What is a Section 278 Agreement?

A Section 278 Agreement is a legal agreement between a developer and a highway authority to carry out highway works.

AI In Family Law – What Is Really Changing?

Artificial intelligence is beginning to play a role within the family justice system, particularly in how information is prepared and presented. There have already been examples of judges using AI tools to produce more accessible versions of judgments, helping parties better understand decisions.

For practitioners, AI is also starting to enhance the way we work-assisting with research, drafting and the organisation of information.

What this means in practice

Used well, AI can make legal work more efficient and support more focused preparation. This allows practitioners to spend more time on the aspects of a case which have the greatest impact on outcome.

However, family law is rarely about access to information alone. The key issue is how that information is interpreted, applied and deployed in the context of an individual case.

One practical development is the increasing use of AI by litigants in person. While this can improve access to information, it can also create difficulties. AI-generated documents may appear confident but can overlook important nuances or procedural realities.

There are also important confidentiality considerations. Family proceedings are private, and the use of open-source AI tools to process sensitive personal information may carry risks if that information is being shared outside a secure or controlled environment.

For those reasons, it is important to approach these tools carefully and to understand their limitations.

Judgement and strategy

As technology develops, the role of the solicitor becomes less about providing information and more about applying judgement. This includes assessing risk, identifying priorities, and deciding how best to progress a case-whether through negotiation, settlement or litigation. It also involves understanding the dynamics between the parties and how those may influence both the process and the outcome.

An important part of this judgement is recognising when decisions are being driven more by emotion than by rational consideration, and helping clients to refocus on their longer-term objectives.

The importance of a trusted adviser

For clients, this is where the relationship with their solicitor is crucial.

Family law involves personal decisions, financial security and, often, arrangements for children. Often clients want—and need—a real person who can respond as circumstances change, understand the challenges they are facing, and provide a steady and objective perspective when it is most needed.

A key part of that role is maintaining a clear head when a client may find that difficult, and, where necessary, challenging positions or behaviours which may be unhelpful to their case.

AI can support the process, but it cannot replicate this level of responsiveness, judgement or professional relationship.

Rising expectations and managing risk

Greater access to technology is likely to raise expectations around speed, clarity and responsiveness. At the same time, the underlying issues remain complex, and the consequences of decisions can be significant.

This makes careful risk assessment and considered advice as important as ever.

How Wollens adds value

At Wollens, we see AI as a tool to enhance the service we provide. By using technology to improve efficiency and support preparation, we are able to focus more fully on delivering clear, strategic advice tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Our approach is to combine the benefits of technology with experienced, relationship-led advice-helping clients to navigate complex situations, manage risk and work towards a practical and proportionate outcome.

As the use of AI continues to grow, the value of trusted, thoughtful legal advice remains central.