A landlord kept your deposit, a contractor walked off the job, a dry cleaner ruined your coat. In Utah you can sue for up to $20,000 in the Small Claims Department of the Justice Court, without hiring a lawyer. Check your case below, then follow six steps.
Answer a few questions. The result updates as you type.
Utah doesn't require a demand before filing small claims, but asking for payment first can settle things faster. A short, dated demand letter is the best proof. Use the generator below and keep a copy.
Usually the justice court where the defendant lives or where the problem happened. Some cities share another city's or the county's justice court.
Small Claims Affidavit and Summons (ODR version in Online Dispute Resolution courts). In non-ODR courts the trial date is set when you file. In ODR courts, cases that don't settle online usually go to trial about 7 to 21 days later.
$60 for claims up to $2,000, $100 up to $7,500, and $185 up to $20,000. Serving the papers costs extra. If you can't afford it, ask for a fee waiver: Request a fee waiver from the court (see the Utah Courts fee waiver page)..
You can't hand the papers over yourself. Use the sheriff, a constable, a private process server, or another adult who isn't part of the case, then file proof of service. At least 30 days before the trial. In Online Dispute Resolution courts, serve within 120 days of filing.
Bring receipts, photos, texts, the contract and your demand letter, with three copies of each. The court doesn't collect for you. If they don't pay, you can garnish wages or bank accounts or seize property.
Want every detail? The full filing guide walks you through all 7 stages, from finding the defendant's legal name to collecting your money, with a checklist.
Open the filing guideFill in the details, then download the letter as a PDF or Word file, or copy the text. Send it by certified mail or email so you can prove the date.
Miss this date and the court will dismiss your case, however strong it is. Some deadlines start later if the harm was discovered later.
| Type of claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Broken written contract (lease, invoice, signed agreement) | 6 years |
| Broken verbal agreement | 4 years |
| Damaged property | 3 years |
| Personal injury | 4 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Libel or slander | 1 year |
| Claims against a government agency | Government agencies can't be sued in Utah small claims court; claims against them follow special notice rules. |
Yes. You can bring a lawyer or represent yourself. A business can send an authorized employee.
You can sue for up to $20,000, including attorney fees but not court costs or interest. The limit rose from $15,000 on January 1, 2025, and is set to rise to $25,000 on January 1, 2030. Small claims can only award money, and you can't sue a government agency there. Otherwise, you can give up the amount above the limit, or file a regular civil case where the rules are stricter.
Either side can appeal within 28 days. The case is tried again from scratch in district court. The appeal fee is $240 plus $10 to the justice court.
Utah courts provide interpreters; request one through the court's interpreter page. Limited English is also a reason to be excused from online dispute resolution.