is home to many experienced and knowledgeable estate planning attorneys who can help you create a plan that meets your needs. Here are some tips for finding the right attorney for you.

First, do your research. Look for attorneys who specialize in estate planning and have experience in the area. Check out their websites and read reviews from past clients. Make sure the attorney you choose is licensed to practice in Utah and has a good reputation.

Second, ask for referrals. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues who have used estate planning attorneys in the past. Ask them about their experiences and get recommendations.

Third, meet with the attorney. Schedule a consultation to discuss your estate planning needs. Ask questions about their experience, fees, and services. Make sure you feel comfortable with the attorney and that they understand your goals.

Finally, trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable with the attorney, don’t hesitate to look for another one. Estate planning is an important decision and you want to make sure you are working with someone you can trust.

Salt Lake City is home to many experienced and knowledgeable estate planning attorneys. With a little research and some referrals, you can find the right attorney for you. Make sure you feel comfortable with the attorney and trust your instincts. With the right attorney, you can create an estate plan that meets your needs.

Estate Planning Services in Salt Lake City: What You Should Expect

When it comes to estate planning services in Salt Lake City, you should expect a comprehensive approach to protecting your assets and ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you pass away. Estate planning is an important part of financial planning and should be taken seriously.

When you work with an estate planning attorney in Salt Lake City, you can expect to receive personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Your attorney will help you understand the various estate planning options available to you, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. They will also help you understand the tax implications of each option and how they can affect your estate.

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Your attorney will also help you create a comprehensive estate plan that includes all of your assets, such as real estate, investments, and other property. They will also help you create a plan for distributing your assets after you pass away. This includes creating a trust to manage your assets and ensure that your wishes are carried out.

Your attorney will also help you create a plan for managing your finances during your lifetime. This includes creating a budget, setting up a retirement plan, and creating a plan for managing your debts. Your attorney will also help you understand the various tax implications of your estate plan and how they can affect your estate.

Finally, your attorney will help you create a plan for protecting your assets from creditors and other potential claims. This includes creating a trust to protect your assets from creditors and other potential claims. Your attorney will also help you understand the various laws and regulations that apply to estate planning in Salt Lake City.

When you work with an estate planning attorney in Salt Lake City, you can expect to receive personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Your attorney will help you understand the various estate planning options available to you and how they can affect your estate. They will also help you create a comprehensive estate plan that includes all of your assets and ensure that your wishes are carried out after you pass away.

Estate Planning Law in Salt Lake City: What You Should Know

Estate planning is an important part of financial planning for individuals and families in Salt Lake City. Estate planning involves the preparation of documents that provide for the management and distribution of assets upon death. It is important to understand the laws and regulations that govern estate planning in Salt Lake City in order to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death.

In Salt Lake City, estate planning is governed by the Utah Probate Code. This code outlines the process for creating a will, trust, and other estate planning documents. It also outlines the process for administering an estate after death. The Probate Code also outlines the rights of heirs and beneficiaries, as well as the duties of executors and trustees.

When creating an estate plan, it is important to consider the tax implications of your decisions. Estate taxes can be significant, and it is important to understand the tax laws that apply to your estate. It is also important to consider the impact of estate planning on your heirs and beneficiaries.

It is also important to consider the impact of estate planning on your business. Business owners should consider the impact of estate planning on their business, including the transfer of ownership and management of the business upon death.

Finally, it is important to consider the impact of estate planning on your charitable giving. Charitable giving can be an important part of estate planning, and it is important to understand the tax implications of charitable giving.

Estate planning is an important part of financial planning for individuals and families in Salt Lake City. It is important to understand the laws and regulations that govern estate planning in Salt Lake City in order to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death. It is also important to consider the tax implications of your decisions, the impact of estate planning on your heirs and beneficiaries, the impact of estate planning on your business, and the impact of estate planning on your charitable giving. With the help of an experienced estate planning attorney, you can ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death.

Estate Planning in Salt Lake City: What You Need to Know

Estate planning is an important part of financial planning for individuals and families in Salt Lake City. It involves making decisions about how to manage and distribute assets after death. Estate planning can help ensure that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are taken care of.

When it comes to estate planning in Salt Lake City, there are several important considerations. First, you should consider the type of estate plan that best suits your needs. This could include a will, trust, or other legal document. You should also consider the tax implications of your estate plan. It is important to understand the tax laws in Utah and how they may affect your estate plan.

