Heartbreak Just Got Cheaper: Do It (Mostly) Yourself Online Divorce Documents
Sudhin Thamawala writes for AP that a Silicon Valley company, Modria, is creating online divorce and other documents that people can fill out and then take to an attorney, making attorney costs far cheaper:
Officials in Ohio are using Modria's software to resolve disputes over tax assessments and keep them out of court, and a New York-based arbitration association has deployed it to settle medical claims arising from certain types of car crashes.In the Netherlands, Modria software is being used to guide people through their divorces.
The program walks couples through more than two dozen questions, including how they want to co-parent any children they have. It suggests values for spousal support and notes areas of agreement. A second module allows them to negotiate areas of disagreement. If they reach a resolution, they can print up divorce papers that are then reviewed by an attorney to make sure neither side is giving away too much before they are filed in court.
Hundreds of couples have gone through the system since it launched in February, said Larry Friedberg, Modria's chief marketing officer.
...A Michigan company, Court Innovations, is using similar technology to resolve traffic disputes. In four court districts in the state, people ticketed on suspicion of running a red light or speeding can go online and provide an explanation in hopes of getting the ticket thrown out or a lower fine. Prosecutors review the information and make a decision that can be transmitted electronically to the alleged scofflaw for acceptance or rejection, said MJ Cartwright, the company's CEO. The system has had more than 800 users so far, almost all of whom have resolved their cases online, she said.
In LA, the system is corrupt. You send in proof, as I did, that your car actually was registered in October when they gave you a ticket. I figured it was a slam-dunk. I sent in a copy of my registration slip -- showing that my car was registered; in fact, that I'd paid for another whole year in July!
Didn't matter. That's because, as I've heard from others in LA (including a commenter here), the question isn't whether you're innocent of the particular traffic violation; it's whether you're stupid enough to think that that, in any way, matters.
That commenter was me.
The letter I got was great "Yes you're right but you still have to pay."
Ppen at July 12, 2015 11:44 PM
In Florida, your insurance is tied to your license. If your insurance lapses, the state knows (often before you do). Clerical error by your insurance agent? The state sends you a nasty letter wanting you to surrender your license.
So if you get stopped by the Stazi(err, FHP), they know if you have insurance by running your license. But if the friendly officer doesn't like your 'proof of insurance' card, you get a $15 ticket.
Mine has no expiration date, so they don't like it. (I've had the same company and policy # for years, sir)
Those 'smartphone' insurance cards? They don't have to accept them.
DrCos at July 13, 2015 3:53 AM
More on topic...
Back when I was getting divorced, I was told (by a lawyer) that I couldn't do the paperwork myself because I needed a lawyer to help me understand it.
A self-sustaining business if there ever was. Happy to see it may be changing.
DrCos at July 13, 2015 3:56 AM
First wife and I did this in early '80's (used KISS principle keeping kids first).
Worked well enough although the lawyer was really upset at various items (he would bounce between outrage for her/against her).
Judge got pissed at me 'cause he did not know she wanted out, the house not being sold, and joint custody. (It was her in her best interests to 'sell' this to all so she did.)
I got joint custody, not paying for the house (carried it on my credit), and kept my SSI/retirement. Kids got security and same home.
No war of the roses.
Bob in Texas at July 13, 2015 6:06 AM
Most county clerks will give you the documents you need to file a pro se divorce.
So this online paperwork is duplicating a free government service.
I recommend it, if you have no significant assets or children both of which can cause complications.
Isab at July 13, 2015 7:49 AM
It's all about milking the public for revenue. Remember that the next time someone tells you only corporations and not governments are greedy.
I got a parking ticket from the BART police here in the East Bay. I sent in an explanation of why the infraction was wrong (I was accused of parking in a BART parking lot and not using BART). The reply said that because there was no proof that I rode BART that day, the ticket would stand.
Of course there's no proof! IF you purchase an exact change ticket, the machine eats it at the end of the line!
Dumbasses!
Conan the Grammarian at July 13, 2015 12:04 PM
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