Alaska Court System announces new Online Dispute Resolution Platform

The Alaska Court System recently announced the launch of its Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform called AK ODR.

AK ODR is a pilot project designed to help people resolve their disputes through mediation and negotiation by agreement, according to a recent press release.

AK ODR currently offers self-represented litigants a free or very low-cost way to conveniently negotiate or mediate online small claims and debt collection disputes.

The press release indicated that there’s several benefits to using the platform.

Alaskans can now resolve their disputes online without having to travel or meet in person which saves both time and money.

Each participant provides information about what they want to reach an agreement and the other participant responds within a designated period of time. If both parties cannot reach an agreement by negotiating with each other, a mediator can assist with the discussion to see if they can settle the matter without a court case.

AK ODR can potentially speed up the resolution process since it’s available 24/7, and participants can respond at their own pace which reduces overall delays. Also, anyone seeking a court order can have it fast-tracked to a judge for review online.

The AK ODR platform provides easy accessibility since anyone with access to the internet can utilize it. It’s free to use, and if parties don’t have a court case and want a judge to sign their agreement to be a court order, the cost is only $25 (instead of the regular court case filing fee ranging from $50 to $150).

Using AK ODR can also help people save money by avoiding legal fees, travel costs, and having to take time off of work or find childcare. AK ODR provides free agreement forms with common resolution options and mediators to aid participants’ process of resolving their disputes.

Discussions about settling cases on the AK ODR platform are confidential, so offers made to the other participant to resolve disputes may not be used later in court. The online platform can also be less intimidating than a regular court case which can reduce the participants’ overall stress and anxiety.

For more information about AK ODR, visit courts.alaska.gov/mediation/ODR

To access the platform, visit acsrdo.imagesoftcloud.com/auth/login

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com