I asked AI to write my Will

Why DIY Wills (with a little help from the internet) can go very wrong 

Let’s be honest, we’ve all done it. 

Need a dinner recipe? Ask Google. Struggling with a tricky email? Ask AI. Can’t remember how to descale the kettle? You guessed it… ask the internet. 

So when it comes to writing your Will, it’s tempting to think: “How hard can it be?” Especially when AI tools and online templates promise a quick, free solution in minutes. 

But here’s the reality: A Will is not a lasagne recipe. 

The rise of the “DIY Will” 

We’re seeing more and more people arrive at our offices with Wills that have been: 

• copied from the internet 

• generated by AI 

• written using generic templates 

• or, occasionally, typed up at 11pm after a glass of wine and a moment of inspiration 

And while we admire the initiative… these documents often come with serious problems. 

The problem with AI and online templates 

AI can be incredibly helpful, we use it too! It’s brilliant for: 

• summarising information 

• drafting simple wording 

• speeding up admin 

But it has one big limitation, it doesn’t actually understand your personal circumstances. It works by predicting wording, not giving tailored advice. And that’s where things can go wrong. 

Why Wills need more than “best guesses” 

Every Will we draft involves real legal judgement. For example: 

• Who should inherit and when? 

• What if a beneficiary dies before you? 

• What if there’s a second marriage or stepchildren? 

• Should assets go into trust? 

• Are there tax implications? 

AI (and templates) can’t properly weigh these factors, and sometimes they confidently produce answers that are simply wrong or incomplete. Even in the wider legal profession, there’s growing awareness that AI can produce convincing but inaccurate information if not checked carefully. 

A classic example 

Let’s say you want to “Leave my house to my children, but allow my partner to live there for life.” A simple, sensible wish… on the surface. But without careful drafting, you might accidentally cause disputes between your partner and children and trigger avoidable tax consequences It’s a bit like assembling flat-pack furniture without the instructions, you might get there… but something important is probably missing. 

And then there’s the legal formalities 

Even the most beautifully written Will is invalid if: 

• it isn’t signed correctly 

• witnesses are wrong 

• beneficiaries have signed 

• or the wording is unclear 

Unfortunately, we do see this happen and the consequences can be devastating. 

So… should you avoid AI altogether? 

Not at all. AI is a brilliant tool but it works best as a starting point, not the finished product 

Think of it like asking a friend for general advice. Helpful? Yes. Something you’d rely on for a legally binding document? Probably not. 

Why professional advice still matters 

A properly drafted Will gives you: 

• clarity - your wishes are properly documented 

• protection - for your family and assets 

• flexibility - to deal with real-life scenarios 

• peace of mind - that it will actually work 

And importantly, your solicitor is accountable for the advice given whereas AI isn’t. 

The bottom line 

A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign.