Lisa Barlow Lawsuit Update, 3 of 4 Cases Dismissed, $410K Carlson Lawsuit Still Active in 2026
Three of four lawsuits against RHOSLC star Lisa Barlow have been dismissed, but the $410,842 lawsuit filed by former friend Bart Carlson remains active as of January 2026. Carlson alleges Lisa never repaid loans from 2010-2018 for Vida Tequila and Luxe Marketing. The judge denied Lisa’s motion to dismiss in October 2024, ruling sufficient facts exist to proceed. The case moves through discovery toward potential trial in 2026.
The One Lawsuit Still Active: Bart Carlson Case
Case Name: Bart Carlson and Yukon Construction v. Lisa Barlow, Vida Tequila, Luxe Marketing Amount Claimed: $410,842.36 Filed: June 2024 Court: Utah 3rd District Court Status: Active, discovery phase
Carlson claims he loaned money to Lisa starting in 2010 when she told him Vida Tequila and Luxe Marketing were facing “severe financial difficulties.”
The loans had no specified repayment timeline due to their longtime friendship and former business partnership.
What Carlson Alleges
According to the June 2024 complaint:
- Lisa requested loans between 2010-2018 to keep her businesses afloat
- Carlson agreed to lend money with no fixed repayment date because of their friendship
- Some payments were allegedly made through Lisa’s attorney so her husband John wouldn’t find out about Vida Tequila’s financial problems
- When Carlson asked for repayment, Lisa brushed him off with a December 2019 text saying “OVERWHELMED” with a palm-face emoji
- Total unpaid: $410,842.36
Lisa’s Response
Lisa denies all claims. Her statement when the lawsuit was filed:
“I am deeply saddened that he has decided nine years after our restaurant business ceased to claim that I owe him money. To be very clear, the claim that I owe Bart or his company money is untrue. I pay my bills and obligations and I always have. In addition, Bart has no interest in Luxe Marketing or Vida Tequila and did not invest in either business.”
Motion to Dismiss Denied October 2024
Lisa’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss in August 2024, calling Carlson’s claims “a fanciful tale.”
Judge’s ruling: Denied in October 2024.
The court found sufficient facts existed to proceed to trial. This was a significant loss for Lisa—motions to dismiss are often granted when claims lack merit.
Current Case Status January 2026
Discovery Phase Both sides are exchanging financial documents, bank records, text messages, and other evidence.
Depositions Expected Key witnesses including Lisa, John Barlow, and Bart Carlson will likely be deposed.
Trial Possible 2026 If no settlement is reached, the case could go to trial in 2026.
No Settlement Announced As of January 2026, no settlement discussions have been publicly disclosed.
The Three Dismissed Lawsuits
Lisa celebrated these dismissals with poster boards on RHOSLC Season 6.
William McGeary Lawsuit (August 2024)
- Amount: $400,000
- Alleged John Barlow borrowed money for Vida Tequila raw materials
- Filed August 13, 2024
- Dismissed August 15, 2024 (2 days later)
- Dismissed “without prejudice” (can be refiled but hasn’t been)
Financial Services Corporation Lawsuit (2023)
- Amount: $105,954.16
- Sued Vida Tequila and John Barlow for unpaid loan
- Status: Dismissed (exact date not disclosed)
Fourth Undisclosed Lawsuit
- Lisa mentioned a fourth lawsuit on RHOSLC
- Details not publicly available
- Status: Dismissed
Lisa’s “Clarity Lunch” on RHOSLC
Season 6, Episode 3 showed Lisa staging a dramatic lunch at The Lodge at Blue Sky with poster boards displaying court documents emblazoned with “DISMISSED” in red font.
What Lisa said:
- “Allegations are not facts”
- “People can sue you for anything”
- “When you’re running big business and you do really cool things, at some point, you’re going to get sued”
- “I’m lawyered up. We have more than six lawyers”
Cast reaction:
- Meredith Marks (who has a law degree) defended Lisa
- Bronwyn Newport and Angie Katsanevas noted one lawsuit remains pending
- Heather Gay: “It’s like a science fair, but nobody actually did their project”
Lisa’s October 2025 Watch What Happens Live Appearance
On October 28, 2025, Lisa told Andy Cohen:
“They’re civil lawsuits; they’re not criminal. I’ve never done anything criminal. Everyone online that keeps saying I’m going to jail is wrong.”
She confirmed three of four lawsuits have been dismissed but acknowledged one remains: “I’m in a lawsuit right now that has absolutely no merit to it.”
Who Is Bart Carlson?
Carlson is president of Yukon Construction, a Park City homebuilding company.
