Short answer. In Utah, small claims court covers claims up to $20,000. Where to file: Where the defendant resides or the debt was incurred (78A-8-102). The fee to start a case is $50 to $185, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Utah small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Utah limit of $20,000.
Need the other side served? Process serving with an affidavit of service.
Utah small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $20,000. Utah Code 78A-8-102 (last amended 2022, ch. 210): $20,000 from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029; $25,000 from January 1, 2030 (was $15,000 May 4, 2022 - Dec 31, 2024). Limit includes attorney fees, excludes court costs and interest; judgment cannot exceed the limit.
- Also
- limit scheduled from January 1, 2030: $25,000
- Court
- Small Claims Court (Justice Court)
- Who can file
- Persons or corporations, with or without counsel; corporations may act through authorized employees. Assignees may not file or prosecute claims (78A-8-102(6), 78A-8-103).
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- Where the defendant resides or the debt was incurred (78A-8-102).
- Serving the other side
- The plaintiff must arrange to have the defendant served and keep copies of everything served. If the case is not using ODR, "you must have the defendant served at least 30 days before the trial"; for cases using ODR, "within 120 days of filing the case." Then "file proof of service with the court." The Utah courts Serving Papers page lists the ways to serve.
- Appeal
- Either party may appeal to the district court of the county by filing notice in the original trial court within 28 days of entry of judgment; trial de novo under small claims procedures (78A-8-106).
Utah filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| claim of $2,000 or less | $60 | |
| claim over $2,000 and less than $7,500 | $100 | |
| claim of $7,500 up to $20,000 | $185 | |
| counter affidavit, $2,000 or less | $50 | |
| counter affidavit, over $2,000 and less than $7,500 | $70 | |
| counter affidavit, $7,500 up to $20,000 | $120 |
Utah Code 78A-2-301(1)(c) and (e), from the Utah courts fee schedule effective May 6, 2026.
Not confirmed for Utah: online filing. The official Utah page we checked didn't state this, so we left it out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Want us to handle it?
A runner files your papers in person at the clerk's window and sends you a scan of the stamped copy. We file what you prepared; we don't give legal advice.
Price: Outside New Jersey it goes through our contractor network: quote-based, confirmed before any work starts, and booked once a local contractor accepts. In New Jersey it is from $75 per filing, court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.
Filing a small claim in Utah, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Utah limit is $20,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtWhere the defendant resides or the debt was incurred (78A-8-102).
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Utah is $50 to $185, depending on the claim. Utah Code 78A-2-301(1)(c) and (e), from the Utah courts fee schedule effective May 6, 2026.
- Have the other side servedThe plaintiff must arrange to have the defendant served and keep copies of everything served. If the case is not using ODR, "you must have the defendant served at least 30 days before the trial"; for cases using ODR, "within 120 days of filing the case." Then "file proof of service with the court." The Utah courts Serving Papers page lists the ways to serve.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionEither party may appeal to the district court of the county by filing notice in the original trial court within 28 days of entry of judgment; trial de novo under small claims procedures (78A-8-106).
Official Utah links
- Utah small claims self-help page
- Utah Code Title 78A Chapter 8 Small Claims Courts
- Utah State Courts: Filing/Record Fees
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Utah pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Utah small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Utah?
$20,000. Utah Code 78A-8-102 (last amended 2022, ch. 210): $20,000 from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029; $25,000 from January 1, 2030 (was $15,000 May 4, 2022 - Dec 31, 2024). Limit includes attorney fees, excludes court costs and interest; judgment cannot exceed the limit.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Utah?
claim of $2,000 or less: $60; claim over $2,000 and less than $7,500: $100; claim of $7,500 up to $20,000: $185; counter affidavit, $2,000 or less: $50; counter affidavit, over $2,000 and less than $7,500: $70; counter affidavit, $7,500 up to $20,000: $120. Utah Code 78A-2-301(1)(c) and (e), from the Utah courts fee schedule effective May 6, 2026.
Can a lawyer represent me in Utah small claims?
Allowed in Utah, per the official page. Persons or corporations, with or without counsel; corporations may act through authorized employees. Assignees may not file or prosecute claims (78A-8-102(6), 78A-8-103).
Where do I file a small claim in Utah?
Where the defendant resides or the debt was incurred (78A-8-102).
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Utah?
Either party may appeal to the district court of the county by filing notice in the original trial court within 28 days of entry of judgment; trial de novo under small claims procedures (78A-8-106).
How is the other side served in a Utah small claims case?
The plaintiff must arrange to have the defendant served and keep copies of everything served. If the case is not using ODR, "you must have the defendant served at least 30 days before the trial"; for cases using ODR, "within 120 days of filing the case." Then "file proof of service with the court." The Utah courts Serving Papers page lists the ways to serve.
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