COVID 19, Technology and Family Dispute Resolution

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unparalleled disruption to the Australian legal system, particularly in the family law domain. Those commencing or considering commencing the separation process are experiencing heightened levels of financial and emotional disruption. In a bid to support and facilitate family dispute resolution (FDR) during the pandemic period, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) methods have been viewed as potential supportive solutions. The authors of this article argue that two principal ODR innovations have emerged at the forefront of enabling FDR processes to adapt appropriately to the impacts of the pandemic, viz videoconferencing technology and justice apps. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of employing such technologies to facilitate FDR given traditional modes of face-to-face dispute resolution are unavailable. In addition, there is a focus on how the recent growth in justice apps may support more viable forms of ODR both during the pandemic and into the future.