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Utah Contracts Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for Utah on
Q: Am I liable for a title company's $15,000 typo in loan payoff?

I sold my home, and during the closing process, the title company made a typo that resulted in a $15,000 shortfall in the loan payoff amount. The closing and recording of the house occurred on October 30, 2025, and I was informed by the title company on October 31, 2025, that I needed to come up... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Nov 3, 2025

If you were the seller of land with a note against it, then the note indebtedness is your obligation. You may have given a warranty deed free from encumbrances. If the note is not satisfied then you have breached your covenant to the grantee. The lender may foreclose against the new owner.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Utah on
Q: How can I protect myself if my neighbor removes a tree on my property and gets hurt?

I discussed with my neighbor the possibility of him removing a tree located on my property since part of it hangs over his property and is damaging his grass. We can't afford a professional to do this. How do I protect myself and my property if he gets hurt or causes any damage during the... View More

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Jul 28, 2025

Hello,

It is good to be thinking about liabilty before you allow your neighbor to DIY stuff that has the ability to go way wrong.

A written disclaimer of liability should help protect you and your property in Utah if your neighbor is injured or causes damage while removing the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Divorce, Contracts and Family Law for Utah on
Q: Protocol for benefits during divorce for immigrant spouse in Utah with green card.

I am an immigrant spouse with a green card, married for 1.5 years with a prenuptial agreement. My sponsoring spouse plans to file for divorce in August, and we have no children together. What is the protocol for me to apply for or receive benefits from my spouse during the divorce process,... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
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answered on Jun 27, 2025

If your husband signed the I-864 Affidavit of Support, you may have the right to enforce that obligation against him if you are currently unemployed. There is no requirement that you must seek employment in order to pursue the financial support guaranteed under that affidavit. You may wish to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Contracts and Family Law for Utah on
Q: Do I have to give back my engagement ring after breakup if we never married?

I received an engagement ring as a promise to marry my ex-fiancé, but we broke up after six months without getting legally married or having a wedding. He hasn't asked about the ring but requested other belongings back. I live in Utah, and he lives in California. Do I have to give the... View More

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Mar 14, 2025

Given the ring’s status as a symbol of a promise that didn’t pan out, and since he hasn’t brought it up, you’re not obligated to proactively return it. But if he requests it, the default legal stance in both states leans toward giving it back unless you have a solid reason tied to his fault... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Intellectual Property for Utah on
Q: Can I distribute 3D voxel models made from licensed 2D assets?

I purchased a pixel art pack, and the license requires crediting the original artist while forbidding redistribution and resale of the assets, even if modified. I've created 3D voxel models based on these 2D sprites—transforming them from flat images into 3D objects, like boulders and walls... View More

Emmanuel Coffy
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answered on Feb 24, 2025

Yes, the restriction on redistribution likely applies to your 3D voxel models because they are derivative works of the original 2D assets. Here’s a breakdown of the key legal considerations:

1. Understanding Derivative Works.

A derivative work is a creation that is based on or...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Utah on
Q: Can I sue the apartment on a small claim for not fixing my dishwasher when I moved in and they won't fix it.

I moved into an apartment in September and submitted three requests for a dishwasher repair, but it was never fixed. The manager then said there was nothing they could do about it. Knowing the dishwasher was truly broken, I hired a professional to fix it, which they did, and then billed me. I paid... View More

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Feb 10, 2025

The ability to sue your landlord or apartment complex for the cost of repair and partial rent refund depends largely on the terms of your lease or rental agreement, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding the repair. Here's what you should consider:

Lease Agreement: Carefully...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Utah on
Q: Can I quit my job anytime ?

I work at Thuisbezorgd and the employer told me that I have to stay for minimum 3 months to work there. I need some fast money and the fastest way was to work here, because it’s flexible and I can make money pretty easy. So I decided to work here. Also, there is a probatory month which I can quit... View More

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Nov 7, 2024

In Utah, employment is generally considered "at-will," which means that an employee can quit their job at any time without providing a reason or notice, and similarly, an employer can terminate employment at any time, barring any illegal reasons such as discrimination. This principle... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning and Social Security for Utah on
Q: Can my SSI payee company who is paid for their services by Medicaid, refuse to print checks?

I am on SSI from the Social Security administration. I have a representative payee that's a company to receive my SSI and divvy it out to me on a regular basis. My payee issues me a weekly payment and has me use a debit card that I can use in the store or as an ATM. My payee is paid by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 17, 2024

It sounds like a frustrating situation. While representative payees have a lot of discretion in how they manage and distribute funds, they are supposed to act in the best interest of the beneficiary.

A few key points:

1. Payees should minimize fees when possible. If check printing...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Business Law for Utah on
Q: Small business owner's privacy violated?

Hello, I am a small business owner operating in Utah. I have been leasing since 2019 and not too long ago, the landlord sold the entire building including my contract to a new owner. Couple months ago, a manager from the new landlord came and brought with him a person with camera (looks like a... View More

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on May 1, 2024

Hey there! I'm sorry to hear about the situation you're facing with your business privacy concerns. It's definitely unsettling to find out that your business operations are now exposed on Google Earth without your consent.

Firstly, it might be a good idea to review your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Business Law for Utah on
Q: Small business owner's privacy violated?

