Artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as “AI”, is advanced technology that simulates the human intelligence processes. AI uses data, algorithms, and computational power to perform tasks that are most often performed by a human, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision making. It creates software that can learn from data and mimic human cognitive functions. In collecting data, an AI system can learn from experience and recognize patterns based on its study of that information. However, AI should not be used in your family law case for any decision- making, case strategies, or to determine the outcome of your case.
Think of AI tools as a research aid. AI tools, like ChatGPT, generate answers based on patterns in data, not legal analyses tailored to your unique and specific situation. While AI can be helpful in helping you gain a broad, general overview, and basic understanding of legal terms and general concepts, AI does not and cannot know the nuances of your family’s dynamics, your personal and/or financial situation, nor the legal procedural requirements that may apply to your case, regardless of the data or information that you feed into it. A missing detail, or the slightest misunderstanding, can significantly affect your legal rights. As an example:
- Property division in a divorce often involves complex legal analyses of your marital estate, which consists of community property, your separate property, and your spouse’s separate property. AI cannot make this evaluation with precision – an experienced family law attorney
- When there are allegations of substance abuse, family violence, mental health issue, and other concerns, your case becomes more fact-driven and legally complex. AI does not know all of the nuances of your county, nor how a particular judge might view your case. AI does not recognize the emotional or psychological dynamics of your case – an experienced family law attorney
- Child “custody” orders in Texas are based on the “best interest of the child(ren)”. While there is a standard and factors that all courts should apply in determining the child(ren)’s best interest, this is not a rigid rule. Best interest determinations involve evaluating emotional bonds, stability of home life, abuse history, and more. AI does not know how those factors or standards may be applied to a particular county or judge, nor in your particular case – an experienced family law attorney
It is crucial to understand that AI can make serious errors which could seriously and negatively affect the outcome of your case. Relying on AI can be unreliable (and risky!), potentially leading to inaccurate information, procedural errors, and even the loss of your rights. Not only might the algorithms misinterpret statutes and fail to consider legal precedent, but it can also fail to apply the law correctly to the facts of your case. AI can misquote the law, provide generalized advice not tailored to Texas, or even to the circumstances of your specific situation. AI might apply straightforward rules well, but family law often involves exceptions, equitable factors, emotional assessments, and judicial interpretation. AI systems are trained on data which can reflect historical biases (e.g., gender, race, or socioeconomic status). A divorce is a legally complicated process which requires the guidance and support from trained and skilled professionals, like the attorneys at Maples | Jones, PLLC. Unfortunately, too many people search for ways to simplify the process and save money by not hiring a divorce attorney. This often leads to serious mistakes that end up costing more legal fees in the long run. At best, advice from an AI system will be generic, and dangerously misleading at worst.
Although AI, such as ChatGPT, may seem appealing for its convenience and accessibility, it is never a substitute for an experienced family law attorney, whether it is for a simple, no-fault divorce without children, or a divorce with complex property issues for high-net-worth individuals. Family law cases are deeply personal and emotionally charged lawsuits. AI lacks empathy, contextual understanding, and moral reasoning, which are critical in weighing human experiences and best human interests. Family law often involves tactical decisions, such as:
- The art of negotiation
- When to settle when to push for trial
- Whether to raise allegations of misconduct
- How to present evidence to maximize sympathy or credibility
- The use of expert witnesses
The above are just a few examples of the risks assumed in using AI. For these reasons and more, that’s why speaking directly with an experienced family law attorney at Maples | Jones, PLLC, who can evaluate the facts of your case and give you advice which specific to your case and needs, which is strategic, and which is effective, is necessary to give you the best opportunity to meet your needs and whatever your specific goals may be in your particular case. Family law cases are deeply personal and legally complex and should be handled by attorneys who are trained in this area to provide personalized guidance and customized legal advice. While AI can be a tool, it cannot serve as a substitute for experience, human knowledge, insight, empathy, and ethics.
At Maples | Jones, PLLC we have helped hundreds of individuals and families throughout Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, and other counties in and around Central Texas navigate everything from the most amicable no fault divorces to high-conflict child custody disputes, from premarital agreements to highly complex property issues, from your neighborhood mailman to high-net-worth individuals, and everything in between. Our job is to educate you, provide you with options, advise you on those options, advocate for you, and legally support you throughout the process of your family law case. We will take the time to listen to your concerns and goals, explain your rights under Texas law, and develop a legal strategy tailored to protect what matters most to you. The experienced attorneys at Maples | Jones, PLLC approach each family law case understanding the complexities of legal issues and will provide you accurate legal advice, tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring that you make informed decisions. The rest of your life, your children’s lives, and your financial stability, are simply too important to rely on the automated responses of AI. To best protect your rights and your future interests, call our office at tel:5126173952 to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified attorneys at Maples| Jones, PLLC. We genuinely care about our clients and will take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and provide the support that you will need in the challenging process of your family law case.
