Risks of using AI platforms like ChatGPT in UK family law cases

AI tools such as ChatGPT are becoming increasingly popular with people looking for quick answers to legal questions. While these platforms can seem convenient and sophisticated, they can be extremely risky when used in the context of UK family law – especially if you are involved in, or considering, Court proceedings. Below is a clearer breakdown of the key risks and a safer, cost-effective alternative. 

Why AI tools like ChatGPT struggle with UK family law 

Most mainstream AI platforms are: 

• Developed in the United States 
• Trained largely on American legal data 
• Not tailored to English and Welsh family law 

This means that any “legal advice” they generate about UK family matters may be: 

• Limited – missing key principles or remedies available in our jurisdiction 
• Outdated – not reflecting recent case law or changes in statute 
• Wrong – based on assumptions from foreign legal systems 

AI systems pull information from a wide range of sources – websites, forums, articles, and some legal materials. However: 

The information is not checked or approved by qualified solicitors or barristers. AI can create “phantom case law” or cases and legal principles that sound convincing but do not actually exist in UK law. 

The result? You might receive advice that appears intelligent, authoritative, and well-structured, but is legally incorrect or misleading. 

The real dangers of relying on AI in family proceedings 

Using AI instead of a qualified solicitor in family cases can expose you to serious risks, including: 

Damaging your case 

Acting on inaccurate or non-existent case law can weaken your position in Court. Judges expect parties to rely on genuine law, not fabricated authorities. 

Increased costs and delay

You may spend time and money: 

• Preparing documents based on wrong information 
• Instructing lawyers later to repair the damage 
• Facing adjournments or additional hearings to correct mistakes 

Serious personal consequences

In family law, outcomes are often life-changing. Incorrect advice can lead to: 

• Reduced or restricted time with your children 
• Financial loss, including the potential loss of a home, savings, or pension 
• Prolonged stress and uncertainty due to avoidable delays 

Courts in England and Wales have already issued guidance warning about the dangers of using AI-generated legal content, highlighting the need for careful verification and confidentiality. Put simply, AI cannot understand the full complexity of your unique circumstances, nor can it reliably keep pace with the latest developments in UK family law. 

A safer, smarter alternative: Unbundled legal services 

Rather than relying solely on AI, a more effective and affordable option is to work with a junior family law solicitor offering unbundled legal services. 

What are unbundled legal services? 

Unbundled services allow you to pay only for the specific legal help you need, such as: 

• One-off legal advice on your options and prospects
• Drafting or reviewing Court documents, statements, or letters 
• Help preparing for a particular hearing 
• Guidance on settlement proposals or negotiations 

You remain in control of your case, but with professional support at key stages. 

Why choose a junior solicitor? 

A junior solicitor can offer: 

• Lower hourly rates than partners, making support more affordable 
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK family law and recent developments 
• Targeted, tailored advice based on your specific circumstances 

All solicitors, regardless of level ,have a professional duty to keep their legal knowledge current. This ensures the advice you receive is accurate, relevant to England and Wales and tailored to your goals, risks, and family situation. 

Compared with AI, a human solicitor can: 

• Ask follow-up questions 
• Spot issues you might not see yourself 
• Weigh up the practical and emotional aspects of family disputes, not just the legal rules 

Can AI ever be useful in family law matters? 

AI tools can play a limited, supportive role if used carefully, for example: 

• Providing general background information on legal concepts 
• Helping you understand basic terminology 
• Assisting with drafting ideas, which you then refine with a solicitor 

However, any AI-generated content should always be treated as general information only, not legal advice, checked and approved by a qualified UK family law solicitor before being used in documents or Court. AI should complement, not replace, human legal expertise. 

Why professional advice matters in family law? 

Family law cases often involve: 

• Children’s arrangements (where children live and how much time they spend with each parent) 
• Financial settlements on divorce or separation 
• Domestic abuse and protective injunctions 
• Disputes about property, pensions, and ongoing maintenance 

The outcomes affect your home, finances, safety, and relationship with your children. Relying on generic, unverified AI content is simply too great a risk. 

By choosing unbundled services from a junior family law solicitor, you can: 

• Keep costs manageable and transparent 
• Get clear, accurate advice on the law and your options 
• Avoid the pitfalls of misleading or fabricated AI “authority” 
• Feel confident that your case is built on genuine UK law 

Speak to a junior family law solicitor about unbundled services 

If you are involved in, or considering, family law proceedings and are concerned about costs or the reliability of information you have found online or via AI, professional support is available. 

If you would like to discuss how unbundled legal services could benefit you, please arrange a confidential consultation with Lola Ajayi or Robyn Laye, solicitors in the Family Team at Anthony Gold, by calling 020 7940 4060 or by email at mail@anthonygold.co.uk.