Utah Guardianship Reporting Requirements: Deadlines, Inventories, and Bonds

Getting appointed as guardian or conservator in Utah is the hard part. Staying compliant afterward is what trips people up — missed deadlines create court-compliance problems and can put the appointment at risk.

The 90-Day Inventory Report (Conservators)

If the court appointed you as conservator, you have exactly 90 days from the date of appointment to file an Inventory Report with the court. This deadline starts from the appointment date on the court order, not the date you picked up certified copies or began managing assets.

The inventory must list every asset of the protected person:

• Bank and investment accounts (with balances as of appointment date)
• Real property (with current assessed or appraised values)
• Personal property of significant value
• Income sources (Social Security, pensions, rental income)
• Outstanding debts and obligations

The court provides a standardized inventory form through the Utah Courts self-help portal. Use it — judges expect the standard format, and improvised spreadsheets create review delays.

Annual Status Reports (Guardians)

Every guardian must file an Annual Status Report within 60 days of each appointment anniversary. The report covers:

• The protected person's current living situation and physical address
• Health status and any significant medical events during the year
• Services being provided and whether they remain appropriate
• Contact between the protected person and family members
• Any changes to the guardianship arrangement you're recommending

This isn't a rubber-stamp exercise. Court examiners review these reports, and gaps or vague answers prompt follow-up inquiries. Report the reality of the situation, including problems — judges want to see honest assessments, not polished summaries.

Annual Financial Accountings (Conservators)

If the protected person's estate exceeds $50,000 (excluding the primary home), the conservator must file a formal Annual Financial Accounting alongside the status report. This is a detailed record of:

• All income received during the reporting period
• All expenditures, categorized by type (medical, housing, personal care, legal)
• Asset gains or losses, including investment performance
• The ending balance of all accounts

Every expenditure needs documentation. Keep receipts, bank statements, and cancelled checks organized throughout the year — reconstructing a full year of spending at filing time is where most conservators fail.

For estates under $50,000, check with the appointing court about the accounting required rather than assuming that no report is needed. Keep tracking income, expenditures, and assets throughout the year.

Surety Bonds

When a conservator is appointed, the court typically requires a surety bond equal to the total value of the estate plus one year of estimated income. The bond protects the protected person's assets against mismanagement or theft by the conservator.

Bond premiums vary by the required bond amount, the estate, and the surety provider. Obtain a current quote for the bond amount the court sets.

The judge may waive the bond requirement. Ask the court what showing and request are required; a waiver is not automatic.

What Happens When You Miss a Deadline

If you miss a deadline, contact the appointing court promptly and ask how to cure the late filing. Follow any notice or order from the court, and do not assume that a late report is ignored.

The simplest protection is a calendar system. Set reminders 30 days before each deadline, giving yourself time to gather records and prepare the filing.

The Utah Power of Attorney & Guardianship Kit includes pre-formatted tracking templates for the 90-day inventory and annual accountings, designed to match the court's expected format so you're not starting from scratch at each reporting cycle.

See more Utah guides →