Utah’s small claims court handles money disputes up to $20,000 [1]. Most cases are filed in a local justice court, and many courts now run them through Online Dispute Resolution, where the two sides try to settle online before any trial [1].
At a glance
What small claims can and can’t do
You can ask for up to $20,000. That figure includes lawyer fees but doesn’t include court costs or interest (Utah Code § 78A-8-102) [1]. Small claims can only award money. The judge can’t order someone to return property or to do something [1].
You can’t use small claims to sue a government agency or to evict someone [1]. After a car accident, you can ask for property damage and injuries in one case or in two separate cases. If you file two, the property case asks only for property damage [1].
You don’t need a lawyer. Utah law lets a party handle a small claims case on their own, and a business can appear through its own employees [3].
Where to file
File in the justice court for the place where the defendant lives or where the events happened [1]:
- the city or town justice court, if there is one,
- otherwise the county justice court,
- if neither exists, the district court.
Cache County has no county-wide justice court; if the case falls outside the remaining Cache County justice courts, it goes to district court [1]. Some cities use a neighboring city’s or the county’s court, so check the courts’ table before you file [1].
Filing fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Claim of $2,000 or less | $60 |
| Claim over $2,000 and under $7,500 | $100 |
| Claim of $7,500 up to $20,000 | $185 |
| Appeal for a new trial (trial de novo) | $240, plus $10 to the justice court |
| Jury demand (paid to district court) | $250 |
If you can’t afford the fee, you can ask the court for a fee waiver [1].
Online Dispute Resolution courts
In courts that use Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), the timing is strict [1]:
- The plaintiff has to log in within 7 days of filing, or the case can be dismissed.
- The defendant has to register within 14 days of receiving the summons and affidavit, or lose automatically. The day of service is day zero.
- The defendant must be served within 120 days of filing.
- A defendant with a disability, no internet access or limited English can ask to be excused from ODR.
If the case doesn’t settle, it goes to trial in about 7 to 21 days [1].
Courts without ODR
In other courts, the plaintiff files the claim forms, pays the fee, and the court sets a trial date. The defendant has to be served at least 30 days before trial, and proof of service is filed with the court [1].
If you’re the one being sued
- Show up. A defendant who misses trial can lose automatically [1].
- Sue back if you have a claim. A defendant can file a counterclaim against the plaintiff, under the same rules: money only, up to $20,000 [1].
- Want a jury? You have 15 days after receiving the papers to move the case to district court, pay the $250 jury fee and notify the justice court. District court rules apply after that [1].
The trial and the judgment
Both sides have to attend; a party who doesn’t appear loses automatically [1]. The judge usually rules right away and otherwise has 60 days to decide [1]. A small claims judge can’t set up a payment plan. A defendant who owes must pay in full, and unpaid judgments can lead to wage garnishment [1].
If you missed trial for a good reason, you can ask to undo the judgment or dismissal within 15 days [1].
Appeals: a whole new trial
Either side can appeal within 28 days of the judgment by filing a notice of appeal with the court that decided the case and paying the fees [1][2]. The case goes to the district court, which holds a new trial. What happened at the first trial doesn’t control the second one [1].
Sources
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What is the small claims limit in Utah?
$20,000. That includes lawyer fees but not court costs or interest. Small claims can only award money; the court can't order someone to return property or do something.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Utah?
As of May 6, 2026, $60 for claims of $2,000 or less, $100 for claims over $2,000 and under $7,500, and $185 for claims from $7,500 up to $20,000. You can ask for a fee waiver if you can't afford it.
Can you appeal a Utah small claims judgment?
Yes. File a notice of appeal within 28 days of the judgment. The case goes to district court for a brand-new trial. The appeal fee is $240, plus $10 paid to the justice court.
Where do I file a small claims case in Utah?
Usually in the justice court where the defendant lives or where the events happened: the city or town justice court if there is one, otherwise the county justice court, otherwise the district court.