Midvale Family Court Case Records
Midvale family court records are kept at the Third Judicial District Court in Salt Lake City. Midvale is a city in Salt Lake County, situated between Salt Lake City and Sandy in the central part of the valley. Cases filed by Midvale residents go to the district courthouse at 450 South State Street. These records include divorce, custody, child support, adoption, guardianship, protective orders, and paternity matters. You can search Midvale family court records online using the Utah Courts XChange system or by visiting the courthouse clerk's office during business hours.
Midvale Quick Facts
Midvale Family Court Records Location
All family law cases from Midvale are filed in the Third Judicial District Court. This is the largest state court in Utah. It handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, guardianship, and protective order cases for all Salt Lake County residents. The clerk's office maintains all case records and can issue certified copies of orders and decrees.
| Court | Third Judicial District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 450 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84114 |
| Phone | (801) 238-7300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | utcourts.gov |
Midvale also has a local Justice Court that handles traffic citations, misdemeanor cases, small claims disputes, and city ordinance violations. That court is separate from the District Court. It does not process family law cases such as divorce or custody. Those matters must be filed with the Third District Court clerk in Salt Lake City.
Midvale residents can search public court records through the XChange system. Free terminals are available at the Matheson Courthouse and at the Utah State Law Library on the same premises. The Law Library phone is (801) 238-7990. Staff there can assist self-represented parties with research and form preparation at no charge.
Types of Midvale Family Court Records
Family court records from Midvale cases are stored at the Salt Lake County District Court. Each case creates its own set of documents, some of which are public and some of which are restricted. Most final orders and decrees are public under GRAMA (Utah Code § 63G-2). Adoption files and juvenile court records are restricted by law and are not available to the general public.
Each case file for Midvale family matters can contain petitions, responses, financial statements, motions, hearing schedules, court orders, and final decrees. The Salt Lake County District Court processes more family law filings than any other district in Utah. That volume means a broad range of records are on file, some going back many years. The Utah State Archives holds older Salt Lake County court records, including civil case files from 1852 onward, probate records, and historical naturalization documents.
Note: Adoption records are sealed in Utah and can only be accessed through a court order or through the court that issued the original adoption decree.
Midvale Court Records and OCAP Resources
The Utah Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP) provides free interactive form preparation for family law case types, helping Midvale residents file for divorce, custody, protective orders, and guardianship without hiring an attorney.
OCAP walks users through each required form step by step. Registration is free, and completed forms can be printed and filed at the Third District Court clerk's office in Salt Lake City. A document preparation fee is added to the filing fee when submitting forms prepared through OCAP.
Utah reorganized its family law statutes on September 1, 2024. All domestic relations law moved from Title 30 to Title 81, the Utah Domestic Relations Code. The legal standards did not change. Only the statute numbers were updated. Orders issued before that date reference Title 30. Orders entered after September 1, 2024 reference Title 81. Midvale residents reading older court records may see citations to both sets of statutes in the same case file.
How to Find Midvale Family Court Records
There are several ways to find family court records for cases from Midvale. The method that works best depends on what you need and whether you are a party to the case.
XChange is the main public search tool for Utah court records. It is available through utcourts.gov. The system covers all district and justice courts across the state. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. XChange shows case status, hearing dates, document images, and party information. A monthly subscription costs $30 for unlimited searches. Individual searches cost $0.15 to $0.35. Free XChange access is also available at public terminals inside the Matheson Courthouse and at the Utah State Law Library.
If you are a party to an active case, use MyCourtCase. This free portal lets you view your own case records, check hearing dates, and get text or email updates on new filings. It is separate from XChange and gives access to both public and confidential case documents tied to your own case. The system is available 24 hours a day.
For in-person requests, visit the Third District Court Clerk's office at 450 South State Street in Salt Lake City. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk can help you locate case files, request copies, and answer questions about the records process. Standard paper copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies carry an additional fee.
Note: GRAMA requests can also be submitted by mail or phone to the District Court clerk for records not easily found online.
Filing Family Court Cases from Midvale
Midvale residents file family court cases at the Third District Court Clerk's office in Salt Lake City. The filing fee for a new divorce or family law case is approximately $330. Fees vary depending on the case type. Call (801) 238-7300 before you visit to confirm the current fee for your case type. If you cannot pay the fee, you can request a waiver by submitting a petition and financial disclosure. The court reviews the application and decides whether you qualify for a reduced or waived fee.
To file for divorce in Salt Lake County, at least one spouse must have lived in Utah and in Salt Lake County for at least three months before filing, as required by Title 81. Utah allows no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences. Fault grounds can be stated and may affect alimony or property division. After filing, the court imposes a 30-day waiting period for cases with no minor children. The waiting period is 90 days for cases that involve children.
Child custody decisions follow the best-interest standard found in Title 81, Chapter 9. The court considers each parent's moral character, ability to provide a stable and safe home, any history of domestic violence, and the child's relationship with each parent. Child support uses Utah's income shares formula. Modifications to existing orders can be filed when there is a material change in circumstances. Protective orders can be requested at the courthouse or online through OCAP.
Midvale Family Court Legal Help
Utah Legal Services serves Salt Lake County residents, including those in Midvale. They provide free civil legal help to qualifying low-income individuals, including assistance with protective orders, custody disputes, and divorce cases. Check their website or call their intake line to find out if you are eligible for their services.
The Utah State Bar's referral service at (801) 531-9077 can help Midvale residents find a family law attorney. The Utah Courts self-help center at utcourts.gov offers step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and downloadable forms for all common family law case types. The Utah State Law Library inside the Matheson Courthouse provides free public access to legal databases and research support for people handling their own cases.
Midvale Records Access Rights Under GRAMA
Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) gives every person the right to inspect and copy a public record. Court records from Midvale family cases are generally public. The Utah Constitution's Article I, Section 11 also confirms the right to open courts. However, some records are restricted under specific statutes or court orders.
Under Rule 4-202 of the Utah Code of Judicial Administration, the court must respond to records requests within 10 business days. Expedited requests get a 5-business-day response. If a record is sealed or non-public, a party may file a motion to access it. The court must weigh the interest in disclosure against the interest in keeping the record closed and issue written findings. Restricted records in Midvale family cases typically include adoption files, juvenile records, mental health evaluations, and documents sealed by court order. Public records include most final orders, docket sheets, and filed decrees. Contact the District Court Clerk at (801) 238-7300 with any questions about a specific record's status.
Salt Lake County Family Court Records
Midvale is in Salt Lake County. All family court filings go through the Salt Lake County District Court. The county page covers the full court system, fee schedules, and additional resources for the entire county.
Nearby Utah Cities
Residents of nearby cities file family court cases at the courthouse that serves their area. Select a city below to learn more about family court records in that location.