Cheating with AI becoming a growing factor in divorce cases, attorneys warn

Experts report a sharp rise in divorces linked to emotional or romantic AI use, warning the issue will escalate

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being cited as a reason for failed marriages, with legal experts predicting that relationship breakdowns linked to AI companions will become far more common. According to a report from Wired, attorneys in the United States have begun seeing a measurable rise in divorce filings where one partner’s attachment to an AI chatbot played a significant role.

Chatbots such as ChatGPT and Grok have become deeply integrated into everyday routines for many users—serving as tools for information, organization, and, for some, emotional support. While many interactions are practical or casual, a subset of users have formed intimate connections with AI systems, with some even calling their chosen chatbot a “soulmate,” ending real-world relationships to pursue digital companionship instead.

Lawyers interviewed by Wired say this trend is now entering the courtroom. Rebecca Palmer, a family law attorney in Orlando, told the outlet that judges already face challenges when dealing with human infidelity, making AI-related affairs an even more complex issue. Elizabeth Yang, a California-based family lawyer, said she expects a surge in divorce cases citing AI interference, explaining that as chatbots become more “realistic, compassionate, and empathetic,” individuals in unhappy or lonely marriages may increasingly turn to bots for emotional connection.

Several real-world incidents have already gone viral. In one widely shared case from May, a woman asked ChatGPT to analyze her husband’s coffee, hoping to determine whether he was fantasizing about someone else. The Greek man initially dismissed the situation as absurd, but his wife later filed for divorce, ending their 12-year relationship. Other instances include people marrying AI companions created through platforms like ChatGPT after leaving their human partners.

The rise of AI-involved breakups reflects a broader trend of technology reshaping interpersonal relationships, with experts warning that the emotional realism of future chatbots may further blur the boundaries between digital and human intimacy.