Utah Public Records /Utah Court Records Online

Utah Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Utah Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Utah are generally open to the public unless they are confidential or exempt from public disclosure. Most documents created by Utah courts are available for inspection and copying. To obtain these records, a requester must provide specific details such as the case number, names of the parties involved, and the type of court record sought. There are no limitations on the use of public records, and individuals do not need to state the purpose of their inquiry. However, some documents are exempt from public access, including private information of government employees, records that could cause security issues if released, and health records.

In Utah, most Appellate, Justice, and District Court records are public. Private court records can only be inspected by the subject of the records, their legal representatives, and a few other authorized individuals. Examples of private court records include medical records, divorce petitions, adult guardianship cases, and motions for temporary orders in child custody cases. Other court records, such as protected, sealed, and juvenile records, are closed from public disclosure.

What Information Appears in an Utah Court Records Search?

Order or judgment books
Case files
Record books
Docket books (register of actions)
Minute books (journals)
Record books

How To Find Court Records in Utah

To find court records in Utah, individuals must first identify the courthouse and court type that maintains the records. Utah uses a court case management system known as XChange, which provides access to some public court records. XChange is accessible at most district courthouses and by paid subscription. Some Justice Court locations may also offer free public access to XChange.

Interested persons may verify the availability of free public XChange terminals from the District Court or the Justice Court. Alternatively, they may use the XChange paid subscription to find the records of interest. XChange displays public record information as entered into the Courts Information System (CORIS) by court staff. It provides information such as parties' names, documents filed, hearings held, and assigned judges. Free public XChange access is also available at the Utah State Law Library.

Public Access to Utah Court Records

Public access to Utah court records is facilitated through various authorized custodians and repositories. These include the Utah State Archives, Court of Appeals, and District Court. Users can search court records using party names, case types, case numbers, and other relevant criteria. Judiciary records can be valuable for studies of judicial administration, business history, and genealogy research.

Searching Utah Court Records by Name

Court record name-based searches can be conducted online by visiting the official Utah Courts website. This can be located in the court records section on the website. To retrieve variations on the name and any occasions where a middle initial may have been used, anyone conducting a name-based search must first enter the last name while inputting the first name with an asterisk.

Users can search for court records by entering the required name details into the search fields provided. This method allows for comprehensive searches that include various name variations and middle initials. The online search option is particularly useful for those who may not have complete information about the case or the parties involved.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Utah

Individuals may obtain public district and justice court records at no cost via several methods. Free access to court records can be obtained at most district courthouses and justice courts in Utah. To confirm that access to the third-party website is free in a courthouse, record seekers can get in touch with the district or justice court.

Free public access to court records is also available at the Utah State Library. This allows individuals to search for and view court records without incurring any charges. However, PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) charges a modest fee for every page downloaded or viewed online.

Exemptions for Utah Court Case Lookup

Private Records: These can only be accessed by the parties involved, their attorneys, and a select few individuals. Examples include:
- Divorce petitions
- Protective order requests
- Adult guardianship petitions
- Motions to waive fees
- Child custody case motions for temporary orders
- Victims' impact statements
- Medical records
Sealed Records: Information about the existence of the case is not made public. Sealed records include:
- Adoption records
- Expungement records
Protected Records: These include a lawyer's work product, records protected by attorney-client privilege, court security plans, and some private corporate records.
Juvenile Court Records: Divided into legal and social records, these are not open to the public.

Finding a Court Docket in Utah

A Utah court docket is a formal document that keeps track of several cases by providing a concise listing of forthcoming court hearings and filings. Most court dockets include a docket number, case history, decision date, court name, and names of parties, judges, and attorneys of record. Court dockets are generally regarded as public documents.

Public access computers in the clerk's office allow individuals to search for court docket records. Dockets and case documents can be printed from these terminals. The information found in dockets and court filings can help academics understand why a court produced a specific decision or opinion.

What Information Is Found in Utah Judgment Records?

Litigants' names
Judge's name
Judge's conclusion on the lawsuit
Judgment issued per state laws

Are Bankruptcy Records in Utah Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in Utah are publicly accessible. Available records include complex financial data of individuals, firms, or organizations that have filed for bankruptcy. To obtain these records, requesters must provide specific details such as the case number, names of the parties involved, and the jurisdiction where the petition was filed.

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah utilizes a digital audio recording system for court sessions. The Clerk's Office offers audio recordings for a fee. To get a typed transcript of a hearing, the applicant must complete and submit the Notice of Transcript Order Form to the transcriptionist.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Utah

Individuals seeking bankruptcy records may obtain them through several methods. Requests for records can be made via mail or in person at the courthouse at:

Frank E. Moss US Courthouse
350 South Main Street, 3rd Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Other methods include using the public computer at the courthouse, registering for a PACER account, and accessing case data using a personal computer. Individuals can also call an automated service called McVCIS by phone. Searches can be conducted by case number, party name, Social Security number, or tax identification number.

Different Types of Courts in Utah

Supreme Court: The highest court, presided over by five justices with 10-year terms.
Court of Appeals: Seven judges with six-year tenures handle appeals from district and juvenile courts.
District Court: General jurisdiction trial court with 77 judges and 10 court commissioners.
Justice Court: Locally funded courts with 77 judges handling misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and small claims.
Juvenile Court: State court with 30 judges overseeing cases involving minors under 18.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Utah

Utah Small Claims Courts are a division of Justice Courts where individuals may sue for claims of $11,000 or less. Plaintiffs and defendants do not need legal representation in small claims cases. Court rulings can only award monetary judgments. Common small claims cases include wage claims, landlord-tenant matters, car accidents, and repair services.

Parties in a small claims case may appeal a court judgment through a trial de novo in the District Court. This must be filed within 28 calendar days after the judgment. Small claims cases must be filed where the defendant lives or where the basis of the case originated. Filing fees vary based on the claim amount, ranging from $60 to $185. Appeals have a filing fee of $235.

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