Is it safe to use artificial intelligence to write your Will? We talk you through the potential pitfalls…
Is it safe to use artificial intelligence to write your Will? We talk you through the potential pitfalls…
The appeal of using artificial intelligence (AI) to write your Will is obvious – it’s quick, it’s easy, it seems cheap.
And using AI platforms like ChatGPT, DeepSeek and Microsoft Copilot to do so is becoming increasingly popular.
However, relying on AI to create your Will could result in mistakes that are costly later.
Ambiguous wording or drafting errors could render it invalid or create the potential for an expensive and stressful inheritance dispute between family members.
That’s why using a solicitor to draft your Will is so highly recommended.
What does the latest research about AI generated Wills tell us?
A survey by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly) reveals that 72% of adults between 30 and 34 would consider using AI to update their Will.
It also found that just 52% of Wills in the UK have been drafted by a solicitor.
Another poll by legal intelligence platform Robin AI found that 47% would be happy to outsource the writing of a Will to an AI-powered system.
However, the vast majority of those it surveyed confirmed they’d prefer to use a traditional lawyer (69%) or a lawyer supported by AI tools (27%).
Robin AI’s CEO, Richard Robinson, added: “People want faster, cheaper legal help but not at the expense of human judgement. We’re doubling down on building AI to work alongside lawyers, not instead of them, as a result of this survey.”
What are the dangers of using AI to write your Will?
According to Kirsty Limacher, legal consultant at the Association of Lifetime Lawyers – of which most of our Wills and Mental Capacity solicitors are members – AI “simply cannot” understand the complexities of human relationships, nor can it “offer personalised advice based on a person’s unique circumstances”.
She added: “As a result, people may unwittingly 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 you based on your unique situation to ensure your wishes are carried out and help minimise inheritance tax where possible.”
Why should I make my Will with a qualified solicitor?
A correctly drawn up Will is an inexpensive way of avoiding difficulties in the future for your family and friends after your death.
At a time when the number of disputes over Wills is growing, making your Will as robust as possible is important just in case it is challenged in the future.
It also gives you the chance to take wealth preservation steps to structure your affairs, not only to minimise your liability for inheritance tax, but to maximise tax relief too.
The government is currently considering sweeping changes to modernise the law around Wills, including allowing electronic Wills and making it possible for young people over 16 to make a Will.
Get in touch
Wards Solicitors wins high praise in the 2025 edition of the independent Legal 500 guide of outstanding legal professionals for its exceptional professional service standards and high levels of technical expertise.
It has also recently been named Regional Law Firm of the Year by Bristol Law Society and our Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team has just scooped the Devon and Somerset Law Society’s Private Client Team of the Year.
We offer a free initial appointment, can meet you in one of our offices or come to your home.
To make or update your Will, please contact any member of our highly experienced Wills and Mental Capacity Team.