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Utah Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court, usually in a city or county Justice Court, for claims up to $20,000.

Last checked November 1, 2026

The most you can ask for$20,000
LawyersLawyers allowed
Time to sue on a contract6 years
Good to know

Scheduled to rise to $25,000 on 1 January 2030. Includes attorney fees, but not court costs or interest. Money claims only.

How it works in Utah

  1. Check that you are asking only for money, up to $20,000, and that the defendant isn’t a government agency.
  2. Find the right justice court, where the defendant lives or where the events happened. Some towns use a neighboring court.
  3. Complete the Small Claims Affidavit and summons for your court, then file and pay the fee or ask for a fee waiver.
  4. Serve the defendant and file proof of service. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) cases allow 120 days from filing. Other cases need service at least 30 days before trial.
  5. In an ODR court, log in within 7 days of filing or your case can be dismissed. A facilitator then tries to help you settle.
  6. If there is no settlement, go to trial with your evidence and witnesses.

What it costs

$60 for $2,000 or less, $100 from over $2,000 to under $7,500, and $185 from $7,500 up to $20,000

How long you have to sue

Written contract6 years
Spoken agreement4 years
Damage to property3 years
Personal injury4 years

Utah Code §§ 78B-2-305, 78B-2-307, 78B-2-309. These are general limits. The clock can start late, pause or be much shorter, as it is for claims against a government agency.

If you lose

Either side can appeal within 28 days of judgment by filing in the court that decided the case, and the district court then holds a new trial.

The limit rose from $15,000 to $20,000 on 1 January 2025, under § 78A-8-102(1)(a). The statute already sets a rise to $25,000 on 1 January 2030. The court’s fee schedule is effective 6 May 2026. The fee statutes have a new version effective 1 January 2027, and its small claims filing amounts are unchanged at $60, $100 and $185. https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78A/Chapter2/C78A-2-P3_1800010118000101.pdf

Sources

Cities in Utah

UtahSalt Lake CitySalt Lake City Justice Court

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General information to help you get organized, last checked November 1, 2026. It isn't legal advice, and SueYou isn't a law firm. Laws change and every case is different, so confirm anything important with a lawyer or the court. No lawyer has reviewed this page yet.