Grand Haven, Michigan. The Holland Sentinel reports that the Ottawa Friend of the Court is now offering online dispute resolution (ODR) for families with parenting time disputes. The Friend of the Court is part of the Michigan 20th Circuit Court.
The parties will collaborate with their caseworker on their parenting time issue via the online platform. If they reach an agreement, the caseworker will prepare the legal document for review and signature via the platform as well. The parties may complete the process entirely online, without needing to come to the court in person. The process is free of charge to participants.
This platform extends the court to people where they are and will help them reduce conflict and save time and money, which will benefit their children. We are proud to offer this option to Ottawa families.
Chief Judge Jon Van Allsburg, 20th Circuit Court
We are committed to helping people resolve their issues outside of the courtroom. It is simpler for parents and more efficient for court staff, Referees and Judges. This platform helps us provide court services in an “easy to access” yet powerful manner.
Jennell Challa, Ottawa County Friend of the Court
Right now, the challenges our families are facing are compounded by the economic, health, and safety pressures of this pandemic. Now, more than ever, we seek to remove barriers to connecting to services.”
Matt Schmid, Assistant Friend of the Court: Field Services Division
Matterhorn is proud to power the ODR system for the Ottawa Friend of the Court.
Learn more
- About the Ottawa Friend of the Court
- Read the announcement
- Read the story in the Holland Sentinel
- View the site
- Learn more about ODR for Family Court
- Family Court Case Study
- The National Center for State Courts on ODR for Child Support Compliance