The first thing to do when you’re sued is to carefully read the Summons and Complaint. These documents tell you who is suing you, why they claim you owe money or caused harm, and which Utah court is handling the case.

Pay special attention to your deadline to respond:

• 21 days to respond if you were served in Utah.
• 30 days if you were served outside Utah.

If you miss this deadline, the court can enter a default judgment against you, which means the other side wins automatically. Mark the due date on a calendar and set reminders so it does not slip by.

Utah allows you to represent yourself in civil cases (called appearing pro se). Even if you can’t afford an attorney, you can still file an Answer and tell your side of the story. Here is a basic step-by-step approach:

Courts charge filing fees, but if paying them would create serious financial hardship, you can ask for a fee waiver. This is especially important when you’re already struggling with debt or other bills.

In general, you may qualify for a fee waiver if:

• You receive public assistance or disability income.
• Your household income is low compared to your expenses.
• Paying court fees would interfere with basic needs like rent, food, and utilities.

If the waiver is granted, it can cover filing fees for your Answer and certain other court costs. This keeps the courthouse door open even when money is tight.

Even if you cannot afford full representation, there are Utah-based resources that can give you guidance, help review your Answer, or offer limited-scope services:

• Utah Legal Services (ULS): Helps qualifying low-income Utahns in civil matters, including debt and housing issues.
• Utah State Bar Modest Means Program: Connects people with lawyers who charge reduced rates for certain cases.
• Utah Courts Self-Help Center: Offers free information by phone and online about forms, procedures, and next steps.
• Law school clinics (U of U and BYU): Supervised law students sometimes assist with real cases.
• Local mediation centers: Can help parties negotiate payment plans or settlements, especially in debt disputes.

Many Utahns combine self-representation with these resources, getting advice on the key steps while still handling much of the case themselves.

The single biggest mistake people make is doing nothing. If you don’t respond in time, the court can enter a default judgment, which allows the plaintiff to try to:

• Garnish your wages.
• Freeze or levy bank accounts.
• Place liens on property.
• Add attorney fees, interest, and court costs to the total.

By filing an Answer on time, you keep options open. You may later:

• Negotiate a settlement or payment plan.
• Challenge the amount or the plaintiff’s proof.
• Ask the court to dismiss the case if the plaintiff cannot meet their burden.

Staying engaged with the court even without an attorney, is your best protection against surprise judgments and collection actions.

Use this quick checklist to stay on track:

• ☐ Read your Summons and Complaint the same day you receive them.
• ☐ Find and write down your Answer deadline (21 or 30 days).
• ☐ Start drafting an Answer that admits, denies, or says you lack information for each allegation.
• ☐ File your Answer with the right Utah court before the deadline.
• ☐ Serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff or their attorney.
• ☐ Apply for a court fee waiver if paying fees would cause hardship.
• ☐ Contact Utah legal aid, the Self-Help Center, or a modest-means attorney for guidance.
• ☐ Keep copies of everything you send or receive from the court.