As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, many people are turning to online platforms and AI tools to draft legal documents, including estate plans. While using AI to create a will or trust might seem like a fast and cost-effective approach, doing so is risky in ways that could lead to confusion, legal challenges and/or unintended consequences down the line.
Estate planning is a deeply personal process, and relying solely on AI can leave important details overlooked. AI tools can often generate basic legal documents by using prompts or questionnaires. These programs may work when someone has few assets and no complex family dynamics. However, most people’s situations involve nuances that AI may not catch. For example, blended families, dependent adult children, real estate in multiple states or business ownership all require careful legal planning that goes beyond a fill-in-the-blank approach.
Personalization is usually a far superior approach
The primary concern with using AI for estate planning is the lack of personalized legal advice involved. Estate plans must comply with state-specific laws, which change over time. A document created by AI might not reflect the latest legal requirements in your state, potentially making your will or trust invalid. Even small errors—such as unclear language or a missing witness signature—can lead to delays in probate or disputes among those left behind.
Another issue is that AI cannot offer judgment or context. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you think through scenarios you may not have considered, such as what happens if a beneficiary dies before you, how to protect assets for a minor child or how to reduce estate taxes. These insights are crucial to creating a plan that works as intended.
While AI might play a helpful role in organizing information or preparing rough drafts, it should not replace professional legal guidance. This can also help when you update your plan as your life circumstances change. In short, your estate plan is too important to leave to a machine.