Estate Planning & Trust
Estate Planning & Trusts Attorney
Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your assets, and your legacy. At Coulter ▪ Tateoka, our Utah estate planning attorneys help individuals and families create customized estate plans that reflect their wishes and comply with Utah law. Whether you are planning for the first time or updating an existing plan, we provide clear guidance and personalized solutions to give you peace of mind.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services in Utah
A well-crafted estate plan ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Our Utah estate planning lawyers assist with:
Trusts
Trusts can help you avoid probate, manage assets, protect privacy, and provide financial security for beneficiaries. We help clients establish trusts customized and tailored to their financial and family goals.
Wills
A Will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, but Wills will need to be filed in a probate proceeding following death.
Powers of Attorney - General POA &Health Care POA
Designate trusted individuals to manage financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated, or you may desire to have an immediate power of attorney authoring someone to help you now. There are two types of powers of attorney: General Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney.
Advance Healthcare Directives
Ensure your medical preferences are respected and appoint a healthcare agent under Utah’s Advance Health Care Directive laws.
Guardianship and Conservatorship Planning
Plan ahead for minor children or dependents by naming guardians and conservators, reducing the need for court intervention.
Estate and Gift Tax Planning
Although Utah does not impose a state estate tax, federal estate and gift tax laws may still apply. We help structure your estate to minimize tax burdens and preserve wealth for future generations.
Trust Planning to Protect Assets and Avoid Probate
Utah probate can be time-consuming and costly. Establishing a trust may allow your estate to bypass probate entirely. Our attorneys help create and administer a wide range of trusts, including:
- Revocable Living Trusts
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
- Asset Protection Trusts
- Charitable Trusts
- Testamentary Trusts
Trusts can also provide long-term management for minor children, beneficiaries with disabilities, or individuals who may need financial oversight.
Why Estate Planning Matters in Utah
If you pass away without an estate plan, Utah’s intestate succession laws will determine how your property is distributed, often in ways that do not reflect your wishes. Proper estate planning can:
- Protect your spouse, children, and loved ones
- Avoid or simplify probate proceedings
- Minimize taxes and legal expenses
- Preserve family wealth and business interests
- Provide clarity and reduce conflict during difficult times
Planning today ensures your family is protected tomorrow.
Personalized Guidance from a Utah Estate Planning Attorney
Every family and financial situation is unique. Our Utah estate
planning attorneys take
the time to understand your goals and develop a plan tailored to your
needs. We ensure
your documents are legally compliant, strategically structured, and
updated as your
life and laws change.
FAQS
Do I need a will in Utah?
Yes. A will ensures your property is distributed according to your wishes and allows you to name guardians for minor children.
What is the difference between a will and a trust in Utah?
A will goes through probate, while a trust can help avoid probate and provide ongoing management of assets.
Does Utah have an estate tax?
Utah does not impose a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes may apply depending on the size of your estate.
How much does probate cost in Utah?
Probate costs vary based on estate size and complexity, but legal fees, court costs, and delays can significantly reduce estate value.
When should I update my estate plan?
You should review your plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, relocation, or significant changes in assets.
