Evaluating the Accessibility of Digital Government Services for Family Law in the U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic forced state courts to more fully embrace electronic filing, access to forms, and remote hearings. As a result, individuals navigating the legal system during this transition had to rely on digital access to court forms. While the courts have been praised for their ability to adapt, the extent to which online court forms are accessible for individuals with disabilities remains an open question. In this preliminary study focused on the policy implications of inaccessible court forms, we evaluated the accessibility of PDF divorce forms used in 10 states. The study revealed that that none of the forms were completely accessible, suggesting that individuals with disabilities may find it challenging -- if not impossible -- to independently complete and fill out family law courts forms. This lack of accessibility is more than a technical issue, as it also raises concerns about “accessibility to justice.”