Can AI Write Your Will? Why a Solicitor Still Matters in Will-Writing

In an increasingly digital world, clients have more access to information than ever before.

2026 research from STEP revealed that 72% of UK adults in their early 30s would consider using AI to write a will. The same body found that 15% of practitioners have seen errors due to AI, and 7% have seen wills invalidated by the reliance on AI to draft a will.

The result? A growing risk that a document which appears professionally drafted may, in reality, fail to carry out your wishes, or may not be a legally valid document. In this case, rules of intestacy take effect and you have no control over the disposition of your estate.

Tools such as artificial intelligence platforms can offer general guidance, but when it comes to complex legal matters, particularly personal matters such as wills, trusts and later life planning, there is no substitute for a qualified, regulated professional.

Is a will written by AI legal in the UK?

In the UK, a will is only valid if it meets strict legal requirements under the Wills Act 1837,  including being correctly signed and witnessed.

While AI can generate template wording, it cannot ensure compliance in practice that the will has been properly executed. AI can also not guarantee that:

• Your will complies with current legal requirements
• It reflects your specific circumstances
• It will withstand legal challenge after your death

Even small errors in wording or execution can render a will invalid or create disputes between beneficiaries.

The risks of using AI to write a will

1.      Lack of personalisation

No two clients are the same. To provide effective estate planning advice, a lawyer must take time to understand:

• Personal circumstances, including the nature and value of a client’s assets
• How those assets are owned
• The family dynamics involved.

This ensures advice is genuinely tailored to a client’s objectives and long-term needs.

2.      Errors and unintended consequences

Estate planning often involves nuanced legal and tax considerations. Without tailored advice, there is a real risk of:

• Assets passing in an unintended way or to the wrong person entirely
• Increased inheritance tax liability
• Ambiguity over who inherits what and disputes between family members

3.      No accountability or regulation

AI platforms:

• Are not regulated
• Cannot be held accountable if something should go wrong
• Owe no legal duty to you

This is where a solicitor surpasses an AI platform every time.

4.      Confidentiality and data risks

Sharing your personal financial data exposes you to serious breaches. As AI tools use your data inputs to train their model, unless you opt-out or use an enterprise-grade service, sharing the likes of national insurance numbers, tax documents and passwords can be very dangerous.

Indeed, a Google AI security expert recently warned against sharing personal information, comparing inputting this data into AI tools to “a public postcard”.

What AI tools cannot do

While AI tools can summarise general principles, they cannot:

• Assess risk in context
• Identify unintended legal or tax consequences
• Advise on complex structures such as trusts
• Provide bespoke legal strategies based on individual circumstances

Perhaps most crucially, who is to be accountable for advice provided? AI cannot take responsibility here.

There is also a practical risk in relying on AI to assist with legal matters. Content generated by automated tools may not be protected by legal privilege or confidentiality, and sensitive personal information could become exposed or misused.

Why using a solicitor offers better protection

The importance of regulation and accountability

Professional accountability is another crucial consideration. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and must comply with formal codes of conduct, act with integrity, hold professional indemnity insurance and always act in their client’s best interests. These safeguards cannot be replicated by automated tools.

Specialist accreditations that matter

At Napthens, our lawyers are members of recognised professional bodies focused on wills, trusts and later life advice such as:

• The Association of Lifetime Lawyers
• STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)

Our department also holds a Law Society quality accreditation for wills and inheritance tax work (WIQS). These accreditations are not honorary. They require ongoing training, assessment and strict adherence to professional standards.

Membership of specialist organisations demonstrates advanced technical knowledge and a commitment to best practice, particularly when advising older or vulnerable clients. Lawyers must keep their expertise up to date in an area of law that continues to evolve, often with significant tax and financial implications.

A will leaves a lasting legacy

A will is one of the most personal and important documents a person will ever complete. It represents a lasting legacy for family and loved ones, and errors can have serious, sometimes devastating, consequences.

While technology has an important role to play, it should support rather than replace personal, professional legal advice. Specialist lawyers bring not only technical expertise and regulatory protection, but also human understanding, empathy and judgement, qualities that remain essential in an AI-driven world.

Speak to a specialist wills solicitor

Napthens’ wills, trusts and probate team is on hand to advice you on your unique requirements. Get in touch today to speak with an expert.