Best judgement: why AI cannot replicate professional legal advice
Why relying on AI and online forums for legal advice on separation and divorce can never replace in-person legal advice from an experienced family lawyer.
Best judgement: why AI cannot replicate professional legal advice
Do you ask AI questions about divorce, or go to online forums for legal advice? Many people in the UK do, and for general information, it can be quite useful. In this article, LGFL Director Rita Gupta explains why AI-generated information can never replace personal legal advice from a (human) family lawyer, and explores the common questions asked.
When you start asking for advice, you’ll get as many different viewpoints as people you ask. The same is true if you ask a question in a generative artificial intelligence chatbot such as ChatGPT, Copilot or Gemini, or in an online forum such as Reddit, Quora, or Mumsnet. In their results:
- You might get some good information, depending on what question you ask.
- You might also get incomplete, out of date or incorrect information.
- What you certainly will not get is specific legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Why AI searches for legal advice are flawed
AI works by finding information and presenting it in an accessible way. It does not “think”. It has no ability to separate the factual from the erroneous. It can only check against the sources it has used to acquire its information. As a result, AI chatbot apps (and non-lawyers in forums) can often show incomplete, inaccurate, out of date, and just plain wrong information.
This is not how family law (or lawyers) work. UK law is not ‘fixed’ as such. It is always a balanced response between the factual legislation and examples of case law. Case law is decisions made by courts on a particular dispute between individual parties. These judgements are made to apply both types of law (legislation and existing case law) to brand new circumstances. Subsequent judgements can then cite these examples to support a new case.
As family lawyers, we apply the same level of consideration and judgement as judges in courts do (and indeed more). From the first day of our training, we are taught to question, to explore, to balance factual knowledge with legal precedents, and make a judgement on what is best for our client.
When we meet you, we carefully listen to your circumstances, and use our experience of the ‘shades of grey ‘in family law to explore options with you. We can then create the right strategy for you and your family. AI cannot replicate that process because AI cannot reason, consider or apply judgement.
Should your case go to court, we use our judgement and experience to build your case and present it to the judge in a balanced and concise way. AI also doesn’t know the family court judges personally as we do, so could never present a case in a nuanced fashion to suit each judge’s preferences!
In short, a family lawyer’s deep, human understanding, experience and tailored judgement can never be duplicated by AI.
To discuss your specific circumstances and get professional, in-person advice you can rely on:
Why relying on AI searches is potentially damaging to your case
The inaccuracies of AI generated legal advice become a major issue if you rely on that information in divorce proceedings, upcoming court appearances, and financial settlements.
As experienced family lawyers, we are spending an increasing amount of time dealing with the fallout from incorrect online and AI-generated advice. Almost every week, we are helping clients who are at best muddled and at worse seriously disadvantaged by advice and information they have asked for online, taken at face value, and then acted on.
LGFL is a progressive family law firm, so we will adopt and use AI tools to deliver efficiencies. However, AI will never provide or replace our bespoke legal advice.
Popular questions on divorce and separation
The same questions on separation and divorce issues pop up regularly in AI Search results and discussion forums. While I have given quick answers to five of the most frequently asked questions below, my best answer will always be, contact us to discuss your unique situation. Or browse our library of articles, as we may have answered your question already.
Question 1. "How do I start a divorce when my partner is being difficult/refusing to cooperate?"
As a family lawyer dealing with complex separations, I see many cases where one partner/spouse is digging their heels in and refusing to cooperate. It’s not just at the start of the process; it can continue throughout and even after the divorce is finalised. So, I advise clients on specific legal, practical steps they can take when their spouse won't communicate, sign papers, or attend mediation, etc.
Question 2. "How can I protect my assets from my ex, especially if they are hiding money?"
Financial settlements can help protect your assets, but proactively hiding them is illegal. “Full and frank” financial disclosure is required by law, but that doesn’t stop people trying to avoid doing so! As fellow LGFL Director Anne Leiper explained in her article “Full Financial Disclosure in Divorce: Why It Matters”:
“In a divorce where emotions run high and future financial stability uncertain, spouses can become defensive and protective of their information to stop the other half “taking it all”. They can be tempted not to reveal certain details, but not declaring everything from the outset can have serious consequences … Such non-disclosure can come back to bite the hand that hid them many years later.” (2)
Question 3. "What happens to the house/family home?"
“Who gets the house” is usually the first question parents with families ask us. Many parents assume they will get the house if they are to look after the children, but that’s not necessarily the case. With decades of experience, we can help you negotiate financial settlements that are fair and balanced, whilst retaining the family home if that is the best solution for your children and yourself. For more information, see:
- Fair and sustainable financial settlements involving SEND children
- Birdnesting: a modern solution to co-parenting a SEND child?
Question 4. "Will divorce include my pension?"
Your divorce will need to include details of your private pension. If you have worked and contributed for most of your live, your private pension is probably your most valuable asset, potentially outstripping the value of the family home. At the very least, you will need to get a value in order to provide “full and frank disclosure”.
Fellow Director Anne Leiper specialises in financial settlements for high net worth individuals, and private pensions are always up front and centre in negotiations. For more information, read her article “Why Pensions Are Key in Financial Settlements”, (5) or contact us for an initial consultation to discuss your particular situation.
Question 5. "Can I talk about my divorce on social media?"
Do not talk about your relationship online, anywhere. Divorce and separation stirs up a storm of emotions and you may want to vent your feelings online. However, social media posts can seriously backfire in terms of damaging already fragile co-parenting relationships. It can also alienate friends, and provide your soon to be ex with information that could be used against you.
For more reasons to keep your hands away from the “Post” button see:
Talk to us, not a screen
Our reduced fee initial consultation is a full 60 minutes with one of our Directors, including an overview of your case and answers to your most urgent questions. Afterwards, we will send you full cost estimates of what we think your case is going to cost you, along with some helpful leaflets and links.
What you choose to do with our advice and information is always entirely up to you. There is no requirement to instruct us unless you wish to. At least after your consultation, you can rest assured that the advice and information you receive is accurate, pragmatic and offers a practical way forward.
The earlier you seek our advice, the more we can help. To book your initial consultation:
About the author
Rita Gupta is Co-founder and Managing Director of family law firm LGFL Ltd, serving family law for clients in the Reading and Thames Valley area, across the UK and for international clients involved in UK divorce cases.
She has featured as a family law expert on national TV and radio, including BBC Radio 5 Live with Nicky Campbell, LBC, GB News with Darren McCaffrey and local TV and radio.
• Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer
• Listed in Chambers and Partners
• Listed Leading Lawyer at Wiselaw
• Member of Resolution