Before you read on, a quick heads-up: there’s a twist at the end of this article. It’s worth sticking around for.

In recent years, artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool in many areas of life, from writing emails to generating recipes. Unsurprisingly, some clients have begun to wonder whether AI can help them draft legal documents, including their wills. It’s a fair question, and one that deserves a thoughtful, balanced answer.

The appeal of AI

AI tools are fast, accessible, and often free or low-cost. For clients who want to write a simple will or a letter of wishes, the idea of using AI can be tempting. These tools can produce documents that look professional and are written in clear, confident language. For many, it feels like a modern solution to an age-old task.

The risks you might not see

But there are important caveats. AI is not a solicitor. It doesn’t understand your personal circumstances, your family dynamics, or the nuances of UK inheritance law. It can’t ask follow-up questions or spot potential red flags. It won’t know if your instructions contradict existing legal arrangements, or if your estate might be subject to inheritance tax complications.

Even more critically, a will that is not properly drafted or executed can be invalid. That could mean your wishes aren’t followed, or worse, that your loved ones are left with a costly and stressful legal dispute.

The middle ground

