Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
Under Utah law, a personal representative must file an inventory and an account with the court and provide copies to interested persons, including beneficiaries and heirs. The authority for these requirements appears in Utah Code § 75-3-706 and § 75-3-703.
Within three months of appointment, the personal representative must file an inventory and appraisal of the estate with the probate court. See Utah Code § 75-3-706(1). Then, within 18 months of appointment and at 12-month intervals thereafter, the representative must file an account showing all receipts, disbursements and transactions. The representative also must serve a copy of the account on each person the court directs or as required by statute. See § 75-3-706(2).
Additionally, Utah Code § 75-3-703(2)(k) directs the personal representative to “keep interested persons reasonably informed” and to respond to reasonable requests for information. If you qualify as an interested person—such as a beneficiary named in the will—you can request a copy of the accounting directly from the personal representative.
If the personal representative fails or refuses to provide the accounting, you may petition the probate court to compel production or to settle the account. See Utah Code § 75-3-712. The court can order the representative to file missing reports, supply copies to interested persons, or remove the representative for cause.
Helpful Hints
- Identify yourself as an interested person (beneficiary, heir or creditor) when you request a copy.
- Send a written request to the personal representative and keep a copy for your records.
- Review Utah Code § 75-3-706 for filing deadlines to know when to expect the accounting.
- If you don’t receive the accounting, file a petition under § 75-3-712 in the probate court handling the estate.
- Consult a probate attorney for help drafting petitions or resolving disputes.