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ARTICLE · 24 OCTOBER 2025

Five Key Risks Of Artificial Intelligence In Family Law

Cooper Grace Ward
Cooper Grace Ward
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Cooper Grace Ward

Cooper Grace Ward

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Artificial intelligence is beginning to appear in Australian courtrooms. While it may create efficiencies, recent cases show the real dangers of lawyers or parties relying on it too heavily.

AustraliaTechnology
Justine Woods
Justine Woods
Craig Turvey
Craig Turvey
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Artificial intelligence is beginning to appear in Australian courtrooms. While it may create efficiencies, recent cases show the real dangers of lawyers or parties relying on it too heavily.

Introduction

AI has the potential to streamline legal processes and reduce costs. In family law, however, accuracy, privacy and judgment are too important to leave to machines. Recent Australian cases highlight why lawyers and clients must remain cautious.

Hallucinations and inaccurate case law

The most obvious danger is AI's tendency to 'hallucinate.' This occurs when an AI tool invents cases or misstates facts about real cases.

Australian courts have already encountered this. In 2025, a Melbourne lawyer used AI to generate case citations in a family law matter. Many of the cases did not exist and the hearing had to be adjourned. The lawyer was referred to the Victorian legal complaints body for investigation. In another matter, a junior solicitor in a Federal Court

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Cooper Grace Ward is a leading Australian law firm based in Brisbane.

This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please contact Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers.

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