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What is the role of technology in family law disputes?

Cooper Kirmond

The role of technology in family law disputes has become increasingly important as we live in a digital age. Technology has played a pivotal role in the way we communicate, gather information, and present evidence in legal disputes. In the sphere of family law disputes, technology has opened up new avenues for resolution and provided access to important information that may not have been available before the advent of digital communications.

One of the key roles of technology in family law disputes is the ability to communicate remotely. With the help of technology such as video conferencing and messaging apps, parties involved in a family law dispute can communicate with each other without physically being in the same room. This has been a game-changer during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing measures made it challenging for people to meet in person. Additionally, technology has allowed people to communicate in real-time, providing them with the ability to quickly respond to legal queries, and provide input when needed.

Another way technology is being used in family law disputes is the collection and presentation of digital evidence. As we all know, people document everything on social media, and this means that crucial pieces of information can be used during a legal dispute. Digital evidence can include social media postings, emails, texts, and other documents that can be used to support a case. This can be used to corroborate testimony or prove things like infidelity, addiction, or neglect. While it is crucial to ensure that digital evidence is admissible in court, it has become increasingly valuable in family law disputes.

Technology can also be leveraged in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation and arbitration. During the pandemic, courts have had an overwhelming number of cases, and mediation has emerged as an alternative mechanism for resolution. Mediation is a process where a neutral third-party mediator works with disputes to settle their disputes. With the right tools, mediation can occur remotely, allowing parties to avoid the hassle and expense of traveling to a mediation venue. Additionally, technology can be used to record the mediation session, and this can be used later in the legal process.

Finally, technology has improved access to vital legal information. Many law firms now have online portals, where people can access legal documents and information about their cases from anywhere in the world. This has revolutionized family law disputes, as people can keep track of court proceedings, submit documents, and access their case files without leaving their homes. Law firms are increasingly using document management systems, and in some cases, artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the time spent on administrative tasks and focus more on the case at hand.

In conclusion, technology has changed the way family law disputes are resolved. Technology has opened up new avenues of communication, allowed for the collection of digital evidence, improved access to legal information, and facilitated ADR methods such as mediation and arbitration. While technology has proven its utility, we must also be cognizant of its shortcomings and ensure that it is used ethically and legally.