You should also consider the type of assets you have and how they should be distributed. This includes real estate, investments, and other assets. You should also consider who will be responsible for managing and distributing your assets after your death.

Finally, you should consider the type of executor you want to appoint. An executor is responsible for carrying out the wishes of the deceased. It is important to choose someone who is trustworthy and knowledgeable about estate planning.

Estate planning in Salt Lake City can be a complex process. It is important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are taken care of. An attorney can help you understand the legal and tax implications of your estate plan and help you make the best decisions for your family.

Last Wills and Testaments

Here is a very simple outline of what a last will and testament would look like. Please don’t use this as a form as it is missing essential elements; however, it is to show you what one would look like: This Last Will and Testament is made and entered into by [Name], of [City, State], on this [date].

I, [Name], being of sound mind and body, do hereby make, publish, and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking any and all former Wills and Codicils by me at any time heretofore made.

I direct that all of my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon as possible after my death.

I give, devise, and bequeath all of my real and personal property, of whatsoever kind and wheresoever situated, to my [spouse/children/other], in equal shares, share and share alike.

I appoint [Name] to be the Executor of this my Last Will and Testament.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this [date].

[Name]

[Signature]

Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint another person to act on their behalf in the event that they become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions for themselves. The DPOA grants the appointed individual the authority to make decisions regarding the principal’s financial and legal matters, including the ability to access bank accounts, manage investments, and pay bills.

The DPOA is an important document for individuals who wish to ensure that their affairs are managed in accordance with their wishes in the event of their incapacitation. It is important to note that the DPOA does not take effect until the principal is deemed to be incapacitated, and the appointed individual is not authorized to act on the principal’s behalf until that time.

When creating a DPOA, it is important to ensure that the document is properly drafted and executed in accordance with the laws of the state in which it is created. It is also important to ensure that the appointed individual is someone who is trustworthy and capable of managing the principal’s affairs in accordance with their wishes.

It is also important to note that a DPOA can be revoked at any time by the principal, provided they are of sound mind and body. It is also important to keep the document up to date, as laws and regulations may change over time.

Creating a DPOA is an important step in ensuring that an individual’s wishes are respected in the event of their incapacitation. It is important to ensure that the document is properly drafted and executed, and that the appointed individual is someone who is trustworthy and capable of managing the principal’s affairs in accordance with their wishes.

Special Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants an individual (the “principal”) the authority to appoint another individual (the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to act on their behalf in a variety of legal and financial matters. A power of attorney can be general, granting the agent broad powers to act on the principal’s behalf, or it can be limited to specific tasks or transactions.

A special power of attorney (SPOA) is a type of POA that grants the agent more limited powers than a general POA. An SPOA is typically used when the principal needs someone to act on their behalf in a specific situation or for a specific purpose. For example, an SPOA might be used to grant an agent the authority to sign a contract on the principal’s behalf, or to manage the principal’s financial affairs while they are out of the country.

When creating an SPOA, it is important to be as specific as possible about the powers granted to the agent. The document should clearly state the purpose of the POA, the specific powers granted to the agent, and any limitations or restrictions on the agent’s authority. It is also important to ensure that the document is properly signed and witnessed in accordance with applicable state laws.

An SPOA can be an invaluable tool for individuals who need to delegate certain tasks or responsibilities to another person. However, it is important to remember that the agent is legally obligated to act in the principal’s best interests and must follow all instructions provided in the document. It is also important to remember that the principal remains legally responsible for any actions taken by the agent.

Advance Health Care Directives

Advance health care directives are legal documents that allow individuals to make decisions about their medical care in the event that they become unable to make decisions for themselves. These directives provide individuals with the opportunity to express their wishes regarding medical treatments and other health care decisions.

Advance health care directives can be used to appoint a health care agent, who will make decisions on the individual’s behalf if they become incapacitated. The individual can also specify the types of treatments they would like to receive or refuse, such as life-sustaining treatments or organ donation.

Advance health care directives are important documents that can help ensure that an individual’s wishes are respected in the event of an emergency. It is important to discuss these directives with family members and health care providers to ensure that everyone is aware of the individual’s wishes.

Advance health care directives should be reviewed periodically to ensure that they are up to date and reflect the individual’s current wishes. It is also important to make sure that copies of the directives are available to family members and health care providers.

Advance health care directives are an important tool for individuals to ensure that their wishes are respected in the event of an emergency. It is important to discuss these directives with family members and health care providers to ensure that everyone is aware of the individual’s wishes.

