How To Find Court Records In Utah

If you are seeking Utah court records, CourtCaseFinder can help simplify the process. Our platform offers an Instant Court Case Lookup tool that allows you to search for documents from courts across the state, including Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, St. George, and other jurisdictions.

For those new to the process, Utah court records are documents created and preserved to outline the court's actions and provide transparency regarding the administration of justice in the state. Depending on availability, these records may include case filings, court dates, judgments, and other information generated during legal proceedings.

Court records serve as a reliable source of information for legal, civic, and personal purposes. Accessing them can help you better understand a case's progress, track important court dates, or review outcomes, when applicable.

How To Access Utah Public Court Records

While CourtCaseFinder provides a convenient and streamlined way to search Utah court records from across the state, traditional methods are also available through official government services. These official channels may require more effort, but they remain important options for those who prefer direct access.

Online

Utah courts provide several official online tools for accessing state court records.

The primary system for trial court information is XChange. This platform offers case details from district and justice courts across the state. However, access to XChange is not free. You may either pay a fee per search or purchase a subscription for ongoing access.

If you seek information on appellate cases, the courts maintain a separate tool, the Appellate Docket Search. This resource allows you to view case dockets and track the progress of appeals.

In Person

Another way to access Utah court records is by visiting a courthouse in person.

Each district and justice court in the state maintains its own records, and the clerk's office is typically the first point of contact for those seeking access. Besides that, public access terminals may be available where you can look up basic case information by providing specific details such as case number, names of the parties involved, or the type of record being sought.

To find the appropriate courthouse, you can use the Utah State Court Directory, which provides addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours for courts across the state.

By Mail

For individuals who cannot appear in person, many Utah courts also accept requests for records by mail.

When submitting a mail request, include as much detail as possible, such as the case number, parties' names, type of record you are requesting, and your return mailing address. Courts may also require payment for copy or certification fees, typically through a check or money order made payable to the court.

Be sure to confirm the correct address and amount with the clerk's office before sending your request.

Utah Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Utah court records are generally accessible to the public under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). This law allows you to review documents created by government bodies, including court documents.

Among the information that you can typically access from public court records are:

• Case numbers and filing dates
• Names of parties involved
• Court dates and hearing schedules
• Orders, rulings, and final judgments
• Case status and history of proceedings
• Basic docket entries and filings

While most court records are public, certain records are restricted by statute to protect privacy, confidentiality, or sensitive information. Examples of such records generally include:

• Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
• Adoption records
• Mental health evaluations and related filings
• Presentence investigation reports
• Expunged or sealed criminal records
• Victim and witness personal information in sensitive cases
• Certain financial or medical records submitted as evidence
• Records restricted by protective orders or statute

For a comprehensive list of protected records, consult the Utah Code of Judicial Administration, specifically sections 4-202.02 and 4-202.03.

Who Oversees the Courts in Utah?

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in Utah, providing ultimate oversight of all state and county courts. It sets statewide judicial policy to make courts operate fairly and in accordance with the state constitution. Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant currently leads the court.

While the Supreme Court has the highest judicial authority, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) manages the day-to-day operations of Utah's court system. The AOC oversees district, justice, and appellate courts. It provides administrative support, maintains court records, implements technology solutions, and assists judges and court staff.

The AOC is led by the State Court Administrator, who is appointed by the Supreme Court. According to Utah Code Section 78A-2-107, the administrator has the power to:

• Organize and administer the nonjudicial activities of the courts
• Oversee court personnel and management of resources
• Implement policies and procedures for efficient court operations
• Prepare budgets for the judicial system
• Act as a liaison between the judiciary and other branches of government

What Types of Courts Exist in Utah?

Utah's judicial system is organized into several levels, each serving a specific function to carry out justice fairly and efficiently across the state.

At the top of the system are the appellate courts, which include the Utah Supreme Court and the Utah Court of Appeals. These courts are responsible for reviewing decisions made by trial courts.

Beneath them are the trial courts, which consist of the District Courts and Juvenile Courts. These courts handle the majority of cases in Utah. Moreover, the trial court system includes Justice Courts, which are operated at the county and municipal level and deal primarily with lower-level offenses and small claims.

Utah is divided into eight judicial districts that cover all 29 counties. Each district includes at least one District Court and one Juvenile Court, while Justice Courts are established by local governments and number over 100 statewide.

The table below summarizes the main court types in Utah, outlining their jurisdiction and the most common types of cases they handle:

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Utah Supreme Court	The highest court in the state has discretionary appellate jurisdiction and oversees the judiciary.	Constitutional questions, death penalty appeals, attorney discipline, and statewide legal issues
Utah Court of Appeals	An intermediate appellate court; hears cases assigned by the Supreme Court.	Appeals from juvenile courts, domestic relations cases (e.g., divorce, custody), and some civil and criminal appeals
Utah District Court	General jurisdiction trial courts; located in all 29 counties.	Felonies, civil cases, probate matters, family law, and appeals from justice courts
Utah Juvenile Court	Trial courts with limited jurisdiction over minors.	Cases involving delinquency, child abuse or neglect, termination of parental rights, and status offenses
Utah Justice Court	Limited jurisdiction courts operated by counties and municipalities.	Class B and C misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, and infractions

What Federal Courts Are In Utah?

The main difference between federal courts and state courts lies in their authority.

