Legal Director
Greene & Greene Solicitors
Why AI Feels like the obvious answer
Artificial intelligence has, in a remarkably short space of time, become the first place many people turn when they need answers. Whether it is planning a holiday, drafting an email or understanding a complex topic, AI tools promise quick, confident responses at a click of a button, wherever you are.
It is therefore unsurprising that people facing separation or divorce are increasingly using AI to seek legal guidance. When emotions are high and costs are a concern, instant answers can appear to be an attractive alternative to seeking professional advice. However, when it comes to divorce and family law, relying on AI can quietly expose you to significant risk.
Why AI struggles with UK family law
One of the greatest dangers of AI is how convincing it can sound. Responses are often detailed, well-structured and expressed with confidence. However, confidence does not equal accuracy. AI responses are known to consistently contain inaccurate information.
Crucially, AI tools are not designed with the English legal system in mind. Most widely used platforms are developed in the United States and trained largely on American legal data. Although English and US family law both deal with issues such as divorce, finances and children, they differ significantly in structure, legal principles and outcomes.
Divorce law in England and Wales is highly discretionary and fact specific. AI guidance shaped by US assumptions can therefore be fundamentally unsuited – and potentially misleading – for English divorcing couples.
Increased cost and delay
Many people turn to AI in the hope of saving money. In reality, relying on incorrect or generic guidance can have the opposite effect. It can lead to:
- Issuing the wrong type of application.
- Failing to take appropriate steps before going to court.
- Submitting poorly prepared documentation.
All of which a Judge is unlikely to look favourably upon. Ultimately when a solicitor is later instructed to correct these issues, the result is often increased costs, avoidable delay and added emotional strain. Early professional advice can prevent these problems arising, rather than having to repair the damage further down the line.
Where AI can be relied on
AI can be and is, an extremely helpful tool when used within appropriate limits. It can assist with explaining legal terminology, providing a general overview of the process and helping individuals frame questions before seeking advice.
However, it should be used as an information aid only. AI cannot access your individual circumstances, manage risk, or guide decisions that will shape your future. It is important to be aware of AI’s inherent limitations – including its tendency to agree rather than challenge. AI is designed to be helpful and affirmative; it will not tell you your expectations are unrealistic or when a proposed course of action carries risk. In family law, that lack of challenge carries substantial risk.
Why a human approach matters for your family’s future
Divorce is not just a legal process; it could shape your future and that of your family. No two cases are the same and each requires careful consideration in context with the circumstances.
Divorce requires judgement, strategy and empathy – not just access to information. The human understanding and empathy are qualities AI simply cannot replicate.
A family solicitor provides personalised advice, based on the individual circumstances, practical support and the benefit of dealing with this area of law every day, all within a confidential and regulated framework.
If you are navigating a divorce or family law issues, whilst AI can be useful to gather information, it should not solely be relied on.
Seeking tailored guidance can help protect your position and ensure you are navigating the process in the appropriate way.
This is only intended to be a summary and not specific legal advice.
About Emma Alfieri
Emma Alfieri is a Legal Director at Suffolk firm Greene & Greene Solicitors.
Emma advises on all aspects of family law, including divorce and associated financial matters, disputes between cohabitants and child related disputes.
A member of Resolution, Emma is committed to resolving disputes as positively and agreeably as possible whilst also being motivated to obtain the best possible outcome for her clients.
Since 2012 Emma has been consistently recommended by the Legal 500 on an annual basis and in the most recent 2024 edition Emma is ranked as a “rising star”.
As an advocate of fault free divorce, Emma lobbied at Parliament with other members of Resolution in 2016 to bring about the recent changes to divorce law.