Revocable Living Trusts

A Revocable Living Trust is a legal document that allows an individual to transfer their assets into a trust during their lifetime. This type of trust is revocable, meaning that the individual can make changes to the trust or even revoke it at any time. The trust is managed by a trustee, who is responsible for managing the assets and distributing them according to the instructions of the trust.

The primary benefit of a Revocable Living Trust is that it allows an individual to avoid probate. Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s assets, and it can be a lengthy and expensive process. By transferring assets into a Revocable Living Trust, the individual can avoid probate and ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes.

Another benefit of a Revocable Living Trust is that it allows an individual to maintain control over their assets. The individual can name themselves as the trustee, which allows them to manage the trust and make decisions about how the assets are distributed. The individual can also name a successor trustee, who will take over the management of the trust if the individual becomes incapacitated or passes away.

Finally, a Revocable Living Trust can provide privacy. Unlike a will, which is a public document, a Revocable Living Trust is private. This means that the details of the trust and the assets it contains are not available to the public.

Overall, a Revocable Living Trust is a powerful tool that can provide many benefits to an individual. It can help an individual avoid probate, maintain control over their assets, and provide privacy. For these reasons, a Revocable Living Trust is an important estate planning tool that should be considered by anyone looking to protect their assets.

Areas We Serve

We serve individuals and businesses in the following locations:

Salt Lake City Utah
West Valley City Utah
Provo Utah
West Jordan Utah
Orem Utah
Sandy Utah
Ogden Utah
St. George Utah
Layton Utah
South Jordan Utah
Lehi Utah
Millcreek Utah
Taylorsville Utah
Logan Utah
Murray Utah
Draper Utah
Bountiful Utah
Riverton Utah
Herriman Utah
Spanish Fork Utah
Roy Utah
Pleasant Grove Utah
Kearns Utah
Tooele Utah
Cottonwood Heights Utah
Midvale Utah
Springville Utah
Eagle Mountain Utah
Cedar City Utah
Kaysville Utah
Clearfield Utah
Holladay Utah
American Fork Utah
Syracuse Utah
Saratoga Springs Utah
Magna Utah
Washington Utah
South Salt Lake Utah
Farmington Utah
Clinton Utah
North Salt Lake Utah
Payson Utah
North Ogden Utah
Brigham City Utah
Highland Utah
Centerville Utah
Hurricane Utah
South Ogden Utah
Heber Utah
West Haven Utah
Bluffdale Utah
Santaquin Utah
Smithfield Utah
Woods Cross Utah
Grantsville Utah
Lindon Utah
North Logan Utah
West Point Utah
Vernal Utah
Alpine Utah
Cedar Hills Utah
Pleasant View Utah
Mapleton Utah
Stansbury Par Utah
Washington Terrace Utah
Riverdale Utah
Hooper Utah
Tremonton Utah
Ivins Utah
Park City Utah
Price Utah
Hyrum Utah
Summit Park Utah
Salem Utah
Richfield Utah
Santa Clara Utah
Providence Utah
South Weber Utah
Vineyard Utah
Ephraim Utah
Roosevelt Utah
Farr West Utah
Plain City Utah
Nibley Utah
Enoch Utah
Harrisville Utah
Snyderville Utah
Fruit Heights Utah
Nephi Utah
White City Utah
West Bountiful Utah
Sunset Utah
Moab Utah
Midway Utah
Perry Utah
Kanab Utah
Hyde Park Utah
Silver Summit Utah
La Verkin Utah
Morgan Utah

Estate Planning Salt Lake City Utah Consultation

When you need help with Estate Planning near Salt Lake City Utah call Jeremy D. Eveland, MBA, JD (801) 613-1472 for a consultation.

Jeremy Eveland
17 North State Street
Lindon UT 84042
(801) 613-1472

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For legal assistance, contact Jeremy Eveland, Attorney at Law — 8833 S Redwood Rd #A, West Jordan, UT 84088 · (801) 613-1472.

Estate Planning Lawyer Salt Lake City Utah

Estate Planning Lawyer Salt Lake City Utah

An estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City drafts the will or living trust, financial power of attorney, and advance health care directive that decide who inherits your property and who acts for you if you cannot. Flat fees here are $1,500 for a will-based plan and $3,500 for a trust-based plan.

