There are risks associated with writing a will using artificial intelligence (AI), as
new research reveals that 72% of UK adults aged between 30 and 34 would
consider using AI to update their will.
The research, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of The Association of Lifetime
Lawyers, found that only half (52%) of wills in the UK have been drafted by a
solicitor. This raises concerns that many people may be putting their estate and
loved ones at risk due to errors, ambiguous wording, or failure to meet legal
requirements.
As the use of AI continues to rise, experts are stressing that when it comes to wills,
it’s vital to have professional legal oversight.
The Association of Lifetime Lawyers is the community of the most qualified legal
professionals in the UK when it comes to supporting people to get wills and lasting
power of attorney in place.
Using AI to update or create your will could have devastating consequences for your
loved ones.
The appeal of AI-generated wills is understandable, particularly among younger
generations, who may see it as an easy solution. This is deceptive. A will is one of
the most important legal documents you will ever create. Relying on AI to draft or
update it without proper legal guidance could result in errors that make a will invalid
or lead to unintended consequences, such as disputes between family members or
tax implications being overlooked.
The Association of Lifetime Lawyers has tested various AI platforms including
ChatGPT, DeepSeek and Microsoft Copilot to create a will. While they can produce
documents that look like a will and meet the most basic requirements, there are
confusing structures, poor grasp of legal requirements, lack of understanding of the
knock-on effect of key decisions, lack of personalisation and inaccurate wording.
AI simply cannot understand the complexities of human relationships, nor can it offer
personalised advice based on a person’s unique circumstances. As a result, people
may unknowingly put their loved ones at risk by relying on technology to handle such
an important document.
It’s vital that people seek advice from an experienced legal professional, who can
guide them based on your unique situation to ensure your wishes are carried out and
help minimise inheritance tax where possible.