Although generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has only been available to the public for a few years, we’re beginning to see its impact everywhere. Recently, people have started turning to AI to generate legal documents like wills. It may seem like an easy, inexpensive solution, but when it comes to your legacy, the end of your life, and your family’s future, an AI-generated will could create more problems than it solves.
I understand the appeal. You type in a few details, answer some prompts, and receive what looks like a professional document in minutes. But this convenience comes with hidden costs that could put your family’s future at risk and leave your most important wishes unfulfilled.
These issues are why we’re hosting a free webinar: The Dangers of AI Wills, November 13th, 12:30-1:30pm – sign up today.
What I’m Seeing in My Practice
The legal technology market has exploded recently, with AI-powered platforms promising quick fixes for complex problems. While these tools have their place, using them for estate planning can be problematic. Unlike a simple contract that might have limited consequences if flawed, a poorly drafted will could impact generations of your family.
Why AI Wills Fall Short
At first glance, an AI-generated will looks like a convenient shortcut. But estate planning isn’t about filling out a form; it’s about ensuring your wishes are honored during your lifetime and after. Your estate plan is a love letter to your family.
Here are the significant risks I see with relying on AI alone:
- Missing the bigger picture. Estate planning is more than a will. You also need Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, and possibly trusts. AI tools often skip these critical components. Without a comprehensive plan, your family may face impossible decisions during medical emergencies or be unable to access your accounts when you need care.
- No one to answer when things go wrong. If AI drafts an invalid or unclear will, there’s no recourse. Your family pays the price in legal battles and court costs. Unlike working with an attorney who carries professional responsibility and can guide you through problems, AI platforms can include disclaimers that shield them from accountability.
- Cookie-cutter solutions for unique lives. Blended families, business owners, or those with multiple properties need tailored strategies that AI struggles to provide. Your life is unique, and your estate plan should be too. These situations require understanding of state laws, and family dynamics that the algorithm may not possess.
- When words matter most, clarity gets lost. Vague language in wills leads to family disputes. I’ve seen siblings become estranged over inheritance conflicts that could have been prevented with clear, careful planning. Be careful of generic language that doesn’t account for your specific circumstances, as it can create ambiguities that fuel family heartbreak.
The Human Touch That Makes All the Difference
Estate planning is essentially about relationships, not just assets. As an attorney, I serve as more than a document drafter, I’m here to help families navigate difficult conversations about death, incapacity, and inheritance. I ask the questions that reveal potential issues before they become problems.
For instance, do you have children under 18 who would need guardians? Have you considered what happens if your primary beneficiaries die before you? Are there family members with special needs who require careful planning to preserve government benefits? These scenarios require human judgment.
Here’s something else to consider: state laws vary dramatically when it comes to estate planning. What’s valid in Colorado might not hold up if you move to Florida. An AI system might not account for these crucial differences, potentially creating documents that fail when your family needs them most.
Real Consequences For Real People
The consequences of inadequate estate planning extend beyond financial losses. Families often struggle when forced to interpret a loved one’s unclear intentions. And with blended families, it becomes even more delicate. Without careful planning, a second spouse might inadvertently disinherit children from a first marriage, or step-children might contest a will that doesn’t clearly express your intentions. These situations require delicate planning that considers both legal requirements and family dynamics, something I help families navigate every day.
Our Upcoming Webinar Is For You If You’re Thinking:
- “I’ll just get a quick will online, how hard can it be?”
- “I don’t have much, so I don’t need complicated planning”
- “Estate planning is too expensive for someone like me”
- “I’m still young and I have plenty of time to figure this out”
However, every family’s situation is different and with AI, the risks are higher than most people realize. Even smaller estates benefit from professional guidance, especially when it comes to the decisions that impact the end of your life, as well as your legacy.
Let’s Talk About What Really Matters
Reserve your spot today and join us for this important conversation about protecting what matters most to you.
Don’t let the convenience of a quick fix today create confusion and conflict for your family tomorrow. Your loved ones deserve better, and so do you.
