Utah State Law Library http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/ Serving Utahns' legal research needs since 1852* en Copyright 2012 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:52:07 -0700 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.2 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 2012 Post Judgment Interest Rate Pursuant to Utah Code §15-1-4, the post judgment interest for 2012 is 2.12%. This rate does not apply to judgments based on contracts or statutes specifying a different interest rate. This and rates for earlier years are published on the Courts' website. Learn more about post judgment interest rates here.

]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2012/01/2012_post_judgment_interest_ra.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2012/01/2012_post_judgment_interest_ra.html Utah State Courts Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:52:07 -0700 New Financial Declaration Requirements financial declaration.jpgThe new Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 26.1 requires each party in certain domestic actions to file a financial declaration using the court-approved forms. The rule applies to the following domestic actions: divorce; temporary separation; separate maintenance; parentage; custody; child support; and modification.

Note that a certificate of service is filed with the court, but normally the parties will not file the financial declaration and attachments with the court until the documents are needed. For example, the documents will be needed by the court before any pretrial conference or trial. They will also be needed if a party asks for a temporary order. For information about asking the court for a temporary order, go here.

Read more about the financial declaration, including required attachments, time for disclosure, and sanctions for failure to disclose required information here.

]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/12/new_financial_declaration_requ_1.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/12/new_financial_declaration_requ_1.html Utah State Courts Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:00:15 -0700 New Custody Evaluation Resources IMG_4342.jpgIf you are working through a custody dispute due to a divorce or parentage action, you might want to request a custody evaluation. The Utah State Courts recently created a new resource page that discusses what happens at a custody evaluation, how to request and select a custody evaluator and a sample custody settlement conference report.

To request a custody evaluator, file a motion with the court. Motion forms are available online here.

Custody evaluations and evaluators are governed by Rule 4-903 of the Code of Judicial Administration.

]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/12/new_custody_evaluation_resourc.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/12/new_custody_evaluation_resourc.html Utah State Courts Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:40:14 -0700 Amended Rules of Civil Procedure - Update readingrules.JPGThe Utah Supreme Court has approved amendments to a number of Utah Rules of Civil Procedure that are effective for all cases filed on or after November 1, 2011. Note that there are extensive changes to the civil discourse and discovery rules.

The following rules have been amended:

URCP 1. General provisions.
URCP 8. General rules of pleadings.
URCP 9. Pleading special matters.
URCP 16. Pretrial conferences.
URCP 26. General provisions governing disclosure and discovery.
URCP 26.01. Disclosure in domestic relations actions.
URCP 29. Stipulations regarding disclosure and discovery procedure.
URCP 30. Depositions upon oral questions.
URCP 31. Depositions upon written questions.
URCP 33. Interrogatories to parties.
URCP 34. Production of documents and things and entry upon land for inspection and other purposes.
URCP 35. Physical and mental examination of persons.
URCP 36. Request for admission.
URCP 37. Discovery and disclosure motions; Sanctions.
URCP 54. Judgments; costs.

To see the text of the amendments, go to Utah State Court Rules - Approved and then click on the rule number. Updated versions of the rules will be posted to the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure pages on or about the effective date of the amendments.

UPDATE: You can now view both versions of the rules at the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure page -- the rules governing lawsuits filed prior to November 1, 2011, have this notation after the rule name: (superseded 11/1/2011). Questions? Contact the Utah State Law Library.

]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/11/amended_rules_of_civil_procedu_1.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/11/amended_rules_of_civil_procedu_1.html Utah State Courts Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:19:41 -0700 Guide to the Courts / Guía a los Tribunales Matheson.bmpThe Administrative Office of the Courts has released a Spanish translation of the Guide to the Courts publication. The 40-page Guía a los Tribunales includes information to help individuals understand the state's court system. The guide includes information on each level of court, criminal and civil processes, and court proceedings. In addition, common legal terms are included in the guide along with flow charts outlining how a case moves through the court process.
La oficina Administrativa de los Tribunales de Utah ha publicado la Guía de los Tribunales en español. Esta publicación de 40 páginas incluye información para ayudar a las personas a comprender el sistema judicial del estado de Utah. La guía tiene información acerca de cada nivel del tribunal, los procesos civiles y penales, y los procedimientos del tribunal. Además, se incluyen términos legales comunes junto con gráficos describiendo cómo un caso se va desarrollando en el tribunal.

