The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has compiled data to help Michigan and other Midwest courts target geographic areas with the greatest number of barriers to legal resources—known as “legal deserts.” Michigan data is available online at https://bit.ly/3ScyC3F. Interactive maps help illustrate the areas of greatest need based on indicators of risk factors such as a limited number of attorneys compared to the population, long drive times to the courthouse, poverty, limited English proficiency, and lack of internet and/or broadband availability.
“Increasing transparency and accessibility are priorities of the Michigan judiciary,” said State Court Administrator Tom Boyd, “so this data offers important guidance as we continue working to connect all residents with the resources they need to navigate legal issues and the courts. We thank the State Bar of Michigan for providing instrumental data on where lawyers are licensed.”
Boyd points to the following special initiatives and resources that aim to increase access:
Justice for All Commission (JFAC)—Created in 2021 following recommendations of the Justice for All Task Force, the JFAC is working toward the goal of 100 percent access to our civil justice system for all Michigan residents so they can effectively and conveniently resolve civil legal problems such as landlord-tenant issues, family law disputes (parenting time, custody), accessing benefits, and more. The JFAC also advocates for resources to expand legal assistance and self-help services throughout Michigan.
Michigan Legal Help (MLH)—Since 2012, MLH has provided free, convenient resources to anyone who is navigating a legal matter without an attorney. MLH offers information on a host of issues ranging from housing to employment to child custody—and much more. The MLH website includes a searchable legal guide, a live chat function, Spanish-language content, several do-it-yourself toolkits, and much more. In addition to online resources, MLH operates 26 legal self-help centers across Michigan where residents can get help in person.
Dispute Resolution—MI-Resolve is a free, online, statewide system where individuals can resolve a variety of types of disputes online, either without going to court or, if a case is already filed in court, before the trial date. MI-Resolve is free to use and can be accessed 24/7/365, meaning that disputes can be resolved very quickly, often in a matter of days. In addition to MI-Resolve, SCAO offers in-person services through its Community Dispute Resolution Program, which operates 17 centers across Michigan.
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