South Salt Lake Family Court Records
South Salt Lake family court records are filed at the Third Judicial District Court in Salt Lake City. South Salt Lake is a city in Salt Lake County, sharing its border with Salt Lake City to the north and Murray to the south. Family law cases from South Salt Lake go to the Matheson Courthouse at 450 South State Street. Records include divorce, child custody, child support, protective orders, adoption, guardianship, and paternity matters. You can look up South Salt Lake family court records online through the Utah Courts system or in person at the courthouse clerk's office.
South Salt Lake Quick Facts
South Salt Lake Family Court Location and Details
The Third Judicial District Court handles all family law filings for South Salt Lake residents. The court is located in downtown Salt Lake City at the Matheson Courthouse. It is the busiest state court in Utah. Cases covering divorce, custody, child support, adoption, guardianship, and protective orders are all processed at this location.
| 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 |
South Salt Lake has its own Justice Court that addresses misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic matters, small claims, and city ordinance violations. That court does not handle family law. Divorce, custody, child support, and protective order cases must go to the Third District Court in Salt Lake City. The District Court Clerk keeps all case records and can provide copies of orders, decrees, and hearing information.
The Utah State Law Library is located inside the Matheson Courthouse. It is open to the public during regular court hours. It offers free access to the XChange court records system. Library staff can assist South Salt Lake residents who are navigating family law cases on their own.
Note: You must bring a valid photo ID when visiting the courthouse to request family court records from South Salt Lake cases.
South Salt Lake Family Court Records Types
Family court records from South Salt Lake cases are held at the Third District Court. The records are organized by case number. Most final orders, decrees, and docket sheets are public under Utah Code § 63G-2, the Government Records Access and Management Act. Some types of records are restricted by statute, including adoption files and juvenile court records.
A typical South Salt Lake family case file may include the initial petition, the respondent's answer, financial disclosure statements, parenting plan documents, court orders, and a final decree. Each document type serves a specific function in the legal process. The Third District Court processes a large volume of family law cases each year, which means a wide range of records are on file for cases that originated in Salt Lake County cities, including South Salt Lake.
Historical Salt Lake County court records dating back to 1852 are held by the Utah State Archives. This includes civil case files, probate records, and naturalization documents. Older records from South Salt Lake family cases that have since been transferred to the Archives can be accessed in person at the Archives Building at 346 South Rio Grande Street in Salt Lake City or through the Digital Archives portal online.
South Salt Lake Records and Utah Law Library
The Utah State Law Library at the Matheson Courthouse provides South Salt Lake residents with free public access to court records, legal databases, and research support for family court matters.
The Law Library is open to the public and provides access to the XChange system at no cost. Staff members can help self-represented parties from South Salt Lake understand how to search court records, fill out forms, and navigate the Third District Court filing process. The library phone is (801) 238-7990.
Utah made a major change to its family law statutes effective 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 citation numbers changed. South Salt Lake residents reviewing older court records may see references to Title 30. Newer orders cite Title 81. Both sets of citations may appear in the same case file if the case spans the September 2024 effective date.
How to Search South Salt Lake Family Court Records
Utah gives residents multiple ways to find and access family court records. For South Salt Lake cases, the records are held at the Third District Court. You can search online, use a public terminal, or request records in person.
XChange is the main online tool for searching Utah court records. It is available through utcourts.gov. Users can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The system returns case status, party names, document images, and hearing dates for district and justice court cases statewide. A monthly subscription is $30 for unlimited searches. Lower-volume searches cost $0.15 to $0.35 each. Free XChange access is also available at public terminals inside the Matheson Courthouse and at the Utah State Law Library. The Law Library can be reached by phone at (801) 238-7990 or by email at library@email.utcourts.gov.
For parties to an active case, MyCourtCase provides free access to your own case information. This portal shows upcoming hearings, filed documents, and real-time case updates. You can opt in to receive text or email notifications. MyCourtCase is not a general public search tool. It is designed only for parties to a case.
In-person requests can be made at the Third District Court Clerk's office at 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Standard paper copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies of orders or decrees carry an additional fee. Call (801) 238-7300 to confirm fees and what to bring before your visit.
Filing Family Court Cases in South Salt Lake
South Salt Lake residents file new family court cases at the Third District Court Clerk's office in Salt Lake City. The filing fee is approximately $330 for a new divorce or family law case. The exact amount depends on the case type. Contact the clerk at (801) 238-7300 to confirm current fees. If you cannot pay, ask for a fee waiver form. Submit the form with proof of financial hardship. The court decides if you qualify.
To file for divorce, at least one spouse must have lived in Utah and in Salt Lake County for at least three months before filing, as stated in Title 81. Utah allows divorce based on irreconcilable differences. Fault-based grounds may also be cited. The court imposes a 30-day waiting period for cases without minor children and a 90-day waiting period when children are involved. During the waiting period, temporary orders for custody, support, and use of the family home can be issued to maintain stability.
Custody decisions in South Salt Lake cases follow the best-interest standard. The court considers each parent's character, the stability of each home, any domestic violence history, and the child's bond with each parent. These factors are set out in Title 81, Chapter 9. Child support uses Utah's income shares formula. Both parents' incomes are used to calculate the support amount. Protective orders can be filed at the courthouse or prepared online through OCAP at no charge.
Note: Once filed, most family court orders and decrees from South Salt Lake cases become public records available through the District Court Clerk or XChange system.
GRAMA Records Access for South Salt Lake Cases
Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA, § 63G-2) gives every person the right to inspect and copy a public court record during normal business hours. Family court records from South Salt Lake cases are generally public under GRAMA. The Utah Constitution also guarantees open courts under Article I, Section 11. Records can only be withheld when statute, court rule, or a court order specifically restricts access.
Rule 4-202 of the Utah Code of Judicial Administration sets the timeline for responding to records requests. Courts must reply within 10 business days, or 5 business days for expedited requests. If a specific South Salt Lake family court record is sealed or non-public, a party can file a motion to access it. The court must issue written findings explaining why access was granted or denied. Documents typically restricted from public view include adoption records, juvenile court files, mental health evaluations, and certain financial exhibits. If you have questions about a specific record, call the District Court Clerk at (801) 238-7300.
South Salt Lake Family Court Legal Support
Utah Legal Services offers free civil legal help to low-income Salt Lake County residents, including people in South Salt Lake. They assist with protective orders, custody, child support, and divorce for eligible clients. Call or check their website to find out if you qualify based on your income level.
The Utah State Bar's lawyer referral service at (801) 531-9077 can help South Salt Lake residents find a licensed family law attorney. The courts' self-help center at utcourts.gov provides guides, step-by-step instructions, and all approved forms for common family law cases. The Utah State Law Library at 450 South State Street offers in-person assistance for self-represented parties who need help navigating the Third District Court system.
Salt Lake County Family Court Records
South Salt Lake 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 all county residents.
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.