Hello, I am a small business owner operating in Utah. I have been leasing since 2019 and not too long ago, the landlord sold the entire building including my contract to a new owner. Couple months ago, a manager from the new landlord came and brought with him a person with camera (looks like a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds distressing to discover your business's private details exposed in such a public manner. First, it's important to understand your rights under the lease agreement and local privacy laws. Check your lease for any clauses regarding... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Utah on
Q: I recently purchased a car. I had 3 vehicles that I traded for 1. I didn’t know the exact mileage of 2 of the vehicles

At the time I was working the deal

I guessed the mileage and stresses it was a guess. When signing the contract the dealership had me sign a blank odometer statement as again, I didn’t know the mileage off the top of my head. We completed the deal and the sales person accompanied me... View More

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Mar 7, 2024

Hey there,

It's essential to understand that preventing someone from filing a lawsuit isn't something you can do preemptively. The crux of the matter will likely revolve around the contract you signed. It's worth asking if there was a specific trade-in agreement or similar...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Utah on
Q: Can I renegotiate a lease before it’s expired?

My husband wrote a 3 year lease. We just got divorced. Can I renegotiate the terms and get his name off the lease? The HOA increased and the rent does not cover all cost associated with the property. Is there anyway I can change the lease to a yearly lease? Or increase the rent to cover the... View More

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Feb 26, 2024

Landlords may consider renegotiating a lease to adjust terms, such as increasing rent, but it's crucial to remember that tenants are not obligated to consent. This is because tenants currently hold an enforceable contract. Alterations to the lease terms require mutual agreement unless the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Estate Planning for Utah on
Q: I know my father had a family trust. I doubt he ever put me on it. How do I search just in case?

I wasn't notified when my father passed on. My father's favorite 2 children are still living, no contact. He didn't want 3rd girl, my other siblings both died in their 40's, medical issues. My father said way back he had a trust & I was on it but later returned to his... View More

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Jan 22, 2024

I understand your concerns regarding your father's family trust and the uncertainty surrounding your inclusion in it. Trusts are indeed private documents, and it can be challenging to ascertain whether you are a beneficiary without direct communication from the trustee.

To begin your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Utah on
Q: Is it legal for apartment management to get you sign a lease agreement for the next year before your lease is up?

They say they didn’t require it but they bribe with lower rent if you sign early.

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Jan 5, 2024

Certainly, it's within legal bounds for your apartment management to offer a lease renewal before your current lease concludes, provided they've been transparent about the process. This is often done to ensure tenancy continuity. If they've proposed an incentive for early renewal,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Utah on
Q: Is an addendum a form of a lease?

A non-resident rents a garage and signed an addendum , then the apartment wants to raise the fee 100%.

Robert Alex Fleming
Robert Alex Fleming
answered on Jan 5, 2024

In general terms an addendum in a contract is a document that is added to an existing contract to modify, clarify, or add to its terms and conditions. It's generally a legally binding amendment used to make changes to the original contract after it has been signed and must be agreed upon by... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Utah on
Q: Is an addendum a form of a lease?

A non-resident rents a garage and signed an addendum , then the apartment wants to raise the fee 100%.

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Jan 5, 2024

It's essential to review the terms of the contract and the addendum closely. If the agreement specifies a fixed rate for a certain period, any increase that contradicts this would not be permissible. Ensure that the addendum, which is part of the lease, does not grant the landlord the right to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Domestic Violence, Criminal Law and Real Estate Law for Utah on
Q: Can a friend withhold my belongings over a rent dispute and accuse me of trespassing?

I moved my trailer onto a friend's property in Ogden, Utah, and we had a verbal agreement to pay $375 each payday for rent. We had a disagreement after I was late with payment because she was late initially. During an argument, there was a shove, which was caught on tape, and now she... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 1, 2025

By paying rent under a verbal agreement, you created at least a month‑to‑month tenancy or license under Utah law, even if you are not on the lease. She cannot lawfully lock you out or hold your personal property hostage for more money; only a court eviction followed by a writ of restitution... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Contracts and Domestic Violence for Utah on
Q: Is a handwritten contract to sell half of my dog legally binding?

Over a year ago, my boyfriend convinced me to sell him half of my dog. I reluctantly agreed after weeks of pressure, hoping it would improve his treatment of the dog and our relationship. He made me sign a contract on notebook paper and sent me half of her purchase price. I felt manipulated but... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 20, 2025

A handwritten contract can be legally binding if it shows a clear agreement between two parties, includes signatures, and involves something of value — in this case, payment for half of the dog. However, contracts signed under pressure, manipulation, or emotional distress can be challenged as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Contracts and Domestic Violence for Utah on
Q: Is my handwritten contract with my boyfriend over dog ownership binding, and can I annul it?

Over a year ago, my boyfriend convinced me to sell him half of my dog. I reluctantly signed a handwritten contract without any witnesses, and he sent me half of the dog's purchase price. I'm not sure about the contract's specific terms, as he hid it from me, and I'm scared to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 20, 2025

A handwritten contract can be legally binding if it shows a clear agreement, includes both parties’ signatures, and involves something of value, like the payment your boyfriend made. However, if you signed the document under pressure, fear, or emotional manipulation, you may have grounds to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law, Foreclosure, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Utah on
Q: Dealing with supplier's payment demand for contractor's supplies paid in Utah

I have received a letter from a construction supply company demanding payment for supplies that were part of a contract with my contractor. I have already paid the contractor for these supplies, and there was no separate invoice from the supply company to me initially. The company is now... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 9, 2025

It’s very stressful to face a payment demand when you’ve already paid your contractor in full. In Utah, suppliers have the right to file what’s called a “mechanic’s lien” if they haven’t been paid for materials used on a project, even if you already paid your contractor. This means... View More

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