law briefs
In the echoing corridors of Massachusetts courthouses, a quiet crisis unfolds each week. Thousands of individuals, many with limited financial resources, find themselves navigating the complex maze of divorce proceedings without legal representation. These pro se litigants often struggle with complex court procedures, resulting in rejected filings, mounting case backlogs, and profound personal stress.
This scenario, playing out across the state, has prompted an innovative response. Suffolk Law, in collaboration with the American Arbitration Association (AAA), is pioneering a solution that could revolutionize how such individuals approach divorce and other family law matters.
The Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Innovation Clinic will develop an AI-powered online platform to guide self-represented litigants through low-conflict divorces and family disputes.
Over the next three years, Suffolk Law students and faculty will work hand-in-hand with association experts, court administrators, legal aid providers, and the public to create a suite of digital tools. The centerpiece of this initiative is an intuitive ODR platform, complemented by AI-guided interviews and “smart” court forms. The system will also offer virtual mediation capabilities.
By simplifying the divorce process, the platform will help thousands of Massachusetts families resolve their cases more quickly and affordably. This, in turn, could alleviate the burden on an overloaded court system, potentially reducing backlogs and freeing up resources for more complex cases. If successful, the model could be adapted for use in other states and potentially expand beyond family law.
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winter 2025
