Intestate Succession in Utah
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Utah follows the Uniform Probate Code, with the surviving spouse receiving a priority share before other heirs.
How Utah treats Intestate Succession
If the deceased has a spouse and one child, the spouse receives the first $150,000 plus half the remaining estate, with the child taking the rest. With multiple children, the spouse receives the first $150,000 plus one-third of the remainder. If no spouse survives, children inherit equally; if no children, parents inherit; if none, siblings divide the estate. Utah law generally follows standard UPC succession rules.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Utah.