Utah § 38-9-205 - Petition to nullify lien -- Notice to lien claimant -- Summary relief -- Finding of wrongful lien -- Wrongful lien is void.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 38-9-205 — Petition to nullify lien -- Notice to lien claimant -- Summary relief -- Finding of wrongful lien -- Wrongful lien is void., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-9-205. Petition to nullify lien -- Notice to lien claimant -- Summary relief -- Finding of wrongful lien -- Wrongful lien is void.

Effective 7/1/2024
38-9-205.  Petition to nullify lien -- Notice to lien claimant -- Summary relief -- Finding of wrongful lien -- Wrongful lien is void.
(1)
(a)A record interest holder of real property against which a wrongful lien is recorded may petition a court with jurisdiction under Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration, for summary relief to nullify the wrongful lien.
(b)Notwithstanding Title 78B, Chapter 3a, Venue for Civil Actions, a record interest holder shall bring a petition described in Subsection (1)(a) in the county in which the document is recorded if the person brings the petition in the district court.
(2)The petition described in Subsection (1) shall state with specificity the claim that the lien is a wrongful lien and shall be supported by a sworn affidavit of the record interest holder.
(3)
(a)If the court finds the petition insufficient, the court may dismiss the petition without a hearing.
(b)If the court finds the petition is sufficient, the court shall schedule a hearing within 10 days to determine whether the document is a wrongful lien.
(c)The record interest holder shall serve a copy of the petition on the lien claimant and a copy of a notice of the hearing pursuant to Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4, Process.
(d)The lien claimant is entitled to attend and contest the petition.
(4)A summary proceeding under this section:
(a)may only determine whether a document is a wrongful lien; and
(b)may not determine any other property or legal rights of the parties or restrict other legal remedies of any party.
(5)
(a)If, following a hearing, the court determines that the recorded document is a wrongful lien, the court shall issue an order declaring the wrongful lien void ab initio, releasing the property from the lien, and awarding costs and reasonable attorney fees to the petitioner.
(b)
(i)The record interest holder may submit a certified copy of the order to the county recorder for recording.
(ii)The order shall contain a legal description of the real property.
(c)If the court determines that the claim of lien is valid, the court shall dismiss the petition and may award costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the lien claimant. The dismissal order shall contain a legal description of the real property. The prevailing lien claimant may record a certified copy of the dismissal order.
(6)If the court determines that the recorded document is a wrongful lien, the wrongful lien is void ab initio and provides no notice of claim or interest.
(7)If a petition under this section contains a claim for damages, the proceedings related to the claim for damages may not be expedited under this section.


Amended by Chapter 158, 2024 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 38-9-205

What does Utah Code § 38-9-205 cover?

Section 38-9-205 ("Petition to nullify lien -- Notice to lien claimant -- Summary relief -- Finding of wrongful lien -- Wrongful lien is void.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 38-9-205?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 38-9-205" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 38-9-205 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.