AI is changing family law, but not in the way you might think
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people approach family law. Increasingly, individuals are turning to tools like ChatGPT before they ever speak to a lawyer, or instead of speaking to one at all.
That trend is no longer anecdotal.
A recent Canadian Lawyer article reports that Canadian courts are seeing a growing number of self-represented litigants using generative AI to understand legal processes, prepare court documents, and research their cases. The article also highlights a reality that many family lawyers have already observed: AI is making legal information more accessible, but it is also creating new risk when that information is relied upon in court.
The Luke’s Place Family Court and Beyond comprehensive online resource includes a section called Can ChatGPT Help with a Family Law Case? In this resource, we explain that AI can be a valuable starting point, but it should never replace qualified legal advice.
AI can help you:
- understand unfamiliar legal terminology
- organize your thoughts before meeting a lawyer
- prepare questions for a consultation
- create a first draft of a letter or parenting proposal for you to edit and change
These are all productive ways to use AI. They can save time, reduce stress, and help you become a more informed participant in your own case.
Where people get into trouble, is assuming AI knows the law and is always providing accurate legal information.
Family law is highly fact specific. The answer to almost every legal question depends on the details of your circumstances, the evidence available, the applicable legislation, and the most current case law. AI does not know which facts matter most, whether a case is still good law, or how a particular judge may interpret the evidence.
We have also seen people rely on AI-generated court forms, legal arguments, or case citations that contain significant errors, or, in some cases, completely fabricated legal authorities. Canadian courts are becoming increasingly aware of these issues and have issued guidance reminding litigants and lawyers that they remain responsible for the accuracy of everything filed with the court.
Learn more
If you are wondering whether ChatGPT can help with your family law matter, and where its limitations begin, we invite you to read our guide:
You can also read the recent Canadian Lawyerarticle exploring how generative AI is changing the way self-represented parties engage with Canada’s courts, reinforcing many of the same themes about balancing accessibility with accuracy.