Last updated: September 2026

Key Takeaways

  • Flat pricing: $1,500 for a will-based plan, $3,500 for a trust-based plan. Every plan is custom built, so your figure can land above or below depending on your circumstances.
  • Salt Lake County home values are what push most local families toward a trust. Real property is the asset that drags an estate into probate.
  • Probate venue follows domicile. Under Utah Code 75-3-201, the first proceeding is filed in the county where the person lived at death, so a Salt Lake City resident’s estate is administered in Salt Lake County.
  • Funding a trust with a Salt Lake City home means recording a deed with the Salt Lake County Recorder at 2001 South State Street. A trust nobody funded does nothing.
  • Utah has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. The Inheritance Tax Act was formally repealed on 5 May 2026.

Why Salt Lake City Families End Up in Probate

The pattern is consistent. A couple buys a house in Sugar House or the Avenues or Rose Park in the 1990s, holds it for thirty years, and never revisits how it is titled. There is a will in a drawer somewhere. When the second spouse dies, the house is the estate, and the house has to go through the district court in Salt Lake County before anyone can sell it.

That is the case an estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City sees most often, and it is entirely preventable. The will did its job. A will is a set of instructions to a probate court, so having one guarantees probate rather than avoiding it. The document that would have kept the house out of court is a funded revocable living trust.

Utah’s venue rule makes this concrete.

Venue for the first informal or formal testacy or appointment proceedings after a decedent’s death is in the county where the decedent had his domicile at the time of his death.

Utah Code 75-3-201

If you live in Salt Lake City, your estate is administered in Salt Lake County. Property you own elsewhere can pull a second proceeding into another county or another state entirely, which is one of the strongest arguments for a trust when a family owns a cabin in Wasatch County or a rental in another state.

What an Estate Planning Lawyer in Salt Lake City Charges

Most local firms will not publish a number. Here are the actual fees.

Plan Flat fee What it includes Best for
Will-based plan $1,500 Last will and testament, financial power of attorney, advance health care directive, guardian nominations for minor children Renters and condo owners with modest equity, no out-of-state property
Trust-based plan $3,500 Revocable living trust, pour-over will, financial power of attorney, advance health care directive, deed preparation to move your Salt Lake County property into the trust Homeowners with real equity, blended families, minor children, property in more than one county or state

Both are quoted before drafting begins, so there is no hourly meter running during phone calls. The figures can move in either direction, because every plan here is custom built for the person in front of me. A single owner with one Salt Lake City home and two adult children is straightforward. A blended family with a business interest, a cabin held with siblings, and a beneficiary receiving needs-based benefits is not. You get your real number at the first meeting rather than after the work.

Recording fees paid to the Salt Lake County Recorder sit outside the flat fee, because they go to the county rather than to the firm.

Will or Trust for a Salt Lake City Household

The deciding factor is almost always real property. An estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City is really asking one question: is there a house, and how much equity is in it?

Question Will-based plan Trust-based plan
Keeps the house out of probate? No Yes, once the deed is recorded
Stays private? No. A will filed with the court is public. Yes. Administered privately.
Covers incapacity? No. Operates only at death. Yes. A successor trustee can act.
Cabin in Wasatch or Summit County? Can trigger a second proceeding Handled in one trust
Cost today $1,500 $3,500
Cost to the family later Higher. Probate has its own filing fee and attorney fees. Lower. Trust administration is usually faster and cheaper.

The trust costs more now and usually costs the family less later. The will costs less now and moves the expense to your beneficiaries at the worst possible moment. Neither choice is wrong. They are different places to put the same money, and for a Salt Lake City homeowner the trust usually wins on arithmetic.

Funding a Trust in Salt Lake County

If you ask an estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City only one question, make it this one. Funding is the step that separates a plan from a binder, and it is the one most often skipped.

A revocable living trust only controls what has been transferred into it. For your Salt Lake City home, that means a new deed conveying the property from you as an individual to you as trustee, recorded with the Salt Lake County Recorder. The Recorder’s office is at 2001 South State Street, Suite N1-600, Salt Lake City, and is open Monday through Friday.

Until that deed is recorded, the house is still titled in your name. Your trust exists, your family paid for it, and the house goes through probate anyway. When you compare quotes from any estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City, the question that matters is whether deed preparation and recording are included in the fee or left to you.

Financial accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance are funded differently, through beneficiary designations and account retitling rather than deeds. Our step-by-step guide to funding a trust in Utah walks through each asset type.

The Documents a Complete Plan Includes

Whichever structure you choose, the headline document is only part of it. An estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City should deliver all of the following, because a gap in any one of them is where a family gets stuck.

