Can I use AI for my Divorce?.

Although AI may be a helpful tool for simplifying complex areas of law such as divorce, using it does come with risks.

One of the most asked questions on Google is whether AI can help with your divorce. Our Family Department outline below why you should not rely on AI to handle your divorce and financial settlement, and the benefits of instructing a specialist family solicitor.

How AI may be helpful

AI can assist in making the complicated subjects much simpler for you to comprehend. It can provide a much clearer and simpler explanation of the legal terms and judicial procedures
involved. For instance:

• What is a Form E?
• The procedures for applying for a financial remedy
• What distinguishes continuous maintenance from a clean break?

Completing your divorce on your own

The divorce element can be completed solely by you without the assistance of a solicitor, through the Government website. Although, legally ending a marriage can be straightforward, in some cases there are problems with the division of finances/assets and deciding on child arrangements and child maintenance payments.

If you choose to not obtain legal advice, your former spouse may agree to split your finances/assets in a way that is unfair to one party. However, this may not be obvious at the time you separate, but it is important to ensure your divorce and financial agreement is legally binding.

Additionally, as there is no time limit for filing a financial claim against your ex-spouse, having a divorce does not prevent you from doing so. However, your former spouse may choose to file a claim against you at any time until a legally binding financial order is in place. This could also cause problems for your new spouse, should you have one.
A legally binding court order outlining the financial arrangements is crucial, even if it only serves as confirmation that neither of you intends to file a claim against the other, and offers a clean break both during your lifetime and after your death.

How AI can cause issues throughout

You may be convinced to utilise the responses that AI generates, but in most cases, a solicitor needs to be aware of the specifics of your case and any concerns you have.

When AI is used, it is frequently obvious because it may result in legal errors and the narrative is regularly short of humanity. As a result, even though you believe it will save your solicitor time, the process will eventually take longer overall.

AI is often able to generate responses based on laws in the United States, which will affect the amount of money you may be claiming from your former spouse. Furthermore, case law rapidly advances in the field of family law, and it's unclear how up to date the data in AI is.

Benefits of instructing a family law solicitor

AI cannot replace the role of qualified solicitors when handling financial settlements and divorce. You will probably get a better result if you instruct a solicitor, particularly in terms of the monetary settlement. Family lawyers are skilled and qualified to handle the complicated processes of court proceedings and divorce, guaranteeing your rights are upheld. They can assist you in avoiding expensive errors that may happen if you complete this without seeking legal advice. For instance, ensuring you receive the financial split you are entitled to.

It may be very intimidating to represent yourself in court. A family solicitor who is an experienced advocate can provide you with peace of mind and help you understand legal terms and arguments.

On your behalf, a solicitor will handle all of this, keeping you informed throughout your case and making sure you follow the court's deadlines, dates, and orders.

If you have any questions about your divorce and financial settlement, please do not hesitate to get in contact with a member of the Family Team.