Yes, and no. Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT, Claude, or CoPilot, can be helpful but can also complicate your case unnecessarily.
AI is great for research to help get yourself familiar with and feeling more comfortable with the process. However, it is not to be taken as legal advice. I spend more time explaining to clients why the answer they obtained on AI platforms does not apply to their case or under Texas law, and yes, often I do have to charge for that explanation.
The core problem is one of context, not effort. AI can produce a fluent, confident-sounding answer to almost any legal question, but a fluent answer is not the same as a correct one for your facts, your county, and your judge – and most people cannot tell the difference until it is too late to fix cheaply. As noted in another FAQ, clients don’t know what they don’t know, and ChatGPT cannot teach that. Much of the provided information will be inaccurate or inapplicable to the client’s situation, often giving bad advice if followed without consulting with an attorney.
AI doesn’t know the judge’s preferences. AI does not know where it has been held to not be sufficient in court, except for cases that are in the news. A family law attorney located in your case’s location will be able to give you the most realistic picture of what your case can look like, and what problems you may face. AI misses the human element and practical effect of legal documents entirely.
That is why AI is best used as a starting point for your own understanding of the process, not as a substitute for advice from a family law attorney who knows the applicable law, your local court, and the facts of your case.
If you have questions about divorce, custody, or another family law matter or are ready to move forward with your matter in Dallas County or Tarrant County, contact us at (214) 999-0088 to speak with our office confidentially.