Default judgments in Utah are governed by Utah Rules of Civil Procedure 55 and 60(b). The court can relieve a party from a final judgment for reasons like mistake, surprise, excusable neglect, lack of proper service, fraud, or other misconduct.

• You were never properly served with the complaint.
• You missed the deadline due to a reasonable mistake or excusable neglect.
• The plaintiff made a procedural error that affected fairness.
• There is proof of fraud, misrepresentation, or other misconduct.

A default will not be vacated just because you ignored the lawsuit. You need a valid ground under Rule 60(b).

Timing is critical.

• Mistake, neglect, or new evidence: File within 90 days after learning of the judgment.
• Improper service or void judgments: No hard limit, but act promptly once you discover the problem.
• Any other reason: File within a reasonable time.

If you wait too long, the court can deny the request even if your reason is otherwise valid.

A solid filing usually includes:

Courts usually want to see a meritorious defense, meaning a real argument that could change the outcome if the case is reopened. You do not need to prove you will win. You need to show the case is worth reopening.

• You already paid the debt, but the record is wrong.
• The wrong party was sued.
• The claim is barred by the statute of limitations.

After filing, the court may set a hearing. Be ready to explain your grounds and walk the judge through your affidavit and exhibits. The judge weighs:

• Your reason for default.
• How quickly you acted.
• Whether you have a valid defense.
• Any prejudice to the other side.

If granted, the judgment is vacated and the case restarts from the beginning. If denied, the judgment stands and collection can continue.

If the default is set aside, file your Answer or other required pleading right away. Put your defenses on the record and calendar all deadlines. Keep proof of filing and service.