This month, Connecticut launched an online dispute resolution pilot program to resolve contract collection cases in the Hartford and New Haven Judicial Districts. This article reports that participation in the program is voluntary and that either party may opt-out of participating within 15 days of referral to the program. In both the notices to plaintiffs and defendants, the court notes that by participating in the program, both parties agree to give up their right to: a jury trial, file an appeal from the court’s decision, and to object to evidence presented by the either party.
Plaintiffs wishing to participate in the ODR program must include an Online Dispute Resolution Answer Form and an Online Dispute Resolution Notice to Defendant with their complaint. Should both parties agree to participate in the program, the court will then give each side deadlines to exchange evidence and file evidence with the court. The court notes that examples of evidence in these cases include receipts, repair orders, warranties, cancelled checks, etc. Next, parties will be scheduled for a mediation session with a court mediator by video, telephone conference or in person. In the event that the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the court decides the case based on the papers that both parties have filed.
Additional information about Connecticut’s new ODR program may be found on the court’s site or by emailing ODR@jud.ct.gov.
