Research reveals that a staggering 72% of adults in their early 30s would trust AI to update their will. The CEO of OpenAI and the face behind ChatGPT Sam Altman has acknowledged that he is surprised by the “very high degree of trust which in ChatGPT, which is interesting because AI hallucinates. It should be the tech that you don’t trust that much.” Head of Private Wealth Rhea Rhugani cautions against AI-generated wills.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly finding its way into the world of legal services. One area seeing rapid growth is AI-generated wills, where online platforms promise fast, cheap, and hassle-free documents. But as a solicitor who works daily with clients to plan their estates, I believe this trend comes with significant risk.

The truth is simple: AI cannot replace the professional judgment, legal knowledge, and human insight that a qualified lawyer brings to the process of preparing a will. For many clients, relying on AI for such an important task may prove to be a false economy—one that only becomes apparent when it’s too late.

The danger of “one-size-fits-all” wills

AI will-writing tools rely on standardised templates and a limited set of pre-programmed questions. This makes them poorly equipped to deal with anything beyond the most basic of circumstances.

What happens if:

• You have children from a previous relationship?
• You cohabit but are not married?
• You own assets overseas?
• You want to protect assets from care fees or claims by estranged family members?

AI won’t stop to ask the questions that uncover these issues, nor will it give you advice on the best way to structure your estate. A lawyer will. And often, it’s these discussions—not the document itself—that prevent problems down the line.

Legal expertise can’t be automated

As solicitors, we don’t just fill out forms – we provide judgment, foresight, and protection. We assess mental capacity, identify the risk of undue influence, and provide advice on inheritance tax planning, trusts, guardianship, business succession, and more. These are areas where AI simply lacks the sophistication to operate safely.

Importantly, AI tools also can’t supervise the proper execution of the will. One of the most common mistakes with DIY wills – whether online or offline – is improper witnessing, which renders a will legally invalid. You may only discover the error after someone has died and it’s too late to fix it.

Lack of accountability and regulation

Another major concern is accountability. AI will providers are often unregulated, carry no professional indemnity insurance, and may include disclaimers that limit or exclude their liability entirely. If the will causes problems, tax inefficiencies, disputes, or total invalidity, there’s often no one to hold responsible.

By contrast, solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, carry insurance, and owe clients a legal duty of care. If something does go wrong, there is redress and protection for individuals and their families.

False savings but real financial and personal costs

Cost is one of the biggest reasons people choose AI-based will-writing services. But the upfront savings should be offset by the potential expense of sorting out significant problems later. Probate disputes, rectification claims, and tax mistakes can cost thousands—and cause lasting damage to family relationships.

Proper legal advice doesn’t just give you a document; it gives you confidence that your wishes will be followed, that your loved ones are protected, and that your estate is handled as efficiently as possible.

Final thoughts

Your will is one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever sign. Entrusting it to an algorithm may feel modern—but it’s a huge gamble. For peace of mind, long-term protection, and real expertise, there is still no substitute for proper legal advice.

If you’re thinking about writing a will—whether it’s your first or a review of an old one—speak to a solicitor. It’s a conversation that can save your family a great deal of cost, conflict, and uncertainty in the future.

The information contained in this article is general guidance only. The application and impact of laws can vary widely depending on the specific facts involved. The information in this article is provided with the understanding that the authors and presenters are not giving legal, tax, or other professional advice and services. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal, tax or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a Child & Child professional.