|
|
|
January, 1997 |
  
|
Legal Docs From Kiosks In ArizonaFor the last two years, citizens of the state of Arizona have been able to obtain legal documents for no-fault divorce, probate, small claims, and landlord tenant action on a touchscreen kiosk. A QuickCourt kiosk looks something like an automated teller machine, except that it has a full-motion video screen, like a television, and you touch the screen to make choices. Up until now the pilot program has been available free of charge at only three sites in the state. It will soon be available in English and Spanish in 25 sites statewide on a fee basis. The screen talks to you, privately answers your questions as you go, and guides you through the process. You never actually fill out a form; QuickCourt does that for you when you’re done. You never touch a pen until you’re ready to sign. Some of the original funding for QuickCourt came from a State Justice Institute grant and then from a Ford Foundation grant through the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Arizona has born some direct costs for implemention, and will bear all the of administrative costs for managing the document input. A significant share of the capital cost is being borne by North Communications, a company that specializes in designing and managing touchscreen networks. According to North Communications, two other states, Utah and California, have already followed Arizona’s lead with their own Quick-Court pilot systems. Some examples of court documents available at QuickCourt kiosks, and their prices are: no-fault divorce for $30.00, modification to child support for $15.00, name change for $15.00, and small claims complaint for $15.00. The completed forms are printed on 8-1/2 x 11 paper and when signed are ready to file. The fees are only for the forms and do not include any filing fees. Jeanie Lynch, added, "We’re starting to see measurable results, in the length of lines and waiting times, in the quality of Pro Per filings we receive. QuickCourt cuts through the red tape." (Contact: Jeanie Lynch, Arizona Supreme Court, 602-542-9554)
|
