Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are becoming part of everyday life – to seek out information, for practical guidance and to help produce documents, both inside and outside of the workplace. ChatGPT for example, can even explain basic legal concepts. So, you may be wondering: could AI replace the role of a Solicitor in family law proceedings?
“Whilst AI can provide general information, when it comes to protecting your family, your finances and your future, there is no substitute for an expert Family Solicitor or Legal Executive providing specialist assistance and human judgement” – Laura Lofthouse
When AI Can Help in Family Law – and Where It Falls Short
It is not disputed that AI tools can be useful, albeit for certain tasks and in limited ways. For example, AI tools are able to provide generic information about family law concepts, such as explaining what a no-fault divorce is, outlining the broad principles of family law, or describing the stages of a typical court process.
Whilst these functions may be convenient for curiosity or initial research, these functions certainly fall short of identifying and navigating the complexities of family law and application of the general principles to an individual case. What a lot of people fail to realise is that family law is anything but “one size fits all.” Family law is not only legally complex, but deeply personal and this is where AI platforms fall short.
The Risks of Relying on AI for Family Law Advice in England and Wales
Unlike a Solicitor or Legal Executive, AI will not challenge the assumptions of the person engaging with it and all too often crucial details will be missed. Understandably, clients will often omit what they believe to be “small details” as they do not realise the importance of the information, potential impact on a case or how much weight the Court may place on such details. A legal professional is of course experienced in seeking out further information and challenging the information presented. On the other hand, AI will simply process inputted information without applying judgement or strategy. As such, relying on AI responses alone, could mean that key pieces of information are overlooked.
Another major limitation is advocacy. AI cannot represent you in Court, conduct negotiations or argue persuasively on your behalf. These are essential as the outcome of family law proceedings often depends on how effectively a case is presented.
AI Tools and Family Court Confidentiality
By Laura Lofthouse. Family Law Solicitor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as Chat GPT are becoming widely used and it is understandable why. They can answer questions quickly and provide information and general overview on an array of topics. But when it comes to family law, there are serious risk in relying on these tools – especially around data protection and confidentiality.
When using AI platforms, the user also needs to be alive to potential jurisdictional issues. Many AI platforms are developed in the United States and as such, are not tailored to the complexities of English and Welsh family law. AI tools likely to assume the user is based in the platform’s country of origin, unless the user specifically informs them otherwise. Even then, the tool may struggle to differentiate between jurisdictions within the United Kingdom – for example, Scottish and English Courts have different procedures when it comes to divorce.
For argument’s sake, even if the platform was able to provide jurisdiction-specific advice, it is highly unlikely that it would account for regional pilot schemes such as the West Yorkshire Pathway for Children Act Proceedings or Domestic Abuse Protection Orders which are only available in limited areas of England and Wales. This then means that the advice AI provides may be incomplete, inaccurate or irrelevant to an individual’s specific circumstances.
AI Errors and Hallucinations: Why AI Legal Advice Can Be Inaccurate in Family Law
AI platforms are also prone to errors and “hallucinations”. Family law is ever-changing and evolving and AI often quote outdated legal procedures (for example, referencing the old divorce process, despite the no-fault system being introduced in April 2022) or produce caselaw that has since been superseded or overruled by higher Courts. More concerningly, there have been cases of “hallucinations” which occur when the AI tool cannot find the answer to a particular question and instead, produces a completely fictitious response.
Equally as important as procedure and the technical side of things is of course emotional support. Divorce, children issues and domestic abuse are not just legal matters – they are extremely challenging human experiences. Solicitors can and will provide empathy, reassurance and practical guidance throughout the course of the matter – qualities that no algorithm could ever replicate.
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Why You Should Not Rely Solely on AI for Family Law Advice
To be clear, relying solely on AI in family law cases carries significant risks. Mistakes caused by relying on information produced or obtained by AI platforms can be costly and unnecessarily delay or extend proceedings. What may seem like a cost saving measure, often can cost far more in the long run!
That is because family law involves more than statutes and procedures. It requires technical expertise, human judgement, advocacy skills and emotional intelligence. Solicitors or Legal Executives bring a deep understanding of complex law and local practices, ensuring that the advice received is accurate and specific to the individual circumstances. Legal professionals can weigh up evidence, adapt strategy and challenge assumptions in ways that AI can’t. Whilst AI can provide general information, when it comes to protecting your family, your finances and your future, there is no substitute for an expert Family Solicitor or Legal Executive providing specialist assistance and human judgement.
Contact our Family Law Solicitors for Advice
At Thornton Jones, we believe that every client deserves expert guidance tailored to their unique circumstances. If need assistance with family law issues, contact our team today on 01924 290 029 or contact us using our online enquiry form. We can provide confidential, expert advice and ensure your information is protected at every stage.
Family Law Solicitors FAQs
AI tools can explain general legal principles and outline procedures, but they cannot assess evidence, apply discretion or tailor advice to your individual circumstances under English and Welsh family law. Thornton Jones Solicitors say specialist legal advice is essential. Thornton Jones Solicitors suggest speaking to a qualified family lawyer before making decisions.
No. AI systems can produce outdated legal information, misunderstand jurisdictional differences and even generate “hallucinations” — entirely fictitious cases or procedures. This can be particularly risky in evolving areas such as family law. Thornton Jones Solicitors say accuracy matters. Thornton Jones Solicitors suggest verifying advice with an experienced solicitor.
While AI may appear cost-effective at first, relying on incomplete or inaccurate information can result in procedural errors, delays and greater expense in the long run. Family law mistakes can be difficult to reverse. Thornton Jones Solicitors say prevention is better than cure. Thornton Jones Solicitors suggest obtaining professional advice early.
The content of this blog post is for information only and does not constitute formal legal advice and should not be relied upon as advice. Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited accepts no liability for any such reliance upon this content. Where the post includes links to external websites, Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited accepts no responsibility for the content of such sites. Any link to a third-party website should not be construed as endorsement by Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited of any content, products or services which are outside our direct control.
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Westbourne House
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Garforth
Leeds
LS25 1LJ
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Ossett
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Sherburn in Elmet
Leeds
LS25 6EA
Tel: 01977 350500
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