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ODR (Online Dispute Resolution)... 

Court-related Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is a public facing digital space in which parties can convene to resolve their dispute or case.

Three essential components differentiate court-related ODR from other forms of technology-supported dispute resolution:

  • The first is that the program operates exclusively online.  In contrast to other court programs that provide an online interface with which to accomplish discrete tasks (e.g., e-filing, video hearings), ODR users do not otherwise interact with the court for traditional in-court procedures or events.

  • The second is that the program is explicitly designed to assist litigants in resolving their dispute or case, rather than a technology platform to support judicial or court staff decision-making.  Dispute resolution inherently includes the potential to challenge the validity of claims or to raise affirmative defenses; court-related ODR is not merely a platform for defendants to negotiate a payment schedule to satisfy debts.

  • Third, the program is hosted or supported by the judicial branch.  It is not a form of private ADR, but instead integrates and extends dispute resolution services offered by the judicial branch into digital space to serve citizens efficiently, effectively, transparently, and fairly.

This definition of court-related ODR can encompass a variety of methods and tools to assist in dispute resolution.  It can provide dispute resolution services without necessarily filing a formal complaint. It can support a variety of decision-making aids including discovery exchange; direct party-to-party settlement negotiations; synchronous or asynchronous mediation support; and technology-supported adjudication.   When litigants successfully resolve their dispute, the program can populate standard settlement agreement forms that can be automatically filed with the court, if needed to dispose the case.  If the litigants are unsuccessful, the program can also provide a seamless entry to the court’s traditional dispute resolution by automatically populating and filing necessary court forms.  The design and implementation of court-related ODR programs should not diminish due process or access to justice for program users.

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Four Easy Steps of ODR

Sign Up

                                 1

Signing up is as simple as providing your name and e-mail address

An Arbitrator or Mediator is Assigned

                              3

Before a matter is assigned to an experienced arbitrator or mediator, A&T Partners conducts a conflict check to ensure the arbitrator or mediator has no connection to the parties.

File a Claim

                                      2

Gather your documents, photographs and other evidence. Simply upload the files to our secure server, describe your claim, and identify the responding party.

Dispute Resolved

                                      4

The arbitrator or mediator reviews feedback from the Applicant and Respondent(s). After all evidence is gathered and reviewed, a binding decision is rendered by the arbitrator. If using mediation, the mediator will attempt a resolution and the dispute will be resolved with in a month or two.

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