AI is a Tool, Not a Lawyer
“Well, ChatGPT said…”
We’ve heard it more than a few times from clients. And (big surprise) more often than not, what it told them was wrong.
Our response is always the same. Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT don’t replace human judgment, legal experience, or jurisdiction-specific knowledge. We’ve seen firsthand how relying on AI without legal guidance can create confusion, cost time, and even harm a case.
Think of it like asking a very confident stranger for advice—it might sound smart, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for your situation. Whether you’re working with a divorce lawyer, a child custody lawyer, or navigating spousal support, the stakes are too high to rely on unverified AI advice.
If you’re navigating a family law issue—divorce, custody, support, or otherwise—understanding when and how to use AI tools can make a big difference. Here’s what you need to know.
When AI Can Be Helpful in Family Law
Used properly, AI can support and supplement your legal journey. Here are a few productive ways clients have used tools like ChatGPT:
1. Legal Terminology and Process Overviews
AI can break down legal jargon and provide a general roadmap of the court process. Not sure what a “prenup” or “postnup” is? AI can help explain the basics.
2. Drafting Starters
If you’re struggling to start a letter to your co-parent or an outline for a court declaration, AI can help you brainstorm. Just remember—it’s a rough draft, not a final submission. Bring it to your family law attorney to make it legally sound.
3. General Legal Education
Want to understand what courts mean by “best interests of the child” or how custody is typically structured in California? AI can provide a general overview. But if you’re filing for divorce in California, only a real attorney can guide you through state-specific forms, timelines, and court expectations.
When AI Becomes a Problem
Unfortunately, there’s a darker side to using AI without caution in legal matters:
1. Out-of-Date or Jurisdictionally Wrong Info
Family law varies significantly by state and is constantly evolving. ChatGPT doesn’t know the latest rulings in your jurisdiction—and it might give you information that’s simply not applicable. Your child support lawyer knows how recent changes may affect your case.
2. Lack of Context or Nuance
Your situation is personal and complicated. AI can’t assess emotional dynamics, read the room in court, or consider how a specific judge tends to rule. Whether you’re dealing with property division, domestic violence, or spousal support, that context matters a lot.
3. Misleading Confidence
One of the biggest issues? AI sounds confident—even when it’s completely wrong. That can cause clients to mistrust their divorce lawyer’s advice or head down the wrong legal path.
4. Form Over Substance
Sure, AI can generate a polished letter or legal form—but if it’s missing the right legal content or strategy, it might do more harm than good.
How to Use AI with Your Lawyer
We’re not telling you to avoid AI altogether. In fact, some of our best client conversations have started with, “I asked ChatGPT about this—can we talk it through?”
Here’s how to make it work:
- Use AI as a brainstorming partner, not a decision-maker.
- Bring your AI-generated notes or questions to your family law lawyer—let them clarify or correct.
- Fact-check with your attorney, especially when you’re preparing documents or planning next steps.
- Use it as a starting point, not the finish line.
Verify with a Real Human Lawyer
At the end of the day, you hired a family law lawyer for a reason:
We understand the law, we know the courts, and we bring judgment, strategy, and accountability to the table.
Tools like ChatGPT are useful when used correctly, but there’s no substitute for the guidance of someone who knows your case, your goals, and the reality of the legal system.
Confused by something ChatGPT told you? Let’s talk it through.
Schedule a consultation today—we’ll help separate the helpful from the harmful and get you on the right legal path.
