Utah Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is a court’s official decision about the issues in a case. Once a judgment is made in Utah, the parties involved may have to follow the actions outlined in the documents. This could include selling an asset like the marital home, paying the other party a certain amount of money, or providing child support.

In Utah, judgments can be rendered in civil lawsuits, debt collection cases, property disputes, family law matters, and criminal restitution cases. Once they are recorded, a judgment becomes legally binding.

What Is a Judgment in Utah?

The rules governing judgments in Utah are detailed in Chapter 5 of Title 78B of the Judicial Code of Utah. This chapter explains that a judgment is the official decision made by a court in a civil case. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved and can require one party to pay money, transfer property, or cease specific actions.

Once a judgment is made, it is legally binding and can be enforced in accordance with Utah law. Regardless of type, judgments in Utah remain binding until satisfied or expired under state law.

Types of Judgments in Utah

Utah courts issue several types of judgments depending on the case:

1. Money Judgments

In a money judgment, the court instructs the debtor to pay a certain amount to the creditor. These judgments typically come from unpaid loans, medical expenses, contract disagreements, or damages resulting from accidents.

2. Default Judgments

A default judgment is the court order entered against the party who defaulted. This typically happens when a defendant doesn't submit an answer to a complaint in the time allowed, or when a plaintiff fails to reply to a counterclaim within the specified timeframe.

3. Summary Judgment

A summary judgment is given by the court when it finds that there are no significant facts in dispute and that one party is entitled to win as a matter of law.

4. Interlocutory Judgment

This is a preliminary judgment that addresses one aspect of the case before the whole case is concluded.

How to Search for Judgments in Utah

Judgments are public records in Utah and can be searched through several resources:

1. Clerk of Court Offices – In Utah, each county court clerk maintains judgment records. You can request records in person at your local court clerk's office.
2. Utah State Courts XChange: The XChange system provides online access to statewide case information, including judgments. Registration and fees are required for full access.
3. Utah State Courts Case Search (Free Portal): The case search portal offers limited free access to basic case and judgment information.
4. County Recorder’s Offices: Judgment liens filed against property can be accessed by visiting your county recorder's office or through local land record portals.
5. Third-Party Services – Some third-party record service providers provide the public access to Alaska judgment and case records. However, official records are generally more reliable when obtained directly from the court. Although third-party websites can be cheaper options, users should ensure these platforms are regularly updated. One advantage of third-party platforms is that they maintain judgment records from all jurisdictions in the county, making them a convenient place to check judgments from different counties.

Judgment records typically provide:

• Case number
• Parties involved
• Court location
• Judgment date
• Amount owed or type of relief granted.

Judgment Records in Major Utah Counties

While Utah has a centralized court system, county offices still play a key role:

• Salt Lake County (Salt Lake City): You can obtain judgment records in Salt Lake County through the Utah Courts XChange system. Those seeking lien-related records may visit the county recorder’s office.
• Utah County (Provo): Utah County provides access to case judgments through the XChange system. However, certified copies can only be obtained in person at the courthouse.
• Davis County (Farmington): In Davis County, judgment records can be accessed through the statewide case system. Alternatively, you can obtain records by visiting your local courthouse.

The XChange system is the best resource for finding judgment records across the state. However, certified copies of records are not available on the system. You can visit your local courthouse to get certified copies of records.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Utah?

In Utah, civil judgments are valid for 8 years, unless they are paid off, renewed, or if the enforcement of the judgment is paused according to the law.

Creditors have the option to renew the judgment before it runs out, which can extend its enforceability for another eight years.

This process can be done repeatedly, meaning that judgments can stay active for many years if creditors take care of them correctly.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Utah?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors gain legal rights to collect, and debtors face financial obligations.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors can get court permission to take a portion of the debtor’s wages until the judgment is fulfilled. In Utah, not more than 25% of a taxpayer's disposable earnings can be subjected to garnishment.
• Bank Levies: With court approval, money can be directly withdrawn from the debtor’s bank account to pay off the debt.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Judgments are usually reported to credit bureaus, which can make it difficult for debtors to get loans, housing, or jobs.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: When the judgment is paid in full, the creditor must file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court. A Satisfaction of Judgment must also be filed with the county recorder in each county in which an Abstract of Judgment was filed.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If you feel the judge made a mistake in the judgment, you have the right to appeal or ask for the judgment to be overturned.