An online app calledAmicais now using artificial intelligence to help separating couples make parenting arrangements and divide their assets.
For many people, the coronavirus pandemic has put even the strongest of relationships to the test.
There has also beena surgein the number of couples seekingseparation advice.
The Australian government hasbackedthe use of Amica for those in such circumstances.
But although such tools offer advantages such as convenience and reduced emotional distress, their applications remain limited.
And over-relying on them could be a slippery slope.
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Amica demonstrates AIs potential in solving legal problems in family disputes.
Interestingly, its not the only tool of this kind in the legal field.
There are a range of AI-powered family legal services used in Australia, includingPendaandAdieu.
Penda aims to help victims of family violence by providing free legal and safety information.
Its AI chatbot provides online legal advice and information without requiring a face-to-face meeting with a lawyer.
Court proceedings arealso expensive, and complex family law cases can cost each partymore than A$200,000.
We found by giving couples dominion over the separation process, they were less likely to be emotionally stressed.
Although our survey sample was relatively small, 76% of participants reported not feeling emotional distress.
Of those who did, most said this was the result of existing circumstances.
One participant said:
Im pretty new to apps but am learning.
Theyre not so bad, but dont really replace people.
On the plus side, theyre neutral and dont judge you!
For instance, theyre not helpful in many cases.
Further, Australian courts are required to consider eachchilds best interestswhen deciding on a family case.
There are also concerns around the use of AI in legal family cases more generally.
For example, access to online platforms requires a certain amount ofdigital literacy and accessibility.
This disadvantages people without access to the internet, a smartphone or computer.
Also, people may not have the technological skills needed to use apps such as Amica or Adieu.
TheCOMPAS toolhas comeunder fireon numerous occasions for its use in the US.
Its risk assessment algorithms supposedly predict how likely a criminal is to reoffend.
Australiasrobodebt sagaalso showed how AI can contribute to problematic administrative decision making.
This was then used to auto-generate debt notices without human checks.
Its clear AI comes with the potential for embedded bias.
Along with this, an ethical framework with input from Australiaslegal industryshould underpin AI use in the legal sector.
