AI is the future, but can it be used to do your Will?
With the rise in artificial intelligence, we must ask ourselves if we can entrust legal matters to AI. As a solicitor specialising in Wills, my advice would be to be very wary in using AI to help with legal affairs. You may disagree as AI is so cheap and so efficient but read on to make sure you are aware of the pitfalls.
Firstly, why do we actually need a Will? The answer is control. If you do have a Will then you can decide where your money and possessions pass when you die. You can appoint people to look after your affairs, known as your Executors, and you can even set out your funeral wishes. A Will is a complex document and requires a lot of thought.
The question is then, can AI write a Will bearing in mind how important a document it is? And how is it done?
AI will ask the potential client a series of around 15-25 generic “one size fits all” questions which will then enable AI to draft a Will based on the answers. The problem with this is that there is no one size fits all with a Will! We humans have many different and complex family situations which require empathy and understanding. Furthermore, a human can understand nuance and subtlety where AI cannot. The result of this is that often, a standard Will may be drafted using AI where the client requires something far more complex.
Other problems with AI include a lack of knowledge on tax planning and care home fees. AI may not be aware of the legal aspects required to make a Will valid and the cost of putting these things right could end up being enormous. AI cannot be held liable for such mistakes so there is no recourse if something goes wrong.
Finally, we should all be cautious about AI having our personal information. Can the platform you use to have your Will drafted guarantee absolute security and privacy of your personal data?
In short, AI cannot understand the complexity of a human’s personal affairs and family situation. Whilst if it cheap to use, quick and accurate in the document production, there is no recourse if something goes wrong and to rectify a situation could cost a huge amount of money.
Whilst it may sting to pay a lawyer to create your Will, you are safe in the knowledge that your wishes will be honoured and the Will is legally binding. Given the importance of a Will, it is surely something worth paying for.
For advice on Wills, Probate or any other Private Client matter, please contact Florence Goodwin at Florence.Goodwin@smesolicitors.co.uk or call us on 01905 723561.
Added: 18 Jul 2024 08:52
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