Document What it does When it operates
Last will and testament Names who receives probate property, nominates a personal representative and a guardian for minor children At death, through the court
Revocable living trust Holds title and passes assets to beneficiaries without probate Immediately, and through incapacity and death
Pour-over will Catches anything never retitled into the trust and directs it there At death, as a backstop
Financial power of attorney Lets an agent handle money, property, and accounts if you cannot During incapacity, ends at death
Advance health care directive Names a health care agent and records treatment wishes When you cannot speak for yourself
Guardian nomination Tells the court who should raise your minor children At death or incapacity of both parents

Two of those six operate while you are alive. That surprises people. Estate planning is only half about death, and the financial power of attorney and the health care directive are the documents a family reaches for first, usually during a hospital stay rather than after a funeral. They are also the two most often missing when someone arrives with a will they bought online.

Who in Salt Lake City Needs Which Plan

Rather than a general recommendation, here is how an estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City would usually call it for common local situations.

Young family renting in Sugar House or downtown. A will-based plan at $1,500 is normally right. The critical piece is not the will, it is the guardian nomination for the children and the two incapacity documents. There is no house to keep out of probate yet, so the trust would be solving a problem you do not have.

Long-time homeowner in the Avenues, Rose Park, or Millcreek. A trust-based plan almost always earns its cost. Thirty years of Salt Lake County appreciation means the house is the estate, and the house is exactly what a funded trust keeps out of court.

Blended family. A trust, and careful drafting inside it. Utah’s elective share means a surviving spouse cannot simply be written out, so a plan that leaves everything to children from a first marriage does not quietly succeed. It produces litigation over what the augmented estate is worth.

Family with a cabin. A trust. A cabin in Wasatch, Summit, or Duchesne County held outside a trust can trigger a second proceeding in that county, and one held with siblings brings co-ownership questions that should be settled while everyone is alive.

Business owner. A trust, coordinated with the operating agreement. A buy-sell provision that contradicts the estate plan is a common and expensive discovery, because the two documents are usually drafted years apart by different people.

Someone with a beneficiary who receives needs-based benefits. A trust with the share structured so it does not disqualify that person from benefits. An outright gift, however well meant, can do real harm here.

What Utah Law Requires

Three provisions decide whether the documents an estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City drafts will actually work.

Wills. Under Utah Code 75-2-502, a will must be in writing, signed by you, and signed by at least two witnesses. Utah also recognizes an unwitnessed holographic will if the signature and material portions are in your own handwriting, which is a safety net rather than a plan.

Self-proving. Adding sworn affidavits under Utah Code 75-2-504 means the court does not have to locate your witnesses years later. It costs one extra signature page and saves real trouble.

Spousal rights. Under Utah Code 75-2-202, a surviving spouse can elect one third of the augmented estate, with a supplemental floor of $75,000. A surviving spouse is also entitled to a $22,500 homestead allowance and up to $15,000 of exempt property. You cannot quietly write a spouse out of a Utah estate plan.

If Someone Has Already Died

Planning and probate are different matters, though the same estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City should be able to handle both. If you are here because a Salt Lake City parent or spouse has died, the path depends on the size and composition of the estate.

Utah offers a small estate affidavit under Utah Code 75-3-1201 for collecting personal property thirty days after death when the entire estate subject to administration, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $100,000. It does not transfer real property, and a Salt Lake City house normally takes an estate past the threshold. See our guides to the Utah small estate affidavit and to working with a probate attorney in Salt Lake City.

What Happens Without a Plan

Dying without a will in Utah does not send your property to the state. It means Utah Code 75-2-102 writes the plan for you, and the default catches many Salt Lake City families off guard.

A surviving spouse takes the entire intestate estate if you leave no descendants, or if every surviving descendant is also that spouse’s descendant. But if even one descendant is not your spouse’s, the spouse takes the first $75,000 plus half the balance, and the remainder passes to your descendants.

In practice that means a long second marriage plus one child from a prior relationship produces a split estate by operation of law. A surviving spouse can end up co-owning the family home with a stepchild. It is one of the most common outcomes an estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City has to explain after the fact, and almost nobody intends it.

Incapacity is the other half. Without a financial power of attorney and an advance health care directive, a family facing a stroke or a dementia diagnosis has to petition the court for guardianship or conservatorship. That is slower, public, and considerably more expensive than the documents would have been.

