Using AI in your family law matter

AI tools can genuinely help you organise your own material. They can also damage your credibility in court. Here is where the line sits.

Laptop screen with AI tool on screen.

Where AI is dangerous

AI-generated content can contain hallucinations including confident-sounding statements, case citations, or facts that are simply incorrect or invented.

It can also produce content that is inappropriate, out of context, or legally inaccurate. Material submitted to court must be accurate and properly verified; an error introduced by AI can damage your credibility and your case.

Where AI can help

AI tools can be useful for organising your own material, for example, summarising a timeline of events, chronologies of communications, or a large volume of evidence into a more manageable form.

This can save time and help you (and your lawyer) get a clearer picture before matters proceed.

Privacy risks

Material entered into a public AI tool may be retained, used for training, and is not covered by legal professional privilege. Financial disclosure, allegations about the other party, details about children, think carefully before entering any of it into a free consumer tool. Advice on what is and isn't privileged.

My approach

I welcome clients using AI to organise their own thoughts and materials. Any document, summary or piece of evidence intended for a court, the other party or a mediator is reviewed and finalised by a qualified lawyer before it is used. AI is a starting point for your own organisation and should never be a substitute for legal review.

“The Court was unequivocal, AI had the capacity to confuse, to create unnecessary complexity, and to mislead both the Court and the parties.”

AI and Australian family law
Monica Blizzard, KHQ Lawyers

AI in family law frequently asked questions.

  • Yes, for your own organisation, for example, summarising events or communications. But anything going to court, the other party, or a mediator must be reviewed and finalised by a qualified family lawyer first.

  • AI tools can hallucinate, producing incorrect facts, fabricated case references, or inappropriate content that appears convincing but isn't accurate.

    Courts require material to be accurate and reliable, so all submissions are checked and finalised by a lawyer.

  • AI can be a helpful starting point for summarising a large volume of evidence or events, but any summary intended for use in your matter should be checked for accuracy by your lawyer before it's relied on.

  • My team and I may use professional tools to assist with efficiency, but all legal advice, strategy, and material submitted on your behalf is prepared and finalised by a qualified lawyer.