Utah Laws
This page summarizes ten Utah laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.
Utah Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
In Utah, you generally have 4 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Utah Code § 78B-2-307). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.
Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →
Utah Comparative Negligence Laws
Utah follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar). You can recover only if your share of fault is less than 50%. At 50% or more you recover nothing, and below that your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Utah Minimum Wage in 2026
The minimum wage in Utah is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. It applies to most employees, with exemptions for some types of jobs. Overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.
Utah Final Paycheck Laws
In Utah, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: within 24 hours. If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.
Utah Small Claims Court Limits
In Utah, you can sue for up to $20,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the justice court or district court (small claims). Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.
Utah Security Deposit Laws
Utah security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.
Utah Eviction Notice Requirements
If rent is unpaid in Utah, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 business days to pay or move. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.
Utah Small Estate Affidavit
Utah small estate limit: $100,000. Waiting period after death: 30 days. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case. The heir signs a sworn affidavit and presents it, with a death certificate, to whoever holds the property.
Does Utah Recognize Common Law Marriage?
Only in limited situations. Utah recognizes an unsolemnized marriage only if a court or administrative order establishes it. Under current law, petitions must be filed by May 4, 2027. Courts look at the facts of each relationship.
Utah Divorce Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in Utah: 3 months in Utah and in the filing county. Waiting period: 30 days after filing. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.
Find help near you in Utah
Popular cities: Ogden
This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.
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