The Small Claims section of the Salt Lake City Justice Court is designated to settle monetary legal issues and problems arising from contractual, service disputes and other claims. Small Claims cases are governed by Utah Code title 78A, Chapter 8. The rules for Small Claims can be found in the Utah Court Rules annotated, Utah Rules of Small Claims Procedure.
All small claims hearings are being conducted remotely via WebEx. Please contact us at jcslcsmallclaims@utcourts.gov to provide an updated email address and phone number, so you receive the link to join your trial.
How to File and Prepare for Court
Verify jurisdiction
- A case must be filed where the defendant resides or the claim arose (where the events happened).
- Jurisdiction map. Click on Basemap then select County Basemap, if you get an error message, click okay, the map will still w
File your case
- Once you have determined that Salt Lake City Justice Court has jurisdiction over your case, access Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) forms. To file your case you will need to deliver your forms to the Salt Lake City Justice Court with the appropriate filing fees, or you may email them to jcslcsmallclaims@utcourts.gov. Please make sure your contact info is on there and we will contact you for payment.
- If you have been granted an exemption (ADA, Language Barrier, No access to internet) from filing through Online Dispute Resolution, access forms and file your case with the court.
Mediation
- For cases that meet the ODR exemption criteria, Utah Dispute Resolution will be available to assist in your case if you desire mediation. They are available at the beginning of each court session to help mediate small claims cases.
Additional Information
- The Utah State Court also has a program called, Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP) for assistance in preparing court documents that may be used and filed in our court.
- For more on the Small Claims Process, including Fees and Frequently Asked Questions, go to the Utah Courts’ self-help page.
If English is not your primary language and you are unable to understand or communicate in English, the court will appoint an interpreter for you for all court hearings. You must request a court interpreter at least 3 days before the hearing or the hearing may have to be postponed. To request a court interpreter, you may call the court at (801)535-6300, you may also email the court at jcslcsmallclaims@utcourts.gov, so that an interpreter may be scheduled to appear at your court hearing.
Small Claims Standing Order
SC Standing Order-click here
Legal Resources
Utah State Bar list of Legal Clinics
Utah Free Legal Answers
Other Courts
Click on the following link for the jurisdictional map. Click on Basemap then select County Basemap, if you get an error message, click, okay, as the map still works. Jurisdictional map
ADA Accommodation
ADA Notice: If you are a party to a case, a witness or prospective juror and you need special accommodations (including communication aids and services) during an upcoming proceeding, please call the Salt Lake City Justice Court at (801)535-6300 at least three business days before the proceeding.
Audio Request
If you had a court hearing and would like a copy of the recording, Please fill out an Audio Records Request. Please fill it out and turn it into the court. The cost is $15.00 per disc or per half day of testimony (postage extra if, done by mail).