Task force hears widespread complaints about inconsistent filing, forms and court technology

Several speakers said inconsistent local rules, filing procedures and technology create barriers that prevent people from effectively using the court system. Sarah Robbins of the Office of Civil Legal Aid warned that "there isn't anything online that's like a plain language how you do things" and described repeated rejections of filings because local clerks or courts expect different formats.

Michelle Lucas, legal director at a gender‑based violence legal center, told the group that emergency orders and next‑party calendars vary by court and that fee waivers or remote‑filing costs can block access for people who cannot travel to courthouses. "If you can't get there to file your fee waiver, it... creates a system where folks who can afford attorneys... are going to be able to access our court system more than people who don't," Lucas said.

Participants proposed concrete starting points: a subcommittee to standardize acceptable forms and filing guidance, shared plain‑language instructions on state or court websites and review of case‑management interoperability so records are easier to locate across counties. Several members suggested cataloging which courts accept which electronic forms and publishing a permissive list of formats that courts will accept to reduce rejections and staff time.