Toronto Sun: The Problem with AI Divorce Advice - Featuring Ron Shulman, Shulman & Partners

In a recent article written by the Toronto Sun and featured by Yahoo News, Ron Shulman, Managing Partner of Shulman & Partners LLP, addressed the growing trend of individuals turning to artificial intelligence for guidance during separation and divorce. As tools like ChatGPT become more accessible, many people are using them in an effort to cut costs or gain quick clarity during an already stressful time. The article highlighted why this shift matters and how reliance on AI generated legal advice can create confusion, heighten conflict, and ultimately lead to greater financial and emotional strain. Ron explained the risks that come with inaccurate or generalized information, emphasizing that family law decisions require precision, context and confidentiality. His perspective offers an important reminder of the limits of AI as it increasingly shapes public expectations about legal problem solving.

“If there’s one piece of advice I can give to clients on the use of ChatGPT, it’s to be very careful. It’s most likely inaccurate and it may store your information — so personal information may be exposed.”
— Ron Shulman, Managing Partner, Shulman & Partners LLP

The article explored the rising use of artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT among individuals preparing for or going through a separation. Ron explained that many people turn to AI because divorce can be costly, and they believe technology offers a cheaper and faster alternative to speaking with a lawyer. However, he emphasized that this approach can backfire in significant ways.

According to Ron, lawyers at the firm are increasingly encountering clients who rely on AI generated answers to challenge or question their legal guidance. While understandable, this creates tension, delays, and confusion. Much of the information produced by AI is generic, outdated, or simply incorrect. When clients receive contradictory or overly simplified answers about complex issues like support, property division or parenting arrangements, it can erode trust and heighten emotional stress. He noted that this often makes an already difficult process even more overwhelming.

He also highlighted the psychological burden AI can create. Because tools like ChatGPT tend to mirror a user’s assumptions and provide responses designed to sound confident, people may believe they are receiving personalized legal advice when they are not. This can reinforce misunderstandings and fuel unnecessary conflict. For someone already anxious about the future, the constant stream of AI generated information can quickly become destabilizing.

Beyond accuracy concerns, Ron raised the critical issue of privacy. Communications with a lawyer are confidential and legally protected, but information shared with AI platforms may be stored and analyzed. Many users are unaware of how much personal data they are exposing, often during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.

Ron acknowledged that AI tools can have value for general, exploratory questions. The problem arises when people rely on them to make decisions or evaluate legal strategy. Family law is deeply context-specific, and small details can change outcomes significantly. Only a trained legal professional can assess those nuances and ensure a client’s rights and interests are fully protected.

Read the full Toronto Sun article here (subscription may be required).

This media appearance is part of Shulman & Partners LLP’s ongoing contributions to Canadian family law discussions. Explore more of our media features in our In the Media  archive.