With artificial intelligence creeping into our lives more and more, it’s understandable that people are turning to it for legal advice.

Just ask Kim Kardashian.

But just like Kim Kardashian’s experience, the results aren’t always accurate.

Most people who are leaning on ChatGPT are doing it as a cost measure because, let’s face it, getting divorced isn’t cheap.

However, Robert Shulman, managing partner at Shulman & Partners LLP, warned that relying on AI could end up costing aspiring divorcess “a lot more” in the long-run.

“We’re now seeing clients who suddenly are challenging family lawyers and telling them how to present or defend an issue — and that information is coming from AI,” Shulman explained.

“All our lawyers are seeing this emerging trend,” he continued, adding that the calls, emails and texts they are getting from clients has become frustrating.

AI comes at a cost

With the information based on AI being sent to his lawyers — described as “mostly inaccurate” — Shulman noted it can become stressful for everyone involved, including clients when anxiety is already running high.

The oft-unreliable information overload one gets from ChatGPT can make a person question their lawyer and any legal advice they’ve received, not to mention making the divorce and separation process all the more taxing when it doesn’t need to be.

“For people going through a separation, the information from AI is driving them crazy,” Shulman explained.

“It can have a negative impact on them psychologically,” reiterating its accuracy but also how AI is not only trained to agree with you but also trained to say what a user wants to hear — meaning ChatGPT will match, not challenge, your beliefs.

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Shulman acknowledged that AI can certainly be helpful, but it’s when instances need more specificity that things can quickly go awry.

And while questions can start off as exploratory, the advice one gets back can range from contradictory to inconsistent to just plain wrong.

That said, Shulman is well aware that with the growing popularity of AI, people are going to turn to it no matter what.

“If there’s one piece of advice I can give to clients on the use of ChatGPT, it’s to be very careful,” he warned.

“It’s most likely inaccurate and it may store your information — so personal information may be exposed.”

Shulman added: “Any interaction with our lawyers is always confidential and your privacy is protected. That may not be the case with AI.”