Posted Apr 21, 2020

The Michigan Supreme Court’s online tool for resolving certain legal disputes has been expanded to Oakland County.

The court’s Office of Dispute Resolution has made the service, MI-Resolve, available in 18 counties so far. The service allows for virtual resolution of disputes that would otherwise be filed as small claims, civil cases or landlord-tenant cases in district court.

The free service allows parties to negotiate directly virtually or involve a Community Dispute Resolution Center mediator help them resolve the dispute. If the dispute is resolved, the system produces the necessary forms for court filings.

In a statement, Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack said the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic makes it even more important to allow virtual options for court services.

“Keeping the virtual doors of justice open to everyone in Michigan has never been more important," she said. "Opening up online dispute resolution to Oakland County residents represents a huge step toward achieving that goal.”

The service is now available in 18 counties in Northeast and Southeast Michigan and is expected to eventually expand statewide.

As of Monday, Michigan reported 32,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2,468 deaths associated with the virus.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

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