A True Innovation

Those of us who do pro bono work, or who volunteer for the small claims clinics can appreciate how big an innovation this is:

The Broward County Clerk of Courts launched an online service this month that steers citizens through the application process for filing divorce actions, small claims lawsuits and tenant evictions.

"It kind of guides you through, it asks questions. Once it knows your name, it will put it in every space it should go," said Kris Mazzeo, director of the circuit/civil family division of the clerk of courts.

The self-service system is intended for people who can't afford an attorney or don't want to spend the money on one. Each section provides legal definitions and asks questions to determine which forms need to be filled out. The completed forms can be printed at home and mailed to the clerk's office. Some paperwork requires a notary signature.

Mazzeo says the new service will save residents hours of hassle.

"People come downtown and it's expensive to park. If we can keep them from making extra trips to the courthouse, it would be great for them," she said.

Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County is still dealing with carbon copies, teletypes, and betamaxes.

Dade County -- leading, by falling behind.