How do I answer a debt collection lawsuit in Utah? Myths vs Facts

When a creditor or debt collector sues you in Utah, you’ll receive a formal Complaint and a Summons. This means a lawsuit has started, usually over unpaid credit card or medical bills. You’re now the “defendant” and must respond to avoid losing automatically (a default judgment).

Utah courts in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and beyond all follow this process. If you ignore the paperwork, the creditor likely wins by default. Your wages or bank accounts can then be garnished based on Utah Code § 78B-5-301.

• Myth: If I ignore the lawsuit, it will go away.
  Fact: Ignoring guarantees you lose by default. You must respond in court.
• Myth: Verbal agreements with the creditor matter most.
  Fact: Utah courts only care about what’s filed and in writing.
• Myth: I have months to reply.
  Fact: In Utah, you usually have just 21 days to file your Answer from when you’re served (Utah Code § 78B-6-110).
• Myth: Only a lawyer can file an Answer.
  Fact: You can respond yourself using Utah court forms.

1. Read the Complaint and Summons carefully. Look for the deadline to respond — it’s usually stamped on the papers.
2. Complete the Answer form. Utah courts provide a free civil Answer form you can fill in, either handwritten or typed. Find the form on the Utah Courts self-help page.
3. Respond to each allegation. For every numbered paragraph in the Complaint, admit, deny, or state you don’t know.
4. State any defenses. Mention if the debt is too old (Utah’s statute of limitations is usually four years; see Utah Code § 78B-2-307), already paid, or not yours.
5. File the Answer on time. Take the Answer to the listed Utah court and file before your 21-day deadline. Request a court-stamped copy for your records.
6. Mail a copy to the plaintiff or their attorney.

Tip: If you miss the deadline, act quickly—Utah law sometimes lets you “set aside” a default under certain circumstances, but only if you move fast and show good cause.

• Waiting too long to respond—remember, it’s usually 21 days!
• Not using the official Answer form; verbal replies or emails don’t count in Utah court.
• Failing to list all potential defenses, such as improper service or mistaken identity.
• Ignoring court follow-up notices or hearing dates.
• Believing debt collectors’ threats without double-checking with the court.

Simple mistakes can lead to default judgments or forced wage garnishment—so always double check deadlines with your local Utah court, whether in St. George, Logan, or anywhere statewide.

Suppose you live in Salt Lake City and are sued by a credit card company for $2,500. You’re served on May 1. Utah law gives you until May 22 to file an Answer. You visit the Utah Courts website, download the Answer form, and file at the court listed on your Summons. You also send a copy to the creditor’s lawyer.

If you were in Provo, the steps and timeframe are identical—the rules apply the same statewide. The key is always acting before your 21-day deadline and keeping proof of every step.

If you need help, Utah offers some free resources—especially for responding to debt lawsuits. BYU Law’s SoloSuit project helps you prepare documents online, and local legal aid groups like Utah Legal Services offer free or low-cost advice (especially in bigger cities like Ogden or West Valley).

• Utah Legal Services (statewide nonprofit help)
• Utah Courts: Debt Collection Lawsuit Self-Help
• BYU Law’s SoloSuit for Utah

Understanding Utah law helps you act confidently and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re preparing paperwork, resolving a dispute, or appearing in court, knowing your rights helps you make smarter choices. This guide provides legal information — not legal advice. For help specific to your case, contact a licensed Utah attorney.

For more plain-English Utah legal explainers, visit Utah Law Explained or explore our About Us page.