Responding to a Rapidly Changing Landscape
The Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers has established the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Technology Ethics, a new standing committee charged with developing practical guidelines for the ethical use of AI tools in family law practice.
The committee, chaired by Fellow David Park and vice-chaired by Fellow Amanda Torres, comprises twelve members with diverse expertise in family law, technology, and legal ethics.
The Committees Mandate
The committee has been tasked with three primary objectives: developing comprehensive guidelines for AI use in family law practice, creating educational resources for Colorado Chapter Fellows, and monitoring developments in AI regulation that may affect family law practitioners.
Key Areas of Focus
The committees initial work will concentrate on several critical areas where AI is already impacting family law practice. These include AI-assisted document drafting and review, where tools like ChatGPT and specialized legal AI are increasingly being used to draft pleadings, agreements, and correspondence.
Legal research and case analysis represents another major focus area, as AI tools are being used to analyze case law, predict outcomes, and identify relevant precedent. The committee will examine both the potential benefits and risks of relying on AI-generated legal research.
Client Communication and Confidentiality
Perhaps the most sensitive area involves the use of AI in client communications. The committee will address questions including whether attorneys can use AI to draft client correspondence, what disclosures are required when AI tools are used in case work, how to ensure client data remains confidential when processed by AI systems, and what ethical obligations arise when AI tools are used to analyze opposing party communications or social media.
Timeline and Deliverables
The committee has established an ambitious timeline for its initial work product. A preliminary report identifying key ethical issues is expected by June 2026, followed by draft guidelines for public comment by August 2026, and final published guidelines by September 2026.
The committee will also develop a continuing legal education curriculum on AI ethics in family law, with the first CLE program scheduled for presentation at the 2026 Annual Meeting.
National Implications
The Colorado Chapters initiative is one of the first of its kind among AAML state chapters. The national organization has expressed interest in the committees work as a potential model for other chapters, and several states have already requested permission to observe the committees proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Family law involves highly sensitive personal information and decisions that profoundly affect families and children. AI tools used improperly could compromise client confidentiality, introduce bias into case analysis, or produce inaccurate legal research that harms clients.
Yes. The committee plans to publish its first set of AI Practice Guidelines by September 2026, covering areas including document drafting, legal research, client communication, and case management.