Artificial Intelligence and Online Family Dispute Resolution

The integration of technology with dispute resolution practices follows the identification of a range of value-added benefits in both formal and informal legal proceedings. In recent years, there has been a movement towards investigating how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance the functioning of online family dispute resolution (OFDR) systems after successful application to other types of disputes. This chapter provides an overview of the development of AI in disputes in order to understand current progress within family law. Several existing negotiation support systems for use in Australian family contexts are described, including Split-Up, Family_Winner, and Asset-Divider, the latter of which incorporates principles of justice in a game theory framework. Negotiation support systems facilitate informed decision-making through performance improvement via machine learning while the integration of game theory assists in the distribution of resources to ensure the best outcome. As online dispute resolution begins to gain public and private traction culminating in the normalisation and institutionalisation of services, it becomes important to carefully consider issues of justice, regulation, and quality assurance.