AI-generated Wills – convenience or catastrophe?

There are genuine advantages:

•  AI tools are accessible and fast, making them attractive to people who might otherwise postpone making a Will altogether. For individuals with very simple estates, perhaps without property, no dependants, and clear intentions, AI can provide a basic structure that feels better than doing nothing. Some platforms also prompt users with helpful questions, increasing awareness of issues such as executors, guardianship, and funeral wishes. In that sense, AI may play a positive role in encouraging testamentary planning, particularly among younger or more digitally confident generations, for whom professional legal advice might seem intimidating.
• Cost is another undeniable benefit. Professional legal advice can be assumed to be expensive, and AI tools position themselves as a low‑risk alternative. For those on tight budgets, the promise of an instant, low‑cost Will is understandably appealing. At a time when many people are managing financial pressure, cutting legal fees can feel like a sensible compromise.

However, the drawbacks are significant and potentially devastating. A Will is not just a document; it is a legal instrument operating within a complex framework of succession law, tax rules, and family dynamics. AI cannot fully understand nuance, emotional context, or the risk of future disputes. It relies on the information it is given, and if a user does not know the “right” questions to answer, critical issues can be missed altogether. The result may be a Will that is unclear, inconsistent, or, worst of all, invalid.

There is also the problem of false confidence. An AI‑generated Will may look professional, using formal language that reassures the user, while quietly falling short of legal requirements. AI tools do not tailor advice to jurisdictional quirks, evolving case law, or unusual family circumstances. They cannot assess capacity, spot vulnerability, or warn when a proposed distribution is likely to trigger litigation. In contentious areas such as blended families, business assets, or inheritance tax planning, a generic solution can store up serious trouble for those left behind.

Ultimately, while AI may be a useful starting point, it is a poor substitute for experienced human judgment. A professional solicitor brings not just technical expertise, but experience, ethical responsibility, and accountability. They ask the difficult questions, explain the consequences of choices, and ensure your wishes are expressed clearly and lawfully. The value of professional advice extends beyond the preparation of the document itself; it lies in the advice given and the careful consideration applied, ensuring that any document prepared meets your objectives in a way that is both appropriate and robust.

In matters as personal and enduring as your Will, the best approach remains simple: use technology where it helps but trust a qualified solicitor to get it right.