The Utah State Courts Self-Help Center offered several resources for individuals navigating life planning and probate matters. These services were designed to provide information to people without lawyers, helping them understand legal rights and responsibilities.
Advance Health Care Directive Resources
Information regarding the Advance Health Care Directive Act was made available through Utah Code sections 75-2a-101 to 75-2a-125. This included access to instructions and forms for the Utah Advance Health Care Directive.
Probate and Small Estate Tools
For probate matters, resources were provided for informal probate and small estates. Specifically, an affidavit for small estate matters involving motor vehicles was available in both PDF and Word formats.
Guardianship and Conservatorship Guidance
Legal guidance regarding guardianship and conservatorship for adults or minors was also included, covering pre-appointment tests, required reports, and the process for ending a guardianship or conservatorship.
Power of Attorney and Petitions
Other legal topics covered by the resources included power of attorney for general purposes and the delegation of authority for parents or guardians. Additionally, information was provided regarding petitions for essential treatment and intervention.
Estate Planning and Emergency Support
For estate planning, the center pointed toward Utah Legal Services. Planning for family emergencies, including deportation, was also a featured topic.
Government Programs and Services
Government programs and resources were listed, such as the Utah Department of Health and Human Services' Adult Protective Services, the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Social Security Administration.
The Self-Help Center staff attorneys were able to answer questions about the law, court processes, and options, as well as provide court forms and information on mediation services. However, it was noted that the Self-Help Center could not provide legal advice or represent individuals in court.
Legal clinics were available to give general legal information and brief legal advice, primarily handling civil law matters. For those unable to find specific information, a Web Navigator contact option was provided.
