Courts, Risk & Accountability

January 2, 2026

1–2 minutes

Courts, Risk & Accountability

Tech Litigation
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Compliance & Audits
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AI Enters the Family Courtroom—But It Won’t Replace Judgment in 2026

By 2026, AI will play a supportive role in family courts, assisting overwhelmed litigants and managing case volume while preserving human decision-making, particularly in custody matters. Although AI offers tools to improve efficiency for self-represented parents, concerns about bias, ethics, and privacy remain crucial as courts implement these innovations cautiously.

by Michael Phillips January 1, 2026January 2, 2026

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Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips is a journalist, writer, creator, advocate, IT consultant, musician, and proud father. He is the founder of REBUILT, The Thunder Report, and Father & Co., platforms dedicated to rebuilding lives, empowering fathers, and advocating for real change. Michael serves as the Editor-in-Chief of MDBayNews, The Thunder Report, and Father & Co., where he leads coverage across news, satire, family advocacy, and cultural commentary. His reporting and commentary have been published in the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, and Maryland Daily Record, and he contributes regularly to TheFamilyCourtCircus.com, writing on issues ranging from family-court reform to civil rights to political analysis. With a career that bridges technology, journalism, advocacy, and the arts, Michael’s work is driven by a passion for truth, resilience, and giving voice to those overlooked by traditional systems. Whether he’s investigating a story, creating new digital tools, consulting on IT solutions, or writing music, he believes in building—and rebuilding—with purpose. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from James Madison University, as well as a Master of Science and Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Member, National Writers Union (NWU), Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)