Marriages can founder and end. When that happens courts and mediation centers provide support, structure, and process via ODR for divorce, dissolution of marriage, and legal separation.
Family courts and mediation centers with Matterhorn bring people together to decide the details of these changes online. Matterhorn offers an alternative option that can be both easier-to-schedule and safer for all. If the parties can come to an agreement on the platform, the mediator, facilitator, or caseworker may prepare necessary court orders and agreements for the parties to review and sign online.
Parties can communicate 1-on-1 with a caseworker or neutral through a private and secure portal. Party-to-party communication may be permitted or may be curtailed, depending on the situation, such as domestic violence or court orders restricting communication. In cases where parties may not communicate directly, a facilitator may coordinate using separate breakout communication channels.
When people can engage from their own devices and on their own time, difficult matters can be discussed and resolved.
What We Hear about ODR for Separation, Dissolution, and Divorce
From Courts
It works very well for less complicated cases where parties may just need assistance with their legal document but do not have major debts and assets at risk. Dissolution and Separation cases without children and without significant debts and assets seem to do very well in this program.
Tracy McElroy – Director of Conciliation Court Services – interview
Benefits to Your Court or Agency
- Reduce backlog and resolve more disputes by resolving cases before their hearings
- Shorten case lifetimes
- Streamlined workflow provides efficiency for staff, neutrals, and the public
- Configured to your court’s unique approaches
- Excellent public feedback in follow-up surveys
From the Public
Our divorce was ‘easy’ compared to the horrible stories I’ve heard.
Our mediator was professional, patient and very helpful with areas I did not understand. Thank you so much.
Benefits for Parties
- Convenient access for the public to caseworkers, mediators, facilitators, and/or conference officers
- Mobile-responsive platform available from any smartphone or web-enabled device
- Handle your issues on your own time, from anywhere
- Save time
- Get to resolution faster
- Sign online
Why Matterhorn Divorce, Dissolution, Separation ODR Works
Convenient Communication
Caseworkers, neutrals if needed, and parties communicate easily online with their own devices on their own schedules. Matterhorn notifies the relevant parties when there is new information or an agreement to be signed on the platform.
Handle the Issue, Avert a Hearing
Court staff may need to schedule a hearing for legal separation, dissolution, or divorce. Ahead of a scheduled hearing, the parties can resolve the issue online and avert the hearing.
Quick, Online Agreements
Once all stakeholders have agreed upon the terms of their legal separation, dissolution, or divorce, caseworkers or a neutral may prepare an agreement, stipulation, or consent order. Questionnaires and data integration support pre-population of agreements. Draft agreements can be edited iteratively.
This agreement can be signed by all parties digitally from their own devices, and then posted if needed to the case management system.
Case Types
- Divorce
- Dissolution
- Legal Separation
- Establishment of Paternity
- Property
- Child Support Compliance
- IV-D and non-IV-D
Outcomes & Benefits
- Fewer show cause hearings
- Fewer warrants issued
- Reduce backlog and resolve more cases before their hearing
- Shorten case lifetimes
- Save time for all involved
- Increase access
Secure, Private Setting
The security and privacy of information about your clients, their discussions, and their family is paramount. Learn more about Matterhorn security and privacy.
What is Matterhorn?
Matterhorn is a web-based platform that to allows courts to offer an online “door” to the court. Matterhorn helps courts increase access and options for the public.
Example Courts with Matterhorn include Arizona’s Pinal County Superior Court and read the interview with Conciliation Services Director Tracy McElroy.