Hardware

Michigan county installs legal assistance kiosks

Image provided by Ottawa County, Michigan.

June 29, 2023

Residents of Ottawa County, Michigan will be able to access legal advice and services at 11 self-serve kiosks from the 20th Judicial Circuit and the Ottawa County Probate courts to help residents file paperwork, pay fees and attend court hearings more conveniently, according to a press release.

The kiosks allow residents to download and complete court forms, file documents and paperwork, pay fees, fines and court costs, and seek assistance from the Legal Self-Help Center, conduct legal research and attend court hearings held virtually.

The project was made possible by a grant from the Michigan State Police and the participating host sites of the kiosks.

When the courthouses closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 20th Circuit Court and the Ottawa County Probate Court quickly transitioned to virtual hearings and online services. However, not everyone had access to the necessary hardware or stable internet connections required for conducting court business virtually.

Even when the courthouses are open, people often face transportation challenges when they need to visit them. The introduction of the kiosks will help alleviate these barriers.