Full text of Utah Utah Code § 4a-4 — Presumptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4a-4. Presumptions.
Effective 5/7/2025 57-4a-4.
Presumptions.
(1)
A recorded document creates the following presumptions regarding title to the real property affected:
(a)
the document is genuine and was executed voluntarily by the person purporting to execute it;
(b)
the person executing the document and the person on whose behalf it is executed are the persons they purport to be;
(c)
the person executing the document was neither incompetent nor a minor at any relevant time;
(d)
delivery occurred notwithstanding any lapse of time between dates on the document and the date of recording;
(e)
any necessary consideration was given;
(f)
the grantee, transferee, or beneficiary of an interest created or described by the document acted in good faith at all relevant times;
(g)
a person executing a document as an agent, attorney in fact, officer of an organization, or in a fiduciary or official capacity:
(i)
held the position that the person executing the document purported to hold and acted within the scope of that person's authority;
(ii)
in the case of an officer of an organization, was authorized under all applicable laws to act on behalf of the organization; and
(iii)
in the case of an agent, the agent's agency was not revoked, and the agent acted for a principal who was neither incompetent nor a minor at any relevant time;
(h)
a person executing the document as an individual:
(i)
was unmarried on the effective date of the document; or
(ii)
if it otherwise appears from the document that the person was married on the effective date of the document, the grantee was a bona fide purchaser and the grantor received adequate and full consideration in money or money's worth so that the joinder of the nonexecuting spouse was not required under Sections 75-2-201 through 75-2-207;
(i)
if the document purports to be executed pursuant to or to be a final determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding, or to be executed pursuant to a power of eminent domain, the court, official body, or condemnor acted within its jurisdiction and all steps required for the execution of the document were taken; and
(j)
recitals and other statements of fact in a document, including without limitation recitals concerning mergers or name changes of organizations, are true.
(2)
The presumptions stated in Subsection (1) arise even though the document purports only to release a claim or to convey any right, title, or interest of the person executing it or the person on whose behalf it is executed.
Section 4a-4 ("Presumptions.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 4a-4?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 4a-4" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 4a-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
