Docketing and case processing can be challenging in high-volume case types like debt collection, where courts may hear thousands, or even tens of thousands, of factually similar cases every year. In these cases, many defendants lack legal representation, and low appearance rates often lead to default judgments that may not serve justice or efficiently resolve disputes.

To overcome these challenges, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) recently released, “Supporting Appearance: Docketing and Process Simplification Considerations for Debt Collection Cases,” to help courts implement practical process improvements in these cases.

The debt collection reform implementation toolkit offers guidance for implementing debt collection rules or reforms that create better access for all parties and increase procedural fairness. The supporting appearance toolkit offers practical changes courts can make to their scheduling, docketing, and hearing processes to support appearance and resolution in debt collection cases.

For more information and to read the full NCSC article: Putting consumer debt reforms into practice | National Center for State Courts.