Utah Wills and Estates Attorney
Does a will make
the probate process more complicated in Utah?
No. Some people mistakenly believe that making a
last
will and
testament
will require or will complicate the
probate
process in Utah. Executing
a valid will does not make probate necessary. And if
probate does become necessary, a valid last will and
testament can simplify the process. With proper planning, the use of a
last will and testament in combination with a
living
trust may allow you
to avoid probate completely. With or without probate, creating a last
will and testament gives you the opportunity to make clear your
intentions for the management and distribution of your estate following
your death. While there are many sources of assistance in
creating a will, free online or print sources cannot provide the
personalized legal advice necessary to help you make a will that is
tailored to your individual circumstances. Contact Utah
estate
planning attorney Stephen Howard to arrange for an initial
consultation.

While
executing
a last will and testament should not complicate the
probate process, a will does not do anything to avoid the necessity of
probate. If your estate is valued at more than $100,000 or includes any
real property (home, condominium, land, etc.), then just having a last
will and testament in Utah will still require probate proceedings for
the appointment of a personal representative and the issuance of
letters testamentary or letters of administration.
Executing a will in combination with a living trust may, in many
circumstances, avoid the necessity of going through probate even for
larger estates.
If, at the time of your death, your estate contains no real property
and is valued at less than $100,000, then in many cases probate can be
avoided through the use of a small estates affidavit. In appropriate
cases, Utah law allows this affidavit to be used by the
decedent's personal representative to administer the estate without the
intervention of a probate court.
Finding an Estate Planning Attorney in Utah
A
wills
and trusts attorney in Utah can assist you in creating an
estate plan that is tailored to suit your individual needs. In many
cases, probate can be entirely avoided through proper planning. Estate
planning attorney Stephen Howard provides
legal services to clients throughout Utah.
Contact us today to arrange
for an initial consultation.
Estate Planning - Setting up a good estate plan requires more than filling out a free online form or downloading software. But a good estate plan does not have to be overly expensive. A good attorney can guide you through the process of determining what estate planning tools are right for you and your family, and then create personalized estate planning documents to protect you and your family, and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Contact us today to start the process of setting up a personalized estate plan.
Estate Planning »
Criminal Defense -
A criminal conviction can carry serious consequences. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney can give you the best chance of raising a successful defense. Stephen Howard has years of experience successfully defending serious criminal charges ranging from capital murder to DUI.
Contact us today to see what the right attorney can do for you.
Criminal Defense
»
Family Law - The legal issues involved in Utah family law cases are some of the most important and personal issues you may ever face. Whether you are facing divorce, trying to obtain guardianship for a loved one, making plans to adopt, addressing child custody, support, alimony, or other legal matters relating to your family, choosing the right attorney to help you is a critical decision.
Contact us to get the help you need.
Family Law
»
Accidents & Injuries - An accident can severly affect your ability to work, your ability to care for and support your family. Injuries can leave you with life-long pain and disabilities. If you have been seriously injured or have been in an accident that was not your fault, you need an attorney who can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive compensation you are entitled to. Call now for an initial consultation.
Accidents & Injuries
»