The 19th District Court has officially stepped into the future with its adoption of the State's MiFILE electronic filing system, as of Oct. 31, 2024, striving for greater efficiency and broader access to the judicial process. In the move to an increasingly digital landscape, the court prepared intensively, with staff completing training, upgrading tech, and altering business processes to meet the new system's demands, as per the City of Dearborn.
Chief Judge Sam Salamey has heralded this shift, stating, "As one of the 60 plus courts to sign on to this transformative program, the 19th District Court is demonstrating our commitment to delivering a more efficient, effective, and accessible experience for our citizens, in part by being early adopters of MiFILE," as mentioned by the City of Dearborn. Michigan lawyers are now bound by the new requirement to e-file, whereas self-represented litigants have been given the choice to opt-in. Despite the new requirements, Salamey assures that the transition will be smooth, promising continued support and education for all users.
For those interfacing with the justice system, this transition promises a more streamlined, perhaps less daunting journey. Attorneys are required to create a MiFILE account to submit documents, while self-represented litigants maintain flexibility in their filing options. Educational materials like video tutorials and webinars aimed at demystifying the new electronic filing process are all accessible, with a particular emphasis placed on ensuring these resources are user-friendly and comprehensive.
Resources for learning MiFILE include a Quick Reference Guide and a variety of video tutorials hosted on the official MiFILE YouTube Channel – all designed to make the e-filing process transparent and accessible. Those needed to get started with their filings are encouraged to watch the filing process webinars available on the MiFILE website, to ensure clarity and self-assuredness in this new digital realm, according to the City of Dearborn official announcement.
Interested parties are directed to visit the City of Dearborn to learn more about the system or to create an account. This move by the 19th District Court reflects an ongoing trend of courts leveraging technology to serve the public better, and it sets a precedent for other institutions perhaps still hesitating on the brink of digital transformation.
