What are the risk of using artificial intelligence when writing a will?

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.

AI and Will Writing

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. It is very important to understand that using AI to update or create your will could have devastating consequences for your loved ones.

The Risks of AI-Generated Wills

Although the appeal of AI-generated wills is understandable, particularly among younger generations, who may see it as an easy solution, this is quite likely 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.

What Happens When AI Writes a Will?

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. 

Why Legal Expertise Matters

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.

For expert advice on creating a will that accurately reflects your wishes, please visit www.browells.co.uk or call our wills team on 0191 691 3417.