Utah Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Utah, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Utah guide.
- Will
- Utah will requirements under Utah Code 75-2-502: a writing, the testator's signature, and at least two witnesses. Handwritten and electronic wills count too. Read the guide
- Living trust
- A Utah revocable living trust runs under Title 75B, Chapter 2: how to create one, how to fund it, the pour-over will, and what it will not do. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- A Utah power of attorney is durable by default and has to be signed before a notary. Title 75A Chapter 2 walls eight powers behind an express grant. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- A Utah advance health care directive now runs on Title 75A Chapter 9. One adult witness, no notary, and a health care instruction needs nothing in writing. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Utah requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Utah estate planning guides
Utah Estate Planning Basics
Utah estate planning rests on four documents: a two witness will, a notarized financial power of attorney, a health care directive, and a trust if you need one.
Utah Will Requirements
Utah will requirements under Utah Code 75-2-502: a writing, the testator's signature, and at least two witnesses. Handwritten and electronic wills count too.
Utah Power of Attorney
A Utah power of attorney is durable by default and has to be signed before a notary. Title 75A Chapter 2 walls eight powers behind an express grant.
Utah Advance Health Care Directive
A Utah advance health care directive now runs on Title 75A Chapter 9. One adult witness, no notary, and a health care instruction needs nothing in writing.
Utah Guardianship Planning
How Utah guardianship and conservatorship work, the nomination forms at Utah Code 75-5-311 and 75-5-410 that bind the court, and the alternatives to a case.
Utah Revocable Living Trust
A Utah revocable living trust runs under Title 75B, Chapter 2: how to create one, how to fund it, the pour-over will, and what it will not do.
Utah Trust Administration
Utah trust administration under Title 75B, Chapter 2: the two 60-day notices, trustee reports, creditor and Medicaid notice, and distribution.
Utah Transfer on Death Deed
Utah's transfer on death deed passes real property at death under Title 75, Chapter 6, Part 4. Record it before you die, or the deed does nothing at all.
Utah Pet Trusts
Utah Code 75-2-1001 makes a trust for a designated pet valid, ends it when no covered animal is living, and lets a court reduce an overfunded trust.
Utah Digital Assets After Death
Utah's digital assets act moved to Title 75A, Chapter 6 in 2024. An online tool outranks your will, and a custodian answers a fiduciary within 60 days.
Not sure what you need in Utah?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
More Utah Resources
Explore the rest of the Utah estate planning hub.
Start planning