Why Your Final Wishes Deserve More Than Just an Algorithm

9 April, 2026 3 minutes reading time

We live in a time when ‘there’s an AI for that’ has become a reality. From composing emails to generating a week’s worth of recipe ideas, artificial intelligence appears to be a practical solution for many everyday tasks. So, it was only a matter of time before these tools turned to the most dreaded of life’s administrative duties: the Last Will and Testament.

The benefits seem clear. Imagine it’s midnight on a Tuesday, and you suddenly realise you’re not immortal. A friendly chatbot offers to draft a Will for free in less than thirty seconds. This path avoids office visits, awkward savings discussions, or solicitors’ fees. However, while AI excels at predicting words, it cannot replace personalised advice from a qualified legal professional.

Unseen Risks

The greatest danger of modern AI lies in its confidence. It speaks with the assured tone of a High Court judge, even when it is hallucinating facts or confusing the laws of England and Wales with those of California.

Crucially, an algorithm is not a qualified solicitor. A human expert does something a chatbot never can: they listen to what you aren’t saying. When you tell a solicitor you want to leave everything to your children, they might ask about the estranged son you haven’t spoken to in a decade. They will warn you about the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, which allows specific people to challenge a Will if you exclude them.

AI lacks this legal intuition. It won’t flag ambiguous DIY wording, nor does it understand the nuance of blended families. It cannot advise on the shifting sands of Inheritance Tax thresholds. Instead, it simply follows a pattern of words, oblivious to the fact that a misplaced comma can alter the distribution of your estate.

Furthermore, the Wills Act 1837 governs the legal requirements for all Wills made in England and Wales. This Victorian legislation remains surprisingly persistent. Unless you sign and witness your Will in a very specific manner, the document essentially becomes a costly piece of scrap paper. An invalid Will often means your wishes go ignored, or worse, your loved ones face financial hardship or a stressful legal dispute.

The High Cost of “Free”

Using AI to save a few hundred pounds carries a stark irony. If a solicitor makes a mistake, they hold professional indemnity insurance and answer to a regulator (the SRA). You have someone to hold to account. Conversely, if an AI “hallucinates” a clause or relies on outdated law, you have no recourse.

We are already seeing a rise in family disputes over poorly drafted or unclear Wills. These battles drain finances and tear families apart. By the time the mistake surfaces, the testator is gone, and the chatbot has long since been updated. Your grieving family is left to pick up the pieces alone.

Our Advice

Technology is a tool, not a substitute for judgment. AI can help you write a wedding speech or a LinkedIn post, but a Will is the final statement you leave to the world. Your life is unique; your family is more than just data.

When you look to protect your loved ones, don’t rely on a machine that can’t tell the difference between a ‘beneficiary’ and a ‘buffer’. Some things are best done the traditional way—with a human who understands that a Will is more than a document; it’s a promise.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice or information. We’re here to help.

Please note that all views, comments or opinions expressed are for information only and do not constitute and should not be interpreted as being comprehensive or as giving legal advice. No one should seek to rely or act upon, or refrain from acting upon, the views, comments or opinions expressed herein without first obtaining specialist, professional or independent advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Curtis Parkinson cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.

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