Family lawyers have revealed a new trend emerging in divorce cases where couples ask chatbots to interpret their partners conversations with AI, as well as ask for relationship advice.
The comments, from National Legal Service, reflects a “broader shift” in how people are using AI, the firm suggests, during some of the most emotionally and legally significant moments of their lives.
Their research showed Google searches for “best AI relationship advice” have increased 558% in the past year, while searches for “ChatGPT relationship advice” are up 396% – statistics that family lawyers say reflect what they are increasingly seeing in their caseloads.
Charles Metherell, family and divorce lawyer at National Legal Service, said: “We are seeing an increasing number of people coming to us after confiding in or consulting an AI model such as ChatGPT. Some are looking to put the wheels in motion for a divorce, while others want to negotiate based on what an AI tool has told them they may be legally or financially entitled to.
“AI can sometimes be a useful starting point, but it cannot fully understand an individual’s circumstances and its responses can be influenced by how a question is framed.
“While AI can provide information about UK law, that is very different from having the expertise and experience to advise someone through what can be one of the most stressful periods of their life.”
As well as analysing a partner’s AI conversations, people are using chatbots to decide whether to end a relationship, weigh up the financial and legal implications of divorce, and rehearse difficult conversations before having them. But lawyers are concerned AI could misrepresent legal information. The confidence of AI can also leave people believing they already understand their legal position before they have sought professional advice, National Legal Service says.
Metherell added: “People may understandably turn to AI when they feel vulnerable or do not know where else to start, but it is important that they get accurate, professional advice before making significant legal or financial decisions.”
