For many people, a divorce may be the only time that they ever see the inside of a courtroom. People navigating the end of a marriage are often eager to secure favorable terms. However, their main priorities may also be resolving the matter as quickly as possible and keeping their costs as low as they can.
Some spouses preparing for divorce intentionally choose to forego legal representation during divorces because they think they can represent themselves. Digital technology has made pro se filings more accessible, as people can research the law and judicial precedents from the comfort of their own homes.
With the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) for problem-solving and writing, some people might consider working with AI instead of hiring a lawyer during a divorce. That approach may not be as effective as people might hope.
AI is far from perfect
Despite what the name implies, artificial intelligence is not actually thinking for itself. It is simply a highly responsive search program capable of producing in-depth original responses in writing. AI software is less than reliable when researching complex legal matters, such as divorce statutes and prior court rulings.
In some cases, there have even been records of AI completely fabricating prior court cases that do not exist. Spouses who rely on AI may have unrealistic expectations about divorce or may submit highly inaccurate paperwork to the courts, which can extend the timeline for the divorce and put them in an unfavorable position when negotiating later.
How lawyers can help
Professional legal representation is invaluable during a divorce. Every case is unique, and an attorney familiar with the law and prior rulings can help people make sense of their circumstances.
A legal professional’s insight can be valuable as people set priorities and prepare for negotiations. Instead of facing the risk of embarrassing mistakes, significant delays and future controversy, those who work with attorneys can proceed with confidence.
An attorney can also help people strategize and keep their focus on their goals. AI cannot provide that kind of guidance. Spouses who work with lawyers can feel confident that the paperwork they submit is accurate and that they have fulfilled all of the necessary requirements for each stage of the divorce process.
It can be much more expensive to go back and correct prior mistakes or to respond to post-decree modification requests than it may be to manage everything appropriately from the earliest stages of the divorce process. Sitting down to discuss one’s marital estate and expectations for divorce with a skilled legal team can be helpful for those who want to divorce quickly and to keep their costs reasonable.