Utah Small Claims Court (2026): Limit, Fees and How to File
How small claims court works in Utah: the dollar limit, filing fees, serving the other side, the hearing, appeals and collecting your money — each answer linked to the court rule or statute.
Quick answers for Utah
- Small claims limit
- $20,000, including attorney fees but not court costs or interest (Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2029; rises to $25,000 on Jan. 1, 2030). Small claims cases are for money only; you cannot sue a government agency or bring an eviction in small claims. Utah Code 78A-8-102(1)(a); Utah Courts, Small Claims
- Filing fee
- $60 for claims of $2,000 or less; $100 for over $2,000 to under $7,500; $185 for $7,500 up to $20,000 (effective May 6, 2026). A fee waiver may be requested. Utah Courts, Court Fees
- Appeals
- Either party may appeal within 28 days of the judgment to the district court for a new trial (trial de novo). The appeal fee is $240, plus $10 paid to the justice court when the notice of appeal is filed. Utah Courts, Small Claims; Court Fees
Court: Justice Court (small claims); district court where there is no justice court. Last verified: 2026-10-24.
How to file a small claims case in Utah
- Make sure you are seeking only money, $20,000 or less (including attorney fees), and are not suing a government agency or seeking an eviction.
- File the small claims papers in the justice court where the defendant lives or where the events happened, and pay the $60, $100 or $185 fee (or ask for a waiver).
- Serve the defendant at least 30 days before trial (within 120 days of filing in ODR courts) and file proof of service.
- If your court uses Online Dispute Resolution, log in within 7 days and try to settle with the facilitator.
- Attend the trial with your evidence; a party who does not attend loses automatically.
- Either side may appeal within 28 days for a new trial in district court.
- If the judgment is not paid, use a judgment lien, writ of garnishment or writ of execution.
Can you use small claims court?
| Small claims limit | $20,000, including attorney fees but not court costs or interest (Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2029; rises to $25,000 on Jan. 1, 2030). Small claims cases are for money only; you cannot sue a government agency or bring an eviction in small claims. The 2030 increase is taken from the statute as summarized in the state record; the court page states the current $20,000 limit. |
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Filing your case
| Where to file | Usually the justice court where the defendant lives or where the events happened. In areas without a justice court (for example parts of Cache County), cases are filed in district court. Source: Utah Courts, Small Claims |
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| Official forms | Utah small claims cases (money only, up to $20,000) are filed in the justice court where the defendant lives or where the events happened. Plaintiffs file forms 1024XX and 1025XX, or, in courts that use Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) such as the Salt Lake County, Ogden and Provo City justice courts, 1024XX and the Small Claims Summons and Affidavit (Online Dispute Resolution Case). Form 3006SC asks to skip ODR and go to trial. Defendants can counterclaim with 1024XX and 1031XX. The filing fee is shown on the cover sheet, and a fee waiver is available. In ODR courts, plaintiffs must log in within 7 days of filing. |
| Filing fee | $60 for claims of $2,000 or less; $100 for over $2,000 to under $7,500; $185 for $7,500 up to $20,000 (effective May 6, 2026). A fee waiver may be requested. Fee waiver: https://www.utcourts.gov/en/self-help/legal-help/procedures/waiver.html Source: Utah Courts, Court Fees |
| Filing online | Self-represented parties can use MyPaperwork to prepare and file papers to start certain cases, and MyCase for electronic filing in existing cases of listed types; papers may also be filed in person, by mail or by email. Source: Utah Courts, Filing |
| Serving the defendant | In regular cases the defendant must be served at least 30 days before trial; in Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) cases, within 120 days of filing. File proof of service with the court. Source: Utah Courts, Small Claims |
Before and at the hearing
| When the hearing happens | In ODR courts, a trial is typically held about 7 to 21 days after an unsuccessful ODR process. The judge usually rules at trial or within 60 days. Source: Utah Courts, Small Claims |
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| Does the defendant file an answer? | No written answer is described; the defendant must attend the trial or loses automatically. In ODR cases, the defendant must register within 14 days of receiving the summons or the plaintiff may seek a default judgment. Source: Utah Courts, Small Claims |
| Counterclaims | A defendant may file a counterclaim; the counterclaim fee is $55 for $2,000 or less, $165 for over $2,000 to under $10,000, and $170 for $10,000 or more. Source: Utah Courts, Court Fees |
| Mediation | Some courts use Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), in which a neutral facilitator helps the parties try to settle online. The plaintiff must log in within 7 days of filing and the defendant within 14 days of service; the settlement period is generally 14 days. Defendants may be excused for disability, lack of internet access or limited English. Source: Utah Courts, Small Claims |
| Jury trial | Not in small claims. A defendant who wants a jury may move the case to district court within 15 days of receiving the papers and pay a $250 jury fee. Source: Utah Courts, Small Claims |
| Interpreters | The court appoints an interpreter for any hearing for a person whose primary language is not English and who cannot understand or communicate in English. Ask at least 3 days before the hearing by calling the court or filing a Request a Court Interpreter form. |
After the decision
| Appeals | Either party may appeal within 28 days of the judgment to the district court for a new trial (trial de novo). The appeal fee is $240, plus $10 paid to the justice court when the notice of appeal is filed. Appeal fee: https://www.utcourts.gov/en/self-help/legal-help/procedures/fees.html |
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| Collecting your judgment | Collection tools include a judgment lien on real property (record the judgment with the county recorder), supplemental proceedings or interrogatories about the debtor's assets with the judge's permission, a writ of garnishment (wages or bank accounts), and a writ of execution. Exempt property cannot be seized, and the judgment must be renewed within 8 years. |
Deadline to sue
6 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on an instrument in writing (written lease). 4 years for a contract, obligation or liability not founded on a written instrument (oral lease), running from the last charge or last payment. Utah Code 78B-2-309(1)(b); 78B-2-307(1)(a)
Official forms and help
Suing a landlord or tenant in Utah
Utah small claims is used for security deposit refunds, unpaid rent and damage claims up to $20,000. Evictions cannot be filed as small claims cases.
