With the rise of online platforms claiming to generate wills in minutes using artificial intelligence, it’s understandable that many people are wondering: is it too good to be true? If you’re in West Sussex and looking for advice on this rooted in legal expertise, consider working with Chichester solicitors.
From convenience to cost-saving, AI-generated wills promise a lot—but do they deliver when it matters most? In this article, we’ll explore what AI wills are, where they work well, and where they fall short. Most importantly, we’ll help you decide whether using AI for something as crucial as your legacy is the right move.
What Is an AI-Generated Will?
AI-generated wills are created using automated software, often available through online platforms. These tools ask you a series of questions about your assets, beneficiaries, and preferences, then produce a legally formatted will based on your responses.
They use decision trees, pre-written legal templates, and sometimes natural language processing to create a personalised document quickly. Some platforms even claim to use machine learning to tailor the language or highlight potential legal conflicts.
While they can be helpful for simple estates, the complexity of family dynamics, inheritance tax rules, and property laws in the UK means things can quickly get complicated.
Where AI Wills Might Work Well
If your estate is straightforward—for example, you have one property, no dependents from previous relationships, and no business holdings—then using a reputable AI will-writing platform may be enough.
It’s also useful if:
- You need a will urgently and don’t have time to meet a solicitor.
- You want a low-cost option to formalise your wishes until you can afford a bespoke will.
- You’re digitally confident and can follow complex guidance.
Where AI Falls Short—and What It Can’t Do
The risks of relying solely on AI for your will are significant. AI tools cannot:
- Detect complex family situations like estranged children or stepfamilies.
- Provide tax planning to minimise inheritance tax liabilities.
- Advise on how to protect vulnerable beneficiaries.
- Identify assets held abroad or in business structures.
- Flag issues like undue influence or capacity concerns.
If your circumstances involve any of the above, an AI-generated will could leave your estate open to disputes, extra tax liabilities, or even legal invalidity.
The MoneyHelper service warns that DIY and online wills can be risky for those with anything other than the simplest needs.
Are AI Wills Legally Valid in the UK?
In most cases, yes—but with important caveats. For a will to be valid in England and Wales, it must:
- Be in writing.
- Be signed by you in the presence of two witnesses.
- Be made voluntarily and with mental capacity.
An AI platform can produce a will that meets these criteria, but it’s your responsibility to print it, sign it correctly, and ensure it’s stored securely. Any mistake in this process can invalidate the document.
The GOV.UK guide to making a will outlines the legal requirements clearly and includes a checklist to help avoid common mistakes.
Real-World Risks and Court Cases
There have been numerous legal disputes over poorly written or invalid wills, often where people used templates or software without professional advice.
In one case, a man’s handwritten amendments to an online will caused confusion about his true intentions. The court sided with the original wording, leaving one of his children excluded from the estate. This kind of legal challenge is more likely when wills are created without professional oversight.
Litigation can drain your estate of thousands in legal fees and cause emotional rifts between family members. Getting it right the first time is more than a legal formality—it’s a gift to your loved ones.
AI vs Solicitor: What’s the Difference?
Solicitors don’t just fill in forms—they ask the right questions, offer advice tailored to your circumstances, and provide legally binding safeguards. They can help you plan for:
- Care home fee protection.
- Guardianship for children.
- Trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries.
- Blended families or estranged relatives.
An AI tool can only work with the data you give it. It can’t challenge your assumptions or dig deeper into your family dynamics.
If your goal is long-term security and peace of mind, a solicitor-prepared will is still the gold standard.
Image credit: Pexels
Combining AI and Legal Advice
Some people choose a hybrid approach: using AI tools to draft an initial version of their will, then bringing that draft to a solicitor for review and refinement.
This can be cost-effective and time-saving, particularly if you already have a clear idea of your wishes. Just be sure the final version is legally watertight.
If you’re going down this route, be honest with your solicitor about how the draft was created. They’ll help spot gaps or inconsistencies you may have missed.
Who Should Avoid AI Wills Entirely?
You should steer clear of AI will-writing services if you:
- Have a business, shares, or property abroad.
- Expect family disputes or want to exclude someone from your will.
- Have a disabled child or relative who may need a trust.
- Want to mitigate inheritance tax.
- Are in a second marriage with children from previous relationships.
In these cases, the risk of making a costly error is just too high.
Creating a Future-Proof Plan
Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones. Whether you use AI or not, it’s a process worth doing thoroughly.
Make sure to:
- Review your will every few years.
- Update it after major life changes like marriage, divorce, or a new child.
- Store it safely and tell your executors where to find it.
- Avoid vague language or verbal promises not included in the written document.
With the rise of digital solutions, it’s easier than ever to start planning. Just don’t let convenience compromise care.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are unsure about any aspect of will-writing or estate planning, consult a qualified solicitor or legal professional.
