The Risk of AI in Family Law

I recently had someone come into my office seeking help with their custody case. They brought along several AI‑generated motions—documents produced entirely by a machine. At first glance, they looked convincing enough. The formatting was close, the language sounded legalistic, and the documents could easily pass for real motions to someone unfamiliar with the process.

But once we examined the content, the issues became obvious.

• The motions ignored key Minnesota statutes.
• The legal standards were applied incorrectly.
• The analysis didn’t match the facts of the case.

In other words, the documents looked fine on the surface but lacked the substance required to actually help—let alone persuade a judge.

The Problem With AI in Legal Matters

There’s no question that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming nearly every field, including medicine, business, and law. But its rapid growth comes with substantial risk. Even the most advanced systems can generate errors, hallucinate facts, apply the wrong laws, or produce information that appears polished but is fundamentally incorrect.

In the legal world—where accuracy, evidentiary standards, and procedural rules matter—those mistakes can be costly. A poorly drafted motion can damage credibility, misstate the law, or even harm someone’s case.

AI Is a Tool—Not a Substitute

AI absolutely has value. It can assist with research, organization, and early drafts. But it is not, and cannot be, a replacement for:

• Legal training
• Real‑world experience
• Professional judgment
• A deep understanding of Minnesota family law

Custody cases are too important—and too nuanced—to leave in the hands of an algorithm. When the well‑being of children and the future of your family are on the line, you need knowledgeable, informed advocacy based on the actual law, not a machine’s best guess.

Use AI Wisely

AI can be a great tool. But like any tool, it must be used with caution and under the guidance of someone who understands the law and its consequences. Never rely solely on AI‑generated documents for something as serious as a legal case.

If you need help with a custody matter—or want real legal advice grounded in Minnesota law—reach out for professional guidance before taking the next step.