The Association of Lifetime Lawyers is warning of the risks associated with writing a will using artificial intelligence (AI), as 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.
As the use of AI continues to rise globally, experts are stressing that when it comes to wills, it’s vital to have professional legal oversight.
The Association of Lifetime Lawyers represents a community of the most qualified legal professionals in the UK supporting people making key decisions about their life. Kirsty Limacher, Legal Consultant at The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, warns that using AI to update or create your will could have devastating consequences for your loved ones. Kirsty said:
“The appeal of AI-generated wills is understandable, particularly among younger generations, who may see it as an easy solution. However, a will is one of the most important legal documents you will ever create. Relying on AI to draft or update a will 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.
I’ve 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 basic requirements, I’ve noticed unusual structures, lack of personalisation and inaccurate wording. The quality of the draft wills produced varied, though it was pleasing to note that each platform I tested recommended seeking advice from a legal professional.”
Limacher said that AI “simply cannot” understand the complexities of human relationships, nor can it “offer personalised advice based on a person’s unique circumstances”. She continued:
“As a result, people may unwittingly 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 you based on your unique situation to ensure your wishes are carried out and help minimise inheritance tax where possible.”
2 responses
The wider adoption of Tech and AI has accelerated and improved and will become the norm as the profession develops new and improved service offerings to their clients.
We appreciate the concerns raised by The Association of Lifetime Lawyers regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drafting wills. As STEP-qualified professionals, we fully understand the importance and complexity of creating a will. Human relationships, tax implications, and precise legal wording all demand careful consideration and expert knowledge.
When responsibly applied, technology, including AI, has the potential to make will-writing more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. Our AI platform for digital will creation is designed specifically with the upcoming changes to the Wills Act in mind, ensuring compliance with UK law. Unlike general-purpose AI tools, our technology has been developed and continuously reviewed by qualified legal professionals to ensure accuracy and personalisation in each document.
We support an approach where AI handles initial drafting and routine administrative tasks, complemented by professional oversight from qualified STEP practitioners. This ensures wills are legally robust, reflect the individual’s true wishes, and minimise risks such as disputes or unintended tax implications.