Warrington solicitor warns UK residents that AI is no shortcut for will writing

A Cheshire-based wills and probate solicitor is urging UK adults not to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create wills, warning that mistakes or inaccuracies could leave loved ones facing unnecessary stress, costs, and complications.

The cautionary advice comes after research from the Association of Lifetime Lawyers found nearly 75 per cent of UK adults aged 30 to 34 would consider using the technology to write or amend their wills.

The study also spotlighted that only 52 per cent of wills are currently drafted by a qualified solicitor, with further data from IRN Legal Reports showcasing an upward trajectory in the number of people creating their own wills.

Jennifer Stewart, member of Watsons Solicitors’ Wills and Probate Department, believes the figures reflect a potentially dangerous trend, one that could impact individuals and families at an already difficult time.

She said: “Using AI tools like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini may seem like a quick fix for creating or managing legal documents. In reality, these AI tools present a serious risk by potentially generating documents which are invalid or do not properly reflect the individual’s wishes and intentions.

“Unlike qualified solicitors, who have real life experience in their chosen areas of legal practise, AI tools rely on existing information which may not be accurate, can sometimes confuse legal terminology, or generate inaccurate information. This could result in wording that is unsuitable for an individual’s circumstances or, in some cases, create problems with the validity or effectiveness of a will.

“It’s also important to keep in mind that AI tools do not know how to ask follow up questions to understand your unique situation and as a result often generate documents that will not work well for you, or which will not work at all.”

Other issues arising from AI usage include who is responsible if errors occur, what could happen if someone’s account is hacked and documents are altered, as well as concerns regarding the loss of confidentiality of information being submitted online.

Jennifer added: “If, as an executor or a beneficiary, you were to discover that a will prepared by an AI tool was not valid or did not properly reflect the wishes of the person making the will, it would be an awful situation to find yourself in, so I always recommend consulting an expert for advice.

“At Watsons, our solicitors specialise in their chosen areas of the law, are regulated and carry professional indemnity insurance, meaning our clients can have peace of mind as well as clear and correct advice.”

To speak to someone at Watsons Solicitors, please contact enquiries@watsonssolicitors.com or call 01925 571 212.

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors holds various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.