Find Probate Court Records in Utah County
Utah County probate court records are handled by the Fourth District Court, with the main office in Provo and additional locations in American Fork and Spanish Fork. The court manages all estate cases for Utah's second most populous county, including wills, formal and informal probate, guardianship, and small estate proceedings. You can search Utah County probate court records online using the Utah Courts XChange system or by visiting one of the district court locations in person. Records in Utah County go back to 1859.
Utah County Quick Facts
Fourth District Court - Utah County Probate
The Fourth Judicial District Court handles all probate court records filed in Utah County. The main courthouse is in Provo, where most estate cases are processed. There are also court locations in American Fork and Spanish Fork that serve residents in different parts of the county. All three locations file into the same court system, so probate court records from any of these sites can be accessed through a single search on Utah Courts XChange.
The Utah County Clerk/Auditor office is located at 100 East Center Street, Suite 3100, Provo, UT 84606, and handles administrative county records such as marriage licenses and elections. For probate court records specifically, you will work with the District Court Clerk, not the County Clerk/Auditor. This is a common point of confusion for people new to the probate process in Utah County. Call the Provo courthouse at (801) 429-1000 to confirm which location handles your specific type of case.
| Provo Location |
Fourth District Court 137 N Freedom Blvd Provo, UT 84601 Phone: (801) 429-1000 |
|---|---|
| American Fork Location |
75 East 80 North, Suite 202 American Fork, UT 84003 Phone: (801) 756-9654 |
| Spanish Fork Location |
775 West Center Spanish Fork, UT 84660 Phone: (801) 804-4800 |
| County Clerk/Auditor |
100 East Center Street, Suite 3100 Provo, UT 84606 Phone: (801) 851-8109 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The screenshot below is from the Utah County probate records page at utahcourtrecords.us, which covers the types of cases handled by the Fourth District Court and how to locate them.
This resource explains the probate process in Utah County and links to the tools you can use to search and access estate records.
Searching Utah County Probate Court Records
You have a few ways to search probate court records in Utah County. The online route is usually fastest. In-person visits give you access to the full file and the ability to get copies on site. Mail requests work if you already know the case number and just need specific documents.
The Utah Courts XChange platform is the main online system for Utah County probate court records. You log in, search by name or case number, and can view case status and filed documents. XChange charges $5 to register, $0.20 per search query, and $0.50 per document. A monthly subscription plan at $25 upfront and $40 per month is available for frequent users. Basic case information is often viewable without opening the document itself. XChange is available 24 hours a day, which is helpful when courthouse hours don't work for your schedule.
To visit in person, go to one of the Fourth District Court locations. The Provo courthouse handles the largest share of Utah County probate court records. Bring the name of the deceased or a case number if you have one. The clerk can search the system while you wait. Plain paper copies are $0.25 per page, and certified copies cost more. Staff can tell you what is available and whether any portions of the file are sealed.
Note: XChange searches Utah County court records going back to 1992 in most cases. For older probate court records from 1859 to the early 1990s, contact the court clerk or the Utah State Archives directly.
Utah County Probate Case Types and Documents
Utah County probate court records cover a range of case types. Understanding which type applies to your situation helps you search more effectively and know what to expect from the court.
Informal probate is the most common type in Utah County. It applies when there is a valid will and no disputes among heirs or creditors. The personal representative files the required documents, and the court does not need to hold a hearing. Formal unsupervised probate is used when there is a legal question about the will or when heirs disagree on something. A hearing is held, but the court does not actively oversee every step of estate administration. Formal supervised probate involves the court in each major step. It is used for complex or contested estates in Utah County.
Small estates are handled differently. If the total value of the estate is under $100,000, a simplified affidavit process is available instead of full probate. This saves time and court costs. The affidavit must be signed under oath and meet the requirements of Utah Code Title 75. Guardianship and conservatorship cases are also filed in the Utah County probate court. These cases involve protecting minors or incapacitated adults who cannot manage their own affairs.
All probate court records in Utah County are public under Utah Code § 63G-2, the Government Records Access and Management Act. GRAMA gives any person the right to request and view these records. Some parts of a file may be protected, such as financial account details or sealed adoption proceedings, but the general case record is open to the public.
Historical Probate Records in Utah County
Utah County probate records go back to 1859, shortly after the county was formally organized. Court records from 1885 and divorce and probate files from 1859 are among the oldest in the state. These older records are valuable for genealogical research and tracing estate history in the county.
For historical Utah County probate court records, the Utah State Archives in Salt Lake City is your best resource. The archives hold older court files that have been transferred from the active court system. You can contact the archives directly at archives.utah.gov to request a search or learn what records are available for Utah County. Some records have been microfilmed or digitized, making remote access possible for researchers who cannot visit in person. The Library of Congress also maintains guides to Utah courthouse records through their Utah genealogy resources page, which can point you toward estate and probate holdings for Utah County going back to the territorial period.
The image below is from the Utah court records resource at utahrecords.us, a directory of court record access tools for the Fourth District Court and Utah County.
This directory helps you navigate the Fourth District Court's records system and understand how Utah County estate filings are organized and accessed.
Fees for Utah County Probate Court Records
Utah County follows the standard Utah court fee schedule for probate filings and record copies. The initial filing fee for a probate case is $375. This applies to both formal and informal probate petitions filed with the Fourth District Court. Small estate affidavits carry a lower filing cost. If you are requesting copies rather than filing a new case, fees are much smaller.
In-person copy fees at the Utah County courthouse are $0.25 per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost more and include the court seal. Online access through XChange charges $0.50 per document view and $0.20 per search. If you use XChange regularly, the monthly plan may save money. For mail requests, include payment with your request or ask the clerk about prepayment options. Staff at the Provo courthouse can tell you the exact amount based on your specific request.
Utah County residents with limited income can request a fee waiver at the time of filing. The court will review your financial situation before granting or denying the waiver. You must file the appropriate petition with the Fourth District Court in Provo to apply.
Note: Fees set by the Utah Legislature may change from year to year. Always call ahead to confirm current rates before sending payment for Utah County probate court records.
Probate Help and Legal Resources in Utah County
Handling probate in Utah County can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time dealing with an estate. Several resources are available to help you understand the process and find professional help when you need it.
The Utah Courts forms page has all the standard probate forms accepted by the Fourth District Court in Utah County. These include petitions for informal and formal probate, inventory forms, and closing documents. Instructions come with each form. The Utah State Bar offers a lawyer referral service if you need to hire a probate attorney familiar with Utah County courts. For those who qualify based on income, Utah Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance, including help with probate matters in Utah County.
Under Utah law, probate proceedings must be started within three years of the date of death. This deadline comes from Utah Code § 75-3-107. The 120-hour survival rule under Utah Code § 75-2-104 also applies, meaning an heir must outlive the deceased by at least five days to inherit. These rules affect how estate cases are handled in Utah County and whether a case can even be opened.
Cities in Utah County
Utah County includes several major cities. Residents of all these cities file probate court records with the Fourth District Court. Depending on where in the county you live, your nearest courthouse may be in Provo, American Fork, or Spanish Fork.
Nearby Counties
Utah County shares borders with several other counties. Probate cases must be filed in the county where the deceased person lived. If you are not sure where to file, check the last home address of the person whose estate you are settling.