A new mobile app is making access easier in one Cleveland courtroom.

A new mobile app is making access easier in one Cleveland courtroom.

A Cleveland court is using cutting-edge technology to bring the courtroom closer to the hands of litigants and attorneys.

Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Judge Francine Goldberg spearheaded the development of CourtConnect – a free mobile app that users can download directly.

CourtConnect gives families immediate access to domestic relations cases and dockets to help navigate through the court. Users can quickly and easily access dockets and sign up to receive notifications for court dates, court filings, and many other court functions.

Within the app, users also can access the Ohio child support portal to make payments, access domestic relations court forms, and pay court costs.

“CourtConnect is bringing our courtrooms to the palm of your hands,” Judge Goldberg said. “Through technology and innovation, we’re helping families navigate the legal system and conserve their resources, and also providing easy access to important information about their cases. CourtConnect is the first app that gives Cuyahoga County families instant, 24/7 access to their cases.”

Judge Goldberg was motivated to launch CourtConnect last month because of two major issues in her domestic relations court. In Cuyahoga County, more than 60 percent of all cases involve at least one self-represented litigant, most of whom are unfamiliar with the litigation process. Also, this technology provides individuals with the ability to pay child support in the courtroom. CourtConnect will assist litigants and attorneys with both of those issues.

“If I can buy a cup of coffee and pay for it with an iPhone, why can’t judges enforce child support orders in the same fashion?” Judge Goldberg asked. “I felt there was an easier way through technology for the court to do business that was quick, easy, and convenient for our families.”