MI-Resolve
An initiative of the Michigan Supreme Court, MI-Resolve is an online dispute resolution tool available in Charlevoix and Emmet counties. MI-Resolve provides an efficient and accessible way of resolving disputes. Originally, MI-Resolve was limited to district court types of cases, such as small claims and landlord-tenant involving only two parties. Now, MI-Resolve can also be used to settle circuit court cases that involve disputes valued at over $25,000. Additionally, there is no longer a limitation on the number of parties per case that can be involved. Hence, attorneys representing their clients can participate.
“Keeping the virtual doors of justice open to everyone in Michigan has never been more important,” said Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack. “Opening up online dispute resolution to Charlevoix and Emmet county residents represents a huge step toward achieving that goal.”
Through MI-Resolve, parties can go online to negotiate directly with the other party, or have a Community Dispute Resolution Center (in this case, Northern Community Mediation) mediator help them resolve their dispute. If the dispute is resolved, the system produces the necessary court forms for filing in the individual courts. The system is a game-changer for people who are busy with work or children and can benefit from mediation without leaving home. Also, the service is free, involving no cost to the parties or court.
Types of cases that can be managed through MI-Resolve:
- Repayment of vehicle and personal loans;
- Non-delivery or quality of goods and services;
- Car accident (attempts to collect the deductible);
- Landlord/Tenant (return of security deposit and disputes over the amount of security;
- Return of private property between parties ending a domestic relationship;
- Completion of repairs or home improvements (contractor/home repairs); and
- Neighbor use of property that does not belong to them, i.e. building a fence on the neighbor’s lot.
- Parenting time
- Medical debt
- Health care issues
- Collection of debts
It is important to note, however, that these are just examples of the types of cases that can be resolved through MI-Resolve.
For a short clip by Chief Justice McCormack, download the clip at 2:25 Judiciary.mp4 – Google Drive
Anyone interested in taking advantage of the MI-Resolve initiative can go to https://cii2.courtinnovations.com/MINCM and open a case. Additionally, parties should not hesitate to contact Executive Director Dr. Jane Millar at Northern Community Mediation (231.487.1771 or jane@northernmediaton.org) for assistance in using MI-Resolve.