Utah’s 2010 bankruptcy filings highest in five years

Utahns filed for bankruptcy in 2010 at the highest level in five years, a sign that many of the state’s residents continue to struggle with job losses and too much debt amid an uncertain economy. And although the pace of filings might be easing, the West is seeing higher levels of bankruptcies than other parts of the country — and more older Utahns appear to be seeking debt relief than during the past. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Utah reported it received 17,968 bankruptcy petitions last year, a 24 percent increase compared with the 14,481 filings in 2009. Salt Lake Tribune