Should You Use AI to Help With Your Divorce in Oakland County, Michigan?
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overview, Gemini and various document assistants are rapidly changing how people navigate the world. This includes how we research legal information.
In cities across Oakland County, such as Farmington, Troy, Auburn Hills, Birmingham, and Novi, divorcing spouses are increasingly turning to AI for guidance on everything from filing procedures to drafting parenting schedules. While AI certainly has its strengths, it also has detrimental limitations. Family law is complex, deeply personal, and governed by specific Michigan law, Michigan Court Rules, and controlling case law that has evolved over the decades. There AI tools often misunderstand, misapply, or even make up laws. When AI apps make things up, it’s called hallucinations. This is why it’s vitally important to consult with an experienced Oakland County family law attorney before you simply trust what AI tells you. Relying on AI to give you legal advice is about as silly as relying on AI alone to provide you medical advice. It might be a starting point, but AI is a long way from the ending point.
When Using AI During a Divorce is Helpful
AI does have a beneficial use for divorcing spouses. AI programs can perform certain administrative or informational tasks for an Oakland County divorce well. For example, they can:
- Help organize your divorce calendar, deadlines, and appointments.
- Summarize public information about Michigan’s no-fault divorce process, subject to confirmation by your trusted family law attorney.
- Generate lists of questions or information to help you prepare for meetings with your attorney, mediation, or hearings.
Why AI Can’t Replace a Michigan Divorce Attorney
Relying solely on AI for legal decisions in a Michigan divorce can lead to serious consequences. AI is not a lawyer, and it cannot replace the professional judgment of an experienced Michigan family law attorney with decades of experience. Here’s why:
- AI “Hallucinations”
AI systems sometimes invent facts, statutes, or cases that sound legitimate but don’t exist. These “hallucinations” can lead you to rely on false or outdated information. Something that could damage your credibility with an Oakland County family court judge or the Friend of the Court (FOC). The same holds true in Macomb County, Livingston County and Monroe County.
- Outdated or Incorrect Law
Family law evolves through frequent statutory amendments and opinions from the Michigan Court of Appeals or Michigan Supreme Court. AI tools are not guaranteed to know about new or updated Michigan laws and procedures. Relying on outdated, changed or amended laws or procedures is a good way to get burned in a courtroom.
- Lack of Personalization
Divorce cases depend heavily on individual facts such as your finances, your children’s needs, and your parenting history. Michigan law requires consideration of unique factors such as the Sparks factors, parenting time factors, equitable division case law, domicile factors, venue and the child’s Best Interest factors. AI cannot interpret or apply nuanced standards to your specific circumstances nearly as accurately and efficiently as as a seasoned divorce attorney in Metro Detroit.
- Confidentiality Risks
Michigan attorneys, including those in Oakland County, are bound by strict confidentiality rules under the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct. There is seldom a risk of exposing your personal information when providing it to your attorney. AI tools often retain or reuse information to improve their systems. Entering confidential information about you and your family could expose sensitive data to others.
- Ethical and Procedural Complexity
A Michigan attorney must ensure compliance with local court rules, state court rules, proper service of pleadings, and adherence to required timelines under the Oakland County Circuit Court’s procedures. Your attorney can handle all procedures and tasks on your behalf and advocate for you in court. AI cannot file motions, appear in hearings, or craft strong legal arguments on your behalf. AI does not understand the complexities of juggling court schedules or hearings and the differences between each judge in Southeast Michigan.
When You Should Never Use AI in Divorce
A false citation or an incorrect interpretation of a Michigan statute could lead to costly errors, delays, or even court sanctions. You should never use AI for the following:
🚫 Drafting or editing legal pleadings
🚫 Asking for legal advice
🚫 Uploading personal private information
🚫 Attempting to calculate child or spousal support
FAQs About Using AI in a Michigan Divorce
Q: Is it illegal to use AI to prepare court forms in Michigan?
A: No, but it’s risky. AI-generated documents may contain false legal statements or omit required details. Courts in Oakland County and throughout Michigan may reject improperly formatted pleadings.
Q: Can I use AI to calculate child support?
A: You shouldn’t. Michigan’s official Child Support Formula is complex and updated regularly. Only licensed attorneys can ensure accurate calculations.
Q: Is it safe to share my case details with AI?
A: No. AI tools store user input. Never upload financial statements, custody evaluations, or other private materials.
You Should Consult with a Divorce Attorney, Not AI
If you live in Royal Oak, Novi, Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Commerce, Birmingham, Ferdale or Southfield, working with a skilled Oakland County family law attorney ensures:
- Accurate application of Michigan statutes and local court rules
- Protection of your privacy and financial interests
- Proper presentation of evidence in custody or support disputes
- Access to negotiation, mediation, and courtroom advocacy
Need legal help with your divorce in Oakland County?
AI can be a helpful supplement for organization or education, but not a substitute for legal experience, advocacy, and confidentiality. At The Kronzek Firm, we have decades of experience representing clients in Oakland County and surrounding areas such as Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, and Genesee Counties. We know how to apply Michigan statutes and case law to your unique situation. We can help you navigate complex court procedures and rules throughout your divorce. If you’re considering divorce in Clarkston, West Bloomfield, Keego, or elsewhere in Metro Detroit, consult an experienced Michigan divorce lawyer before you rely on AI for any part of your case.
Our highly respected attorneys have fought for thousands of Michigan clients for more than 30 years. You can reach our Farmington Hills office 24/7 by calling (248) 479-6200 or by email at contactus@kronzek.law. You can also text our main office during business hours only, at (517) 886-1000.
[Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance.]