Would you use AI to rewrite your Will?

Your Will is the best way to make sure your loved ones benefit from your estate as you would wish. If you don’t prepare it with the help of a professional Will writer things can go wrong. 

 

The risks include errors, inaccurate wording, and legal failures. The results might make it impossible for your executors to follow your wishes. In the worst case, your Will might be invalid, meaning the laws of intestacy apply. These strict rules follow the value of your estate and your family relationships. If you don’t have a spouse, civil partner or immediate family members, everything could go to the Crown. 

 

An AI-based Will writing tool normally uses a multiple-choice questionnaire. Based on your answers, you can receive a draft Will in a matter of minutes. That’s what makes the idea so appealing, but it’s also the main drawback. 

 

Normally your AI-generated draft is generic, based on the multiple-choice questions. However, these questions probably won’t cover all the complexities of your life and your estate. That’s why it usually takes quite some time to prepare a Will that reflects your wishes. Without this personal process your Will may not include essential details. 

 

For many reasons, you might want to consider more complex options, like a trust, for example. Asking AI to create something like this, with the correct powers for the trustees, has a lot of potential pitfalls. 

 

Reviews and updates take place regularly about the rules and guidance concerning Will writing and estate planning. It’s also important to consider whether AI tools can stay up to date with these changes. 

 

From gifts to charities or family members you might want to exclude from your Will, everyone has different requirements. It’s also important to consider the impact of Inheritance Tax when you think about what you would like to happen after your death. 

 

Your Will should take account of any plans you have to marry and provide for your children. As part of the process a professional Will writer will ask you about these and many other important points. They’ll also chat with you about small personal gifts and even the care of your pets.