The Guide is available at state courthouses throughout the state as well as on the court’s brochures and presentations website.
Esta guía está disponible en todos los juzgados del estado de Utah y también en el sitio de internet de los Tribunales de Utah.

]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/11/guide_to_the_courts_guia_a_los.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/11/guide_to_the_courts_guia_a_los.html Utah State Courts Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:35:18 -0700 Amended Rules of Civil Procedure readingrules.JPGThe Utah Supreme Court has approved amendments to a number of Utah Rules of Civil Procedure that are effective for all cases filed on or after November 1, 2011. Note that there are extensive changes to the civil discourse and discovery rules.

The following rules have been amended:

URCP 1. General provisions.
URCP 8. General rules of pleadings.
URCP 9. Pleading special matters.
URCP 16. Pretrial conferences.
URCP 26. General provisions governing disclosure and discovery.
URCP 26.01. Disclosure in domestic relations actions.
URCP 29. Stipulations regarding disclosure and discovery procedure.
URCP 30. Depositions upon oral questions.
URCP 31. Depositions upon written questions.
URCP 33. Interrogatories to parties.
URCP 34. Production of documents and things and entry upon land for inspection and other purposes.
URCP 35. Physical and mental examination of persons.
URCP 36. Request for admission.
URCP 37. Discovery and disclosure motions; Sanctions.
URCP 54. Judgments; costs.

To see the text of the amendments, go to Utah State Court Rules - Approved and then click on the rule number. Updated versions of the rules will be posted to the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure pages on or about the effective date of the amendments.

]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/amended_rules_of_civil_procedu.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/amended_rules_of_civil_procedu.html Utah State Courts Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:12:49 -0700 Access & Fairness Survey Results Released Survey in rotunda 002.jpg
The annual Access and Fairness Survey results were recently released and the results are now available online. The survey has been conducted each year since 2006. Individuals are polled in each district courthouse in the state for one day. Responses came from litigants, their friends and family members, attorneys and paralegals, social workers, agency staff and law enforcement.

The survey measured court users’ views in 20 areas, including ease of parking, safety in courthouses, language barriers, disability accommodation, business hours, the time needed to finish court business, treatment by court staff, and whether their hearing was fair.

In nearly all areas surveyed, 90 percent or more of respondents rated the courts adequate or better on a five-point scale.

]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/access_fairness_survey_results_1.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/access_fairness_survey_results_1.html Utah State Courts Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:48:05 -0700 New Utah Judges Confirmed ct mtns.jpgThe Utah State Senate voted yesterday, Oct. 19, 2011, to confirm Ryan M. Harris and Elizabeth A. Hruby-Mills as judges in the Third District Court.

For information about the new judges, see Governor Herbert's news release announcing his nominations.

After the governor makes his nomination, the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee convenes to discuss the character and fitness of each nominee. If the committee gives a favorable report for the nominee, their name is forwarded to the entire senate for confirmation. The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee met on Oct. 17, 2011, to interview and question the nominees. A copy of the agenda and an audio recording of the meeting is found here.

]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/new_utah_judges_confirmed.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/new_utah_judges_confirmed.html Utah State Courts Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:30:19 -0700 Nuevos Recursos en Español El Tribunal de Utah tiene nuevos recursos en Español en su sitio de web. En nuestro canal de YouTube, hay dos nuevos videos en Español: Los Derechos de los Acusados y Los Derechos de los Acusados Menores de edad. En estos, usted puede aprender acerca de lo que se espera en una audencia ante el juez, incluyendo sus derechos o las multas o los castigos que podrían haber.

Tambien hay nuevos recursos sobre el sitio del Tribunal de Utah, incluyendo:

  • Cómo Cobrar un Laudo
  • Dando Respuesta a una Queja o Demanda
  • Entrega formal de documentos/Notificación Judicial
  • Encontrar Ayuda Legal

Si usted quiere ayuda con su caso, le recomendamos a hablar con un abogado o a ir a un taller juridico. El Directorio de Referencia de Abogados en linea del Colegio de Abogados del Estado de Utah le permite buscar abogados por especialidad y por idioma dominado.

Puede usted encontrar una lista con talleres juridicos mediante el sitio del Tribunal de Utah. En un taller juridico, usted puede hablar con un abogado gratis por 10-15 minutos. Muchos talleres juridicos tienen personas disponibles que hablan Español.

Click here to read the blog post in English.

