Technology has revolutionised every aspect of our lives and the legal field is no exception.

For family lawyers, keeping abreast of the latest technological advancements is crucial. By doing so we boost our efficiency, communication, and access to legal information resulting in better outcomes for our clients.

Natural Language Processing (NLP), a subfield of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is one technological advancement that enables computers to understand and generate human language – effectively meaning you can have a conversation with a Robot.

Recently, AI chatbots like ChatGPT have become a popular application of NLP that allow for human-like conversations to produce responses based on stored data. Chatbots can act as a one-stop-shop for collating and producing responses to a wide range of questions, making it a convenient and efficient tool.

However, with these potential benefits come potential drawbacks and cautions.

The AI Advantage

AI technology has the potential to assist by providing both lawyers and clients with access to legal information. Chatbots, powered by AI and NLP, can answer common legal questions and provide general information about family law issues.  AI can help break down barriers to accessing legal resources, making it easier for individuals to navigate the legal system more effectively.

 If you're considering using ChatGPT to help you with your family law case, you can ask it questions like these to gain a better understanding of the legal process and make more informed decisions:

 •              What is the process for filing for divorce in Australia?

•              What steps can I take to negotiate a financial settlement outside of court?

•              How can I prepare for court?

•              What does the Court consider when making orders relating to children?

•              Where can I find a lawyer to help me in my family law matter?

 Family lawyers can also benefit from AI technology and apply this to better serve clients. By way of example, predictive analytics can help family lawyers make informed decisions by identifying patterns and insights from vast amounts of data. This may include analysing financial documents or applying AI to assist with identifying the probable outcome of a case based on specific factors such as the child's age, the income of each parent, and the parties' location, leading to better advice for clients and a competitive edge in negotiations. Using AI in these ways can boost productivity, lower legal fees, and enhance the speed and precision of legal results.

Navigating the Risks and Rewards

However, Beware! AI is only as good as the stored information that is available. There is always a risk of receiving incorrect or inaccurate information as AI models rely on algorithms that may not be reliable or relevant to specific legal cases.

 AI also lacks the human touch, which is significant in delivering tailored legal advice. Family Law is an area of law that is subject to a high degree of discretion. AI models such as ChatGPT cannot fully comprehend the nuances of a legal case and are unable to provide a thorough analysis of the facts, evidence, and legal precedents to provide forensic advice and recommendations on decisions. This also can include consideration of the emotional and significant burden of family law matters on those involved in any dispute including children.

There are also concerns about the security and privacy of data collected by AI systems, particularly when it comes to legal information. Family lawyers are bound by strict obligations of confidentiality to their clients and must take measures to secure their client's sensitive information. 

The bottom line

AI and NLP has the potential to be a game-changer in family law matters, providing clients with greater access to legal information and advice and helping lawyers streamline the legal process. However, it is important for clients and lawyers alike to approach AI with caution, recognising its limitations and potential risks.

AI should be used only as a tool to enhance rather than replace the human touch that is necessary in family law matters. As always, it is important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced family lawyer who can help guide you through the legal process, whether or not AI also assists in that process.

By Analiese McKelvey and Sarah Yigit (with the help of ChatGPT).