Filing a small claims case in Utah means using Utah's own forms and following its court's procedure. This guide covers the core documents a typical case uses, the claim limit, and where to get the official Utah forms — without paying for something your court provides free.
The short version: file your claim in Justice Court (District Court in Cache County), serve the defendant, and prepare your evidence for the hearing. You can claim up to $20,000. Get the official forms free from Utah Courts - Small Claims.
What Forms Do You Need in Utah?
Form names and numbers differ by state, but a Utah small claims case generally uses the same core documents:
📄 Affidavit and Summons (Small Claims) (the affidavit serves as the complaint)
The document that opens your case — it names the parties, the amount you're claiming, and the basis of the claim. Get the current version from Utah Courts - Small Claims.
📬 Serving the defendant
Affidavit and summons served under Utah R. Civ. P. 4, at least 30 days before trial; proof of service filed within 10 business days.
💵 Fee waiver
Motion to Waive Fees and Statement Supporting (form 1301GE) Ask the clerk for the current fee-waiver form.
⚖️ Default judgment
If the defendant is properly served but doesn't respond or appear, you can ask the court to enter a judgment in your favor by default.
Where to Get Official Utah Forms
Utah small claims forms are free from the official sources below. Always use the current official version, and confirm any local (county/court) variations before you file.
- Utah court forms — Utah Courts - Small Claims
- Official source — le.utah.gov
- Official source — legacy.utcourts.gov
- Your local courthouse or clerk — the clerk can provide the current forms and tell you which ones your court requires.
Utah Small Claims Limit & Fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Justice Court (District Court in Cache County) |
| Claim limit | $20,000 |
| Filing fee | Tiered by claim amount per the Justice Court Cover Sheet: $60 (up to $2,000), $100 ($2,001-$7,499), $185 ($7,500-$20,000). |
| Fee waiver | Motion to Waive Fees and Statement Supporting (form 1301GE) |
Includes attorney fees, excludes court costs and interest; $20,000 through 2029, then $25,000 (Utah Code 78A-8-102). Limits and fees change over time and can vary by county — confirm the current figures with your Utah court before you file.
Utah Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What forms do I need to file a small claims case in Utah?
A Utah small claims case is filed in Justice Court (District Court in Cache County). You generally need a claim/complaint form to open the case, a way to serve the defendant with proof of service, and — if you can't afford the fee — a fee-waiver form. Form names and numbers are set by the court, so download the current official versions from Utah Courts - Small Claims before you file.
❓ How much can you sue for in Utah small claims court?
In Utah you can claim up to $20,000. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit to stay in small claims or file in a higher court instead.
❓ Where do I get official Utah small claims forms?
From your state court — Utah's judiciary publishes the official forms, and the Justice Court (District Court in Cache County) clerk can provide the current versions and tell you which ones your court requires. Court-issued forms are free; you only pay the filing fee.
❓ Do you need a lawyer for small claims court in Utah?
No. Small claims court is designed for people to represent themselves without an attorney, and Utah is no exception. The forms and procedure are simplified so you can file, serve, and present your own case.
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Start My Claim — $19This page is general information, not legal advice. Utah small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time and can vary by county — always use the current official forms and verify requirements with your court before you file.