By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com

A new online tool for resolving small court cases is available to all residents of Livingston County and the state of Michigan.

The MI-Resolve online dispute resolution tool provides an accessible way of resolving disputes that are typically filed in small claims or district court, for free. Through the platform, parties can enter their dispute and negotiate directly with each other. Should they choose, they can enlist the services of a mediator from the Community Dispute Resolution Center, also free of charge. If the dispute is resolved, the platform turns the resolution into a form that is then filed with the court. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack said they started rolling the service out last year and the feedback has been incredibly positive. She added that some people may find courts intimidating and will find this to be a more preferred method for solving a small claim. McCormack also said the user-friendliness of it seems to appeal to everybody.

McCormack said MI-Resolve is just an option for people who want to try it, and if it doesn’t work out, parties can still go to court. She believes this service helps on multiple levels. For the courts, it streamlines their dockets and frees up judges and lawyers for higher stakes cases. For participants, it can be an inexpensive option that doesn’t require them to take a day off of work or find childcare as they can work towards a resolution from their phone or laptop. McCormack said the service was born from similar programs used in some counties to resolve traffic disputes.

MI-Resolve’s availability state-wide wasn’t scheduled to be completed until the end of the year, but the pandemic gave the Supreme Court the opportunity to expedite its rollout. The program is being funded by the state Supreme Court through funds made available through state legislature.

(photo- Michigan Courts)