He and Lisa were former friends and business partners who co-owned The Silver Restaurant in Park City, which they sold in 2016.
Nine years after their restaurant partnership ended, Carlson filed the lawsuit alleging unpaid loans.
What Happens Next?
Discovery (Ongoing) Both sides exchange:
- Financial records from 2010-2018
- Bank statements showing payments
- Text messages and emails
- Business documents
Depositions (Expected 2026) Witnesses testify under oath about the alleged loans.
Mediation (Possible) Parties may attempt settlement negotiations.
Trial (If No Settlement) Case could go to trial in 2026. A jury or judge would decide if Lisa owes the money.
Legal Implications
Motion to Dismiss Denial The October 2024 denial is significant. It means the judge believes Carlson presented enough facts to warrant a trial. This doesn’t mean Lisa will lose, but it means the case has merit.
Burden of Proof Carlson must prove:
- Loans were made
- They were never repaid
- No forgiveness of debt occurred
- The amount owed is $410,842.36
Lisa’s Defenses She can argue:
- No loans existed (they were gifts or investments)
- Loans were repaid
- Statute of limitations bars some claims
- Carlson lacks documentation
Impact on Lisa’s RHOSLC Image
The lawsuit has become a Season 6 storyline. Lisa’s response:
“No one in this group understands that when you’re running big business and you do really cool things, at some point, you’re going to get sued. It’s not something I’m afraid of. It’s not something I’m worried about.”
Cast members continue questioning her about the lawsuit despite her “clarity lunch.”
Meredith Marks Weighs In
Meredith, who holds a law degree, defended Lisa on The Daily Dish:
“I mean, look, we’re talking about a civil lawsuit, and anybody can file that. So, it doesn’t really carry very much weight, in my view. Borrowing money is part of doing business. It’s not an abnormal thing.”
However, Meredith admitted she doesn’t know the current status and acknowledged “there is always a chance the court’s ruling might not favor Lisa.”
Total Amount in All Lawsuits
If all four lawsuits’ allegations were true:
- Carlson lawsuit: $410,842.36
- McGeary lawsuit: $400,000
- Financial Services lawsuit: $105,954.16
- Fourth lawsuit: Amount unknown
Total over $900,000 (though three are dismissed)
What Lisa Must Prove
To win the Carlson case, Lisa must show:
- No loan agreements existed, OR
- Loans were repaid, OR
- The statute of limitations has expired, OR
- Carlson’s evidence is insufficient
What Happens If Lisa Loses?
If the court rules against Lisa:
- She must pay $410,842.36 plus interest
- Court costs and potentially Carlson’s attorney’s fees
- Possible damage to her business reputation
- Continued RHOSLC storyline
What Happens If Lisa Wins?
If the court rules for Lisa:
- No payment required
- Vindication of her claims she pays her bills
- Possible counterclaims for malicious prosecution or defamation
- RHOSLC redemption arc
Timeline of Events
May 2010: Lisa allegedly tells Carlson about financial difficulties
2010-2018: Carlson allegedly loans money with no repayment terms
December 2019: Lisa allegedly texts “OVERWHELMED” when asked for repayment
2016: Lisa and Carlson sell The Silver Restaurant
June 2024: Carlson files $410,842 lawsuit
August 2024: Lisa files motion to dismiss; McGeary lawsuit filed and dismissed
September 2024: RHOSLC Season 6 begins, featuring lawsuit storyline
October 2024: Judge denies Lisa’s motion to dismiss
October 2025: Lisa confirms three lawsuits dismissed on WWHL
January 2026: Carlson lawsuit remains active, discovery ongoing
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Lisa Barlow settled her lawsuit?
No. The Carlson lawsuit remains active as of January 2026. Three other lawsuits have been dismissed.
How much does Lisa Barlow owe?
Carlson claims $410,842.36. Lisa denies owing anything.
When will the Lisa Barlow lawsuit be resolved?
Unknown. The case is in discovery. Trial could occur in 2026 if no settlement is reached.
Can Lisa Barlow go to jail?
No. These are civil lawsuits, not criminal charges. The worst outcome is a financial judgment against her.
Did Lisa’s motion to dismiss get denied?
Yes, in October 2024. This means the case has enough merit to proceed to trial.
Who is Bart Carlson?
President of Yukon Construction and Lisa’s former friend and restaurant business partner.
What businesses does Lisa Barlow own?
Vida Tequila and Luxe Marketing (event planning company).
Is Vida Tequila in financial trouble?
Lisa denies any financial difficulties. The lawsuits allege past financial problems from 2010-2018.
For the latest updates, watch The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 on Bravo.
This article provides general information about the Lisa Barlow lawsuit and should not be considered legal advice.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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