Civil Litigation Lawyer in Kaysville and Clearfield
Most civil disputes don't begin in a courtroom. They begin with a demand letter, an unpaid invoice, a broken agreement, or a property problem that can't be solved informally. I'm Dustin Gibb. I help people understand the claim, preserve the evidence, and choose the right next step, whether that's negotiation, mediation, filing a lawsuit, or defending one.
Kaysville, Clearfield (by appointment), or virtual · (801) 725-6035
Gibb Law Firm represents people on both sides of Utah civil disputes, both those bringing claims and those defending them. That includes disputes over agreements and money owed, and property disputes over boundaries, easements, landlord-tenant issues, HOAs, and damage. Many cases resolve before trial. The deadlines to act range from three to six years depending on the claim.
Which side are you on?
You want to bring a claim
- Gather the agreement, messages, invoices, and a short timeline while you still remember the details.
- Check the deadline. Written agreements generally have 6 years, oral agreements 4, and property damage 3.
- A well-prepared demand letter resolves more disputes than people expect, and it sets up the lawsuit if it doesn’t.
You've been sued, or received a demand letter
- Write down the date you were served. You have 21 days to respond if you were served in Utah, and 30 days if you were served elsewhere. Eviction cases move much faster.
- Don’t ignore it. A missed deadline can lead to a default judgment for whatever the other side asked for. What Happens If You Ignore a Court Summons? →
- Don’t reply in anger. Your emails and texts can become exhibits.
Should this become a lawsuit?
A lawsuit is a tool, not a goal. Before filing, or before fighting a case filed against you, Dustin works through five questions with you:
- What’s actually at stake? Compare the amount in dispute with the realistic cost of litigating it.
- What do the documents show? Cases are won on signed agreements, emails, and records, not on who feels more wronged.
- Can the other side pay? A judgment against someone with nothing to collect may not be worth the cost.
- Is there a cheaper path? A demand letter, negotiation, or mediation can often get most of the result at a fraction of the cost. For claims up to $20,000, small claims court may be an option.
- How long can you wait? Litigation takes months and sometimes years. That time has a cost too.
Sometimes the honest answer is that a lawsuit isn’t worth it. Sometimes it’s the only way the other side will take you seriously. Either way, you should know which before you spend money.
Civil disputes we handle
Disputes over agreements
A written or verbal agreement one side didn’t honor, including unpaid work, undelivered goods or services, and broken promises with real money attached.
Money owed
Collecting what you’re owed, or defending against a claim that you owe more than you do.
Property disputes
Boundaries, easements, landlord-tenant issues, HOA disputes, construction defects, and damage to property. Property disputes →
Defending a lawsuit
Responding on time, finding the weak points in the claim, and deciding whether to settle or fight.
How a Utah civil case usually moves
Demand
A letter stating the claim and what would resolve it.
Complaint and service
The lawsuit is filed and delivered to the other side.
Answer
21 days if served in Utah, 30 days if served outside Utah.
Discovery
Each side exchanges documents, answers written questions, and may take depositions. The Role of Expert Witnesses in Strengthening Your Civil Case →
Mediation or settlement
Most civil cases resolve here.
Trial
In front of a judge or jury, if the case doesn’t settle.
Utah civil deadlines
| Claim | General deadline |
|---|---|
| Written contract | 6 years |
| Oral agreement | 4 years |
| Property damage | 3 years |
| Fraud | 3 years, often from discovery |
| Claims against a government entity | Notice of claim within 1 year |
Exceptions exist, and the deadline often depends on when the problem was discovered. Check early.
Litigation experience
- Civil litigator at Scalley & Reading in Salt Lake City (2012–2018) before opening Gibb Law Firm
- Former law clerk, Utah State Courts
- Member, Utah State Bar Litigation Section and Davis County Bar Association
- Junkins v. Boshard Electric, Inc. and Smarte Carte, Inc.: settled near the end of a multi-day trial
- Ironwood HOA, Inc. v. New Star GC, Bartile Roofs, Inc.: resolved on summary judgment
Past results don’t guarantee a similar outcome.
Mistakes that make civil disputes harder
- Ignoring the summons. Default judgments are hard to undo.
- Sending the angry email. It will probably be read out loud later.
- Deleting messages or throwing out records. Even unhelpful documents need to be kept once a dispute is likely.
- Waiting “to see what happens.” Deadlines keep running, and memories fade.
Civil litigation questions
Sometimes. It usually depends on whether your agreement includes an attorney fee clause, or whether a specific law allows it.
Often many months, and longer if it goes to trial. Most cases settle before then.
It depends on the dispute, how the other side responds, and how far the case goes. We discuss fees at your free consultation.
For claims up to $20,000, sometimes yes. We’ll tell you honestly when it’s the better route.
What to bring to your consultation
- The agreement, lease, or other key document
- Emails, texts, and letters with the other side
- Invoices, receipts, and proof of payment
- Any demand letter, summons, or complaint, with the date you received it
- Photos, if property is involved
- A short timeline of what happened
Helpful Legal Posts
Talk with Dustin about your dispute
Free consultation · Kaysville, Clearfield (by appointment), or virtual · (801) 725-6035