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<strong>Self</strong>-<strong>represented</strong> <strong>Litigants</strong> ~ A Challenge: PROJECT REPORT<br />
Literature on self-<strong>represented</strong> litigants, legal information, website navigation and<br />
useability as well as a review of many legal websites contributed to the<br />
development of the concept for the site. The consultants presented a<br />
comprehensive report which included recommendations for content, structure,<br />
navigation and design elements.<br />
The next step was to develop a prototype for the site based on a slice of the<br />
proposed content, and to test this with users. The legal profession also viewed<br />
the prototype and provided input. After some minor adjustments, full<br />
development of the site was approved by the Court.<br />
All content was developed using information-mapping principles to ensure<br />
consistency and a high level of ease of understanding. The final product was a<br />
joint effort, of the consultants for development of the concept and the content,<br />
the project coordinator, a graphic designer, 'subject matter experts' from within<br />
the Court who reviewed content, communications staff, project support staff and<br />
the Court's webmaster.<br />
While the impetus for the website was the SRL project it is anticipated that it will<br />
be a valuable resource for anyone interested in the operations of the Family<br />
Court. Lawyers, legal aid and community legal centres can direct their clients to<br />
the site, to give them a clearer understanding of Court processes. The Court is<br />
looking at building the website into its induction program for all new staff. The<br />
website also has potential for those in rural and remote areas where there is<br />
limited direct access to a Family Court Registry.<br />
Since its launch the site has been well received and has sparked interest from<br />
other courts interested in developing similar sites for their clientele. In the first<br />
three months the number of hits on the top 10 pages of the Step-by-Step guide<br />
exceeded 60,000, including:<br />
■ Separation & Divorce – 10,550<br />
■ Front Page – 8038<br />
■ Property & Money Matters – 7938<br />
■ Children’s Matters – 6546<br />
■ Family Law Basics - 5064<br />
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