- Utah security deposit demand letter (send before you sue)
- Utah security deposit law
- Tenant lawyers and free legal aid in Utah
Utah small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Utah?
$20,000, including attorney fees but not court costs or interest (Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2029; rises to $25,000 on Jan. 1, 2030). Small claims cases are for money only; you cannot sue a government agency or bring an eviction in small claims.
Where do I file a small claims case in Utah?
Usually the justice court where the defendant lives or where the events happened. In areas without a justice court (for example parts of Cache County), cases are filed in district court.
How much does it cost to file in small claims court in Utah?
$60 for claims of $2,000 or less; $100 for over $2,000 to under $7,500; $185 for $7,500 up to $20,000 (effective May 6, 2026). A fee waiver may be requested.
How do I serve the other side in a Utah small claims case?
In regular cases the defendant must be served at least 30 days before trial; in Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) cases, within 120 days of filing. File proof of service with the court.
How long does a small claims case take in Utah?
In ODR courts, a trial is typically held about 7 to 21 days after an unsuccessful ODR process. The judge usually rules at trial or within 60 days.
Does a defendant have to file an answer in Utah small claims court?
No written answer is described; the defendant must attend the trial or loses automatically. In ODR cases, the defendant must register within 14 days of receiving the summons or the plaintiff may seek a default judgment.
Can the defendant file a counterclaim in Utah small claims court?
A defendant may file a counterclaim; the counterclaim fee is $55 for $2,000 or less, $165 for over $2,000 to under $10,000, and $170 for $10,000 or more.
Is there a jury in Utah small claims court?
Not in small claims. A defendant who wants a jury may move the case to district court within 15 days of receiving the papers and pay a $250 jury fee.
Can you appeal a small claims decision in Utah?
Either party may appeal within 28 days of the judgment to the district court for a new trial (trial de novo). The appeal fee is $240, plus $10 paid to the justice court when the notice of appeal is filed.
How do I collect a small claims judgment in Utah?
Collection tools include a judgment lien on real property (record the judgment with the county recorder), supplemental proceedings or interrogatories about the debtor's assets with the judge's permission, a writ of garnishment (wages or bank accounts), and a writ of execution. Exempt property cannot be seized, and the judgment must be renewed within 8 years.
Is mediation required in Utah small claims court?
Some courts use Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), in which a neutral facilitator helps the parties try to settle online. The plaintiff must log in within 7 days of filing and the defendant within 14 days of service; the settlement period is generally 14 days. Defendants may be excused for disability, lack of internet access or limited English.
Can I file a small claims case online in Utah?
Self-represented parties can use MyPaperwork to prepare and file papers to start certain cases, and MyCase for electronic filing in existing cases of listed types; papers may also be filed in person, by mail or by email.
Can I get an interpreter in Utah small claims court?
The court appoints an interpreter for any hearing for a person whose primary language is not English and who cannot understand or communicate in English. Ask at least 3 days before the hearing by calling the court or filing a Request a Court Interpreter form.
Where can I get small claims court forms in Utah?
Utah small claims cases (money only, up to $20,000) are filed in the justice court where the defendant lives or where the events happened. Plaintiffs file forms 1024XX and 1025XX, or, in courts that use Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) such as the Salt Lake County, Ogden and Provo City justice courts, 1024XX and the Small Claims Summons and Affidavit (Online Dispute Resolution Case). Form 3006SC asks to skip ODR and go to trial. Defendants can counterclaim with 1024XX and 1031XX. The filing fee is shown on the cover sheet, and a fee waiver is available. In ODR courts, plaintiffs must log in within 7 days of filing.
Small claims limits in all 50 states and DC · Small claims court in other states
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.