.jpg){kind=small}
One of the most significant legal duties you will ever perform is writing a will. This document makes sure your assets are shared in line with your wishes, takes care of your loved ones, and can even help avoid disagreements among family members after you’re no longer here. However, a lot of people are asking, can you write your will with ChatGPT or any AI chatbot in today's tech-driven, fast-paced environment?
Well, to put it simply... I do not think so. AI tools like ChatGPT are pretty amazing and can help with a lot of things, but depending on them to write your will might not be the safest choice. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens and chat about the possible downsides of using AI for something as important as a legal document.
What Is ChatGPT, and How Does It Work?
ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is a really impressive language model that has learnt from a huge collection of text data. It can come up with responses that feel quite natural, help answer your questions, and even lend a hand with creative writing or coding tasks. It’s great at mimicking natural language, which makes it super useful for brainstorming, draughting emails, or exploring all sorts of topics. That said, when it comes to legal stuff like draughting a will, ChatGPT has some pretty big limitations.
Why ChatGPT Isn’t the Right Tool for Writing Your Will
Lack of Legal Expertise. ChatGPT is not a professional and does not have any legal training. Even though it can gather information from what it has learnt, it does not really "get" the law in a true sense. Legal systems can be pretty intricate and differ quite a bit depending on where you are. What works in one state or country might not really apply in another. ChatGPT might miss some of those important details, which could result in a will that isn’t quite right, or even worse, not valid at all.
Outdated or Incomplete Information. ChatGPT’s knowledge is based on data available up to its last training cut-off (October 2023, as of this writing). Laws change, and what was accurate a year ago might no longer apply today. If you rely on ChatGPT for legal advice, you could end up with a will that doesn’t comply with current laws, putting your estate at risk.
No personalisation or human judgement. Writing a will involves more than just completing the blanks on a template. It’s a deeply personal process that requires careful consideration of your unique circumstances, relationships, and wishes. ChatGPT can’t sit down with you, ask probing questions, or understand the emotional nuances of your situation. For instance:
Do you have a blended family with stepchildren?
Are you concerned about a specific heir contesting your will?
Do you need to set up a trust for a minor or a beneficiary with special needs?
These are complex issues that require human expertise and judgement. ChatGPT might generate a generic will, but it won’t tailor the document to your specific needs.
Risk of Errors and Ambiguities. Even small mistakes in a will can lead to big problems. Ambiguous language, unclear instructions, or missing clauses can result in disputes among your heirs—or worse, render your will invalid. While ChatGPT is good at generating text, it doesn’t have the critical thinking skills to spot potential errors or inconsistencies. On the other hand, a human can meticulously review your will to guarantee its clarity, accuracy, and legal soundness.
No Accountability or Support. If something goes wrong with your will—say, a family member challenges it in court—ChatGPT can’t defend your wishes or provide legal support. A lawyer, however, can help you draft a will that’s less likely to be contested and can represent your estate if disputes arise. When you use an AI tool, you’re essentially on your own.
When Might ChatGPT Be Helpful? While ChatGPT isn’t suitable for writing your will, it can still play a role in the estate planning process. For example:
Brainstorming Ideas: Use ChatGPT to generate a list of assets you might want to include in your will or to think about who your beneficiaries could be.
Learning the Basics: ChatGPT can provide a general overview of what a will is, why it’s important, and what it typically includes.
Preparing for a professional appointment: You can use ChatGPT to draft questions or topics to discuss with an estate planning attorney.
However, always remember that ChatGPT’s output should be treated as a starting point, not a final product.
What Should You Do Instead?
If you’re serious about creating a will, here’s what you should do:
Consult a Professional: Hire an estate planning solicitor or a qualified will writer. They’ll ensure your will complies with local laws, reflects your wishes, and covers all the necessary bases.
Use Online Services (With Caution): If hiring a professional isn’t feasible, consider using a reputable online will-writing service. These platforms often provide templates and guidance tailored to your jurisdiction. However, even these services have limitations, so it’s best to consult a lawyer if your situation is complex.
Review and Update Regularly: Life changes—marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and financial shifts—can all impact your will. Make sure to review and update it periodically to reflect your current circumstances.
While ChatGPT is a fascinating tool with many practical applications, writing your will isn’t one of them. Estate planning is too important to entrust to chance or a machine. By working with a qualified professional, you can ensure your will is legally valid, personalised, and capable of standing up to any challenges.
Your will is your final gift to your loved ones. Don’t cut corners. Invest the time and resources to get it right, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honoured.
If you’re looking to write your will or lasting power of attorney, book an appointment with Joshua Young. I am A Will writer covering Farnborough, Basingstoke, Camberley, Aldershot, and the surrounding areas.
Comments