Mistakes That Cost Salt Lake City Families the Most

  1. The unfunded trust. Signed, never deeded. The house goes through probate and the trust sat in a drawer.
  2. Beneficiary designations nobody updated. Retirement accounts and life insurance pass by designation, not by will. A former spouse named in 2009 collects in 2026.
  3. Adding a child to the deed. It is a present gift, exposes the home to that child’s creditors and divorce, and gives up the basis step-up the family would otherwise get.
  4. Ignoring the cabin. Property in another county or state frequently triggers a second proceeding that a trust would have avoided.
  5. Never revisiting the plan. A plan written before a divorce, a remarriage, or a business sale describes a life you no longer live.

Four of those five are funding and maintenance failures rather than drafting failures. That is the pattern an estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City sees again and again, and it is why the follow-through matters more than the paragraph choices.

Working With an Estate Planning Lawyer in Salt Lake City

The process runs three meetings and about three to four weeks. The first is a design meeting covering what you own, how each asset is titled, and who depends on you, and you leave it knowing which plan you need and what it costs. Documents are then drafted and sent for you to read before any signing. The signing meeting handles Utah’s witness and notary requirements, and for trust plans the deed is prepared and recorded afterward.

Offices are in Lindon and West Jordan, both a short drive from Salt Lake City, and the practice covers business law, real estate law, estate planning, and probate. Handling probate is what informs the planning side, because it shows which provisions actually break. If you want the statewide picture first, start with the overview of estate planning in Utah, or read how a Utah living trust works.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City cost?

At this office, a flat $1,500 for a will-based plan and a flat $3,500 for a trust-based plan, quoted before drafting begins. Because plans are custom built, your figure may be higher or lower depending on complexity. Salt Lake County recording fees are separate and are paid to the county.

Do I need a trust if I own a home in Salt Lake City?

Usually yes, and it is the first thing an estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City will ask about. Real property is the asset that forces an estate into probate, and Salt Lake County home equity is normally the largest thing a family owns. A funded trust keeps the house out of court, stays private, and covers incapacity as well as death.

Where would my estate be probated if I live in Salt Lake City?

In Salt Lake County. Utah Code 75-3-201 places venue for the first proceeding in the county where the person was domiciled at death. Property owned in another county or state can pull in an additional proceeding, which a trust generally prevents.

What does funding a trust involve for a Salt Lake City house?

A new deed conveying the property from you individually to you as trustee, recorded with the Salt Lake County Recorder at 2001 South State Street. Until that deed is recorded, the home is not in the trust and will be probated regardless of what the trust says.

Does Utah charge an estate tax or inheritance tax?

No. Utah imposes no state estate tax, and its Inheritance Tax Act at Title 59, Chapter 11 was formally repealed effective 5 May 2026. Only the federal estate tax remains, and it reaches a small minority of estates.

Can I disinherit my spouse in a Utah will?

Not completely. Utah Code 75-2-202 lets a surviving spouse elect one third of the augmented estate with a $75,000 supplemental floor, plus a $22,500 homestead allowance and up to $15,000 of exempt property. A plan that ignores this invites litigation rather than avoiding the claim.

Is a handwritten will valid in Utah?

Yes, within limits. Utah Code 75-2-502 recognizes a holographic will, valid whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material portions are in the testator’s own handwriting. It rescues some homemade documents but invites handwriting and intent disputes that a properly executed will avoids.

Should I use an estate planning lawyer in Salt Lake City or can I do this online?

An online form can produce a will that satisfies Utah Code 75-2-502. What it cannot do is review how your Salt Lake County property is titled, catch a retirement account still naming a former spouse, or record the deed that keeps your house out of probate. For a renter with modest assets an online will is defensible. For a homeowner it is usually the most expensive document in the house.

Do you meet clients in Salt Lake City?

Offices are in Lindon and West Jordan, both a short drive from Salt Lake City, and much of the design and review work can be handled by phone or video. The signing meeting is in person because Utah’s witness and notary requirements call for it.

Ready to get your plan in place? A will-based plan is $1,500 and a trust-based plan is $3,500, quoted flat before any drafting and adjusted only for genuine complexity.

Call or text (801) 613-1472, or reach out through the contact page. Offices in Lindon and West Jordan, serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding area.

Written by Jeremy Eveland, a Utah attorney practicing business law, real estate law, estate planning, and probate, with offices in Lindon and West Jordan.

This article is general information about Utah law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Fees quoted describe this office only. Statutes, dollar thresholds, and county office details change, so confirm anything you intend to rely on. Consult a licensed attorney about your situation.