In just a few years, AI has transformed how we approach tasks both at work and in our personal lives.
While using AI could save you valuable time in some areas, it could pose risks in others, including when you’re writing or updating your will.
Your will sets out who you want to inherit your assets when you die. You may also use it to appoint a guardian for your children, name executors to administer your estate, and note other information, such as your funeral preferences.
While it is possible to write a will yourself, it is a legal document and seeking professional support could be valuable.
Yet, a survey reported by Today’s Wills & Probate (2 May 2025) suggests a growing number of people would rely on technology. Almost half of those surveyed in the UK and US said they would even trust AI to help write their will.
While using AI to write your will might seem like a simple solution at first, it could create long-term issues. Here are some of the risks you could expose your estate to.
AI cannot guarantee that your will is valid
To be valid, a will must meet certain criteria, such as being signed in the presence of witnesses. Relying on AI could mean that legal requirements are overlooked, potentially rendering your will invalid.
If your will is invalid, your estate might be distributed according to a previous will. If there isn’t a previous will, your estate could be distributed according to intestacy rules, which determine who inherits your estate according to legally defined laws.
In both these cases, it could mean your assets are not distributed in line with your wishes and that some of your intended beneficiaries are disinherited.
AI may use ambiguous or confusing language
AI writes confidently, but language errors could cause issues when your will is being interpreted.
Even seemingly small mistakes could have an impact. For example, ambiguous language or contradictory clauses might mean it’s unclear how you want your assets to be distributed. Even a minor error could lead to disputes.
A legal professional understands the importance of precise terminology and language so that your wishes aren’t misinterpreted.
AI cannot offer personalised advice when writing your will
AI may generate a basic will, but every family and estate is unique. Your will should be written to reflect your circumstances, family dynamics, and personal wishes.
Speaking to a legal professional gives you a chance to discuss what’s important to you and they may ask follow-up questions to address areas you have not considered.
An AI-written will might also overlook how your wishes interact with other legal documents and estate planning strategies. For example, you might be considering how to reduce a potential Inheritance Tax bill or have already established a trust to pass on some assets. A legal professional could offer advice on how these areas might affect the contents of your will.
An AI-written will could increase the risk of disputes
While will disputes are rare, the number of cases reaching the High Court is rising. According to Today’s Wills and Probate (31 March 2026), more than 1,200 disputed cases were filed in 2025, an increase of 13% compared with 2024.
While choosing to work with a legal professional can’t eliminate the risk of disputes arising, doing so could reduce the chances as poorly drafted or unclear wills are more likely to be challenged.
Disputes can lead to stress, delays, and legal costs for your loved ones. In the worst-case scenario, a dispute could mean your estate isn’t distributed in accordance with your wishes.
Reviewing your financial plan when writing or amending your will could be valuable
When you’re writing your will, you’re thinking about what you’d like to happen when you pass away. However, it’s often not an isolated consideration, and reviewing your wishes alongside your wider financial plan could be useful.
The value of your assets now and how you intend to use them during your lifetime might affect who you want to inherit your estate.
To talk about your will and financial plan, please get in touch.
Please note:
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate will writing, tax planning, estate planning or trusts.