State courts handle cases arising under Utah law. In contrast, federal courts hear matters involving federal statutes, the U.S. Constitution, disputes between states, or cases involving parties from different states with significant amounts in controversy. Federal courts may also address issues such as bankruptcy, immigration, intellectual property, and federal crimes.

Depending on the type of case, several federal courts serve Utah residents. These include the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah.

You can check the table below for an overview of the federal courts that serve Utah, their jurisdiction, and location:

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of Utah	Federal trial court for Utah; handles civil and criminal cases under federal law, including constitutional challenges, federal crimes, civil rights, and multi-state disputes.	Salt Lake City, St. George, Vernal, Moab, Big Water, Aneth
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah	Handles Utah's bankruptcy filings, creditor disputes, reorganizations, and related matters under federal bankruptcy law	Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse, 350 S Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Phone: (801) 524-6687

If you are not happy with the decision of the Utah federal courts, you can elevate the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which is located in Denver, Colorado.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Utah Courts?

Utah's judicial system manages a significant caseload each year, reflecting the wide range of legal matters brought before its courts. From criminal proceedings and civil disputes to domestic relations and juvenile cases, the courts handle hundreds of thousands of filings annually.

In the Fiscal Year 2024, the recorded caseload was as follows:

• District courts recorded approximately 257,000 filings
• Justice courts managed about 424,000 filings
• Juvenile courts processed around 20,000 filings

The table below provides a breakdown of the caseload in each trial court based on case types:

Court	Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
District Court	Criminal (Felony, misdemeanor, misdemeanor DUI, infractions)	~42,000
	Domestic	~19,000
	Traffic	~16,000
	Probate	~12,000
	Property Rights and Torts	~12,000
	Judgment	~81,000
	Civil	~75,000
Justice Court	Small Claims	~17,000
	Criminal	~58,000
	Traffic/Parking	~349,000
Juvenile Court	Adult Cases	~2,000
	Child Welfare	~4,000
	Delinquency	~14,000

If you seek a more comprehensive breakdown of trial court filings, you can check the Utah Courts Caseload - Statewide Case Filings. If you are interested in appellate court statistics, you can navigate the Annual Court Reports.

How Do I File a Case in Utah Courts?

Filing a case in Utah courts requires following specific procedures that the state's judicial system sets. While the process varies by case type and court, you generally need to prepare and submit the required documents, pay the applicable filing fees, and notify the other party. These steps are in place to file cases correctly and proceed through the system without delays.

To give you a clearer picture, below is a step-by-step outline of how to file a case in Utah courts.

Determine Your Court

The first step in filing a case in Utah is determining which court has jurisdiction over your matter. Depending on the type of case and the amount involved, your case may belong in a district court, justice court, or an appellate court.

It is important to select the proper court because filing in the wrong court can delay your case.

Prepare Required Documents

Once you know the proper court, the next step is to collect and complete the required forms. These forms vary by case type. The state provides official templates for most case types through the Utah Court Forms page.

Note that you must complete these forms correctly to avoid rejected filings.

File Your Case

After preparing your forms, submit them to the court. For most cases, filing can be done in person at the courthouse or online through the Utah MyCourtCase, if eligible.

You must also include the required fees when filing. These fees vary based on the case type. Refer to the Utah State Courts Filing/Record Fees page to access the latest fees.

Serve the Other Party

Once your case is filed, you must legally notify the other party, a requirement governed by Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4. Proper service is essential because the case cannot proceed until all parties have been officially notified.

Monitor Your Case

After filing and serving, you must stay informed about your case's progress. You can track case updates, scheduled hearings, and filings through MyCourtCase or, for certain cases, via the subscription-based XChange system.

How Is the Utah Court System Unique?

The Utah court system is notable for its well-defined structure. Rather than having overlapping courts like many other states, Utah maintains a clear hierarchy consisting of District Courts, Justice Courts, Juvenile Courts, the Utah Court of Appeals, and the Utah Supreme Court. This organization helps the public direct their cases to the appropriate court level without complexity.

Another striking feature of the Utah court system is the presence of Justice Courts. These courts throughout Utah's cities and counties handle high-volume cases such as traffic violations, misdemeanors, infractions, and small claims. Many states fold these matters into general trial courts, but Utah assigns them to specialized courts for efficiency.

Similarly, Utah operates separate Juvenile Courts that focus exclusively on cases involving minors, including delinquency, abuse, neglect, and adoption, whereas in many states, juvenile cases are managed within family or district courts.

Utah Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Beaver
• Box Elder
• Cache
• Carbon
• Daggett
• Davis
• Duchesne
• Emery
• Garfield
• Grand
• Iron
• Juab
• Kane
• Millard
• Morgan
• Piute
• Rich
• Salt Lake
• San Juan
• Sanpete
• Sevier
• Summit
• Tooele
• Uintah
• Utah
• Wasatch
• Washington
• Wayne
• Weber

Where to Find Additional Information About Utah Courts?

• Appeals
• Court Rules and Procedures
• Criminal Justice
• Families and Children (Divorce, Custody)
• Housing (Eviction)
• Guardianship and Conservatorship
• Juvenile Justice (Child Welfare)
• Life Planning and Probate
• Protection from Abuse (Protective Orders)
• Small Claims
• Court Forms

FAQs