Look, we get it. AI is amazing. You’re probably already using it to write emails faster, brainstorm vacation plans, or even flirt better (no judgment). So it’s no surprise some people are wondering: Can I just use ChatGPT or some fancy AI platform as my divorce lawyer? Technically? Sure. Legally? Uh, not really. Should you? Absolutely not. Let our Chicago, IL divorce mediation lawyer who has been representing clients just like you for over fifteen years explain further:
The Case For AI As Your Lawyer
AI has a lot going for it.
It’s cheap (sometimes free).
It’s always awake (try getting your human lawyer to text you back at 2 AM) and never gets sick or tired.
It can crank out documents and information faster than a junior associate who just pulled an all-nighter.
And let’s be completely real here. When you’re staring down the barrel of divorce, who wouldn’t want to cut down on costs and avoid the courtroom circus?
The Hidden Landmines Of AI Divorce Law
AI might get you in way more trouble than it’s worth. Sure, it can whip up a contract, but can it account for the nuance of YOUR situation? The emotional chaos? The human factor? Not so much.
Oh, and you’ve probably seen the headlines by now: Lawyers sanctioned because they submitted court briefs written by AI, complete with citations to cases that don’t even exist. We’re talking full-blown hallucinations.
Imagine walking into court, slapping down your AI-generated divorce agreement, and the judge looks at you like you just tried to pay your alimony in Monopoly money.
That little “oops” could cost you thousands (if not tens of thousands) in legal fees, years of stress, and way more headache than you signed up for. The same can be said for any type of DIY divorce option you might come across.
Divorce Is Personal, Not Robotic
AI can answer your questions fast and sound confident, but AI doesn’t know your kids.
It doesn’t understand that the fight isn’t just who gets the house but rather it’s who gets to keep the memories inside it. It also does not do a great job distinguishing divorce with individuals who have typical full-time jobs versus individuals who own a business.
There are no prompts for “make sure the parenting plan actually works for my family.” There’s no AI model that will notice when you’re on the verge of a breakdown and need someone to step up and handle it for you.
The Emotional Blindspot
AI doesn’t understand emotional intelligence. It’s just a prediction machine. It doesn’t see the pain behind a client’s quiet pause or pick up on the resentment bubbling under the surface during a custody negotiation.
It doesn’t know when to step in and de-escalate a situation that could explode in court either.
Divorce is a lot of paperwork and statutes, yes, but it’s also deeply emotional. People cry in these meetings. People fight. People hold onto things they shouldn’t and let go of things they should fight for.
AI will just hand you a generic parenting plan like it’s suggesting a Spotify playlist. No soul. No sensitivity. No understanding of what’s at stake.
One Bad Line Can Change Everything
In divorce, one line in an agreement, one overlooked clause, one misworded sentence, or another small mistake can swing things massively, and not in your favor.
You could accidentally give up a right you didn’t even know you had. You could agree to a financial obligation you’ll regret for years.
Or you could show up to court with a document that not only makes the judge question your case but also your sanity.
We’re not being dramatic. This happens and when it does, cleaning up the mess is way more expensive than just hiring a competent lawyer in the first place.
Use AI For Dinner Ideas, Not Divorce
We love AI. It’s a godsend for your day-to-day life.
When it comes to your legal matters, especially something as high-stakes as divorce, get a REAL lawyer.
A human.
Preferably one who doesn’t hallucinate fake case law for fun.
If you want results and not regret, you already know what to do.
Having served over 5,500 clients, Merel Family Law is ready to help you. Contact us today!
Written By Jonathan Merel
Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney who advocates for his clients in all divorce and family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded Merel Family Law in early 2009 after working for many years at another family law firm in Chicago. Through his hard work and unwavering dedication to his clients, Jonathan has quickly grown the firm to become one of the premier divorce and family law firms in the Chicagoland area.
Jonathan has a great deal of experience in obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients in multi-million dollar marital estates and contested custody suits (custody is now known as the allocation of parental responsibilities in the State of Illinois). His ability to settle heated divorces and custody disputes has gained him a great deal of respect from fellow attorneys and judges within the Chicagoland legal community. When settlement is not a viable or reasonable option, Jonathan’s experience as a zealous litigator in the courtroom has produced outstanding results for his clients.