]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/nuevos_recursos_en_espanol.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/nuevos_recursos_en_espanol.html Utah State Courts Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:15:49 -0700 New Spanish Resources The Utah State Courts has new Spanish resources online. On the Courts' You Tube Channel, there are two court videos in Spanish: Rights of Juveniles and Rights of Criminal Defendants. In these, you can learn more about what you should expect if you have a hearing before a judge, including what rights you have and what possible fines or punishments you could face.

There are also new Spanish resources on the courts' website, including:

  • How to Collect a Judgment
  • Answering a Complaint or Petition
  • Serving Papers/Service of Papers
  • Finding Legal Help

    If you are looking for assistance with your case, we encourage you to speak with an attorney or attend a free legal clinic statewide. The State Bar's website has a lawyer referral directory which you can search online. You can search for attorneys that speak Spanish. You can find a list of free legal clinics online, where you can speak with an attorney at no cost for 10-15 minutes. Many free legal clinics have Spanish speakers available.

    Clic aquí para leer la entrada de blog en Español.

    ]]> http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/new_spanish_resources.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/new_spanish_resources.html Utah State Courts Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:09:58 -0700 Law Library Closed on Columbus Day The Law Library, and all Utah State Courts, will be closed on Monday, October 10 in celebration of Columbus Day. The designation of Columbus Day as a legal holiday in Utah can be found at U.C.A. §63G-1-301.

    To learn more about Christopher Columbus and early exploration of American territory, visit the Library of Congress's American Memory page about Columbus Day resources.

    ]]>     http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/law_library_closed_on_columbus.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/10/law_library_closed_on_columbus.html Utah State Courts Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:23:25 -0700     Jury Service in Utah jury.jpgHave you been summoned to serve on a jury in a Utah court? You can find information about jury service and even check if you qualify for jury service in the online Jury Room. Find out what to do if you've been summoned or directed to appear at the courthouse.

    Do you still have questions? Check out the
    Frequently Asked Questions     about jury service or view a video about jury service in Utah.

    For information about your local court and to contact the jury clerk, use this page to find the your county or court location.

    ]]>     http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/09/jury_service_in_utah_1.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/09/jury_service_in_utah_1.html Utah State Courts Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:44:30 -0700     Court Interpreters Available for All Court Proceedings languages.JPGAs of April 2011, a court interpreter for non-English speakers is now available and provided and paid for by the judiciary in all court proceedings.

    This includes all cases in all courts. It includes court hearings and conferences and mandatory court-sponsored programs such as court-annexed mediation and divorce classes. It extends to everyone associated with the case, such as parties, witnesses, and parents of juveniles. The full court interpreter policy is found in Rule 3-306(4) of the Judicial Council Rules of Judicial Administration.

    Read more about interpreters and request a court interpreter here. Note that interpreters should be requested at least 3 days before the hearing.

    ]]>     http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/08/court_interpreters.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/08/court_interpreters.html Utah State Courts Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:34:13 -0700     New Utah Judge Confirmed ct mtns.jpgThe Utah State Senate yesterday vote to confirm Todd M. Shaughnessy (Third District Court) to replace Judge Hilder as a new Utah State Court judge.

    For information about Judge Shaughnessy, check out Governor Herbert's news release announcing the nomination. After the governor makes his nomination, the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee convenes to discuss the character and fitness of the nominee. The audio recordings, agenda and committee reports are available online.

    In this case, the committee gave a favorable report to to the senate, so Judge Shaughnessy's name was forwarded to the entire senate, which met yesterday, July 20, in the 2011 2nd Special Session to vote on the governor's nomination. The audio recording and related materials are also available online.

    ]]>     http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/07/new_utah_judge_confirmed_2.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/07/new_utah_judge_confirmed_2.html Utah State Courts Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:39:06 -0700     Access and Fairness Survey Survey in rotunda 002.jpgIf you have an upcoming court hearing or need to visit your local court soon, you might get a chance to see something new at the court's exit: survey representatives.

    This summer, the Utah State Courts are conducting their annual Access and Fairness Survey, measuring how well the courts are serving the public. Attorneys, people representing themselves, law enforcement, and any other visitors will be encouraged to take the survey as they leave court.

    Survey representatives are traveling around the state to all district court locations. The survey is anonymous and takes only about five minutes to complete.

    ]]>     http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/06/access_and_fairness_survey.html http://www.utcourts.gov/lawlibrary/blog/2011/06/access_and_fairness_survey.html Utah State Courts Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:11:27 -0700