Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in Utah
The most you can sue for in Utah small claims — with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.
The limit, the fee & who can appear in Utah
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $20,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | $60–$185 by claim size (§78A-2-301): $60 for claims of $2,000 or less, $100 for more than $2,000 up to $7,500, and $185 for more than $7,500 up to $20,000 |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Allowed |
| Statute / court rule | Utah Code §78A-8-102 (limit); §78A-2-301 (fees) |
The $20,000 cap includes attorney fees but not court costs or interest. Utah Code §78A-8-102 sets a built-in escalator: the limit was $15,000 through 2024, is $20,000 for 2025 through 2029, and rises to $25,000 on January 1, 2030.
Utah is the only state with a scheduled escalator. The limit is $20,000 from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029, then $25,000 starting January 1, 2030. It was $15,000 before 2025, so older pages quoting $15,000 or $11,000 are out of date.
Where to file in Utah
A reference page, not a filing walkthrough — here's the official resource for procedure.
This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed — not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use Utah's official court self-help resource.
→ Utah Courts self-help: Small ClaimsWhat Utah filers get wrong
Utah has the highest small-claims ceiling in the country, and it is set to climb again. The limit is $20,000 right now, confirmed on the state courts' own self-help page, which states plainly that "the most you can ask for is $20,000." What makes Utah unusual is the escalator written into Utah Code §78A-8-102: the cap was $15,000 through the end of 2024, sits at $20,000 for 2025 through 2029, and jumps to $25,000 on January 1, 2030, with no further legislation required. That $20,000 figure counts attorney fees but leaves out court costs and interest. Lawyers are allowed on either side, though most people handle these cases themselves. The filing fee scales with your claim: $60 up to $2,000, $100 up to $7,500, and $185 above that.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Utah?
Utah small claims courts hear claims up to $20,000 under Utah Code §78A-8-102. That amount is in effect from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029. It includes attorney fees but not court costs or interest.
Is the Utah small claims limit going to change?
Yes. The statute sets a scheduled increase. The cap was $15,000 through 2024, is $20,000 for 2025 through 2029, and rises to $25,000 on January 1, 2030. No new law is needed for the 2030 increase; it is already written into §78A-8-102.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Utah?
The fee depends on your claim amount under §78A-2-301: $60 for claims of $2,000 or less, $100 for claims over $2,000 up to $7,500, and $185 for claims over $7,500 up to $20,000. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford the fee.
Can I have a lawyer in Utah small claims court?
Yes. Lawyers are permitted for either side in Utah small claims, and the $20,000 cap even includes attorney fees. Most people represent themselves, but you are free to hire counsel.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.