Debt collectors file over 80,000 lawsuits in Utah this year as households hit 'the breaking point'

For households struggling to pay their bills, a collection demand can become a court case with a strict deadline to respond. Debt collectors have filed 80,501 lawsuits in Utah in 2026, already surpassing the state's 2025 total. 

Here's what to know

Utah's debt collection filings rose 23% between 2019 and 2025, when state courts recorded more than 76,006 cases, according to KSL.

Utah last recorded a higher annual total in 2011.

Ted Rossman, with the nonprofit Money Management International, said household budgets were reaching their limits as savings dwindled, debt grew, and living costs rose.

"A lot of households are really only now hitting the breaking point," he said, per KSL.

Rossman said increasingly aggressive collection efforts could be adding to those financial pressures.

Additionally, after the death of one partner, a surviving spouse can face collection over medical bills that never carried their name because Utah law allows those debts to count as a family expense.

At this time, no proposed legislation to change the law has passed.

What can be done?

Nonprofit credit counselors may help people carrying debt negotiate more manageable payments and reduced interest rates. Rossman urged people to seek that help while dealing with collection demands rather than waiting to be sued.

People served in Utah generally have 21 days from service to answer a debt lawsuit.

"If you hear from a debt collector, the first thing you should do is verify that this is, in fact, legitimate debt that belongs to you," Rossman said. 

Where can I learn more?

Utah's surge in collection lawsuits comes as many households struggle with growing debt and unpaid bills. These stories look at debt settlement, rising balances, debt relief, and missed rent payments.

• As U.S. credit card debt reaches $1.26 trillion, collectors' first settlement offers may leave negotiating room.

• Massachusetts wiped $52 million in debt for 6,000 consumers and banned a collector accused of seizing cars.

• Massachusetts residents received $38 million in medical debt relief without having to apply.

• A fifth of U.S. adults couldn't pay rent on time in 2025, with middle-income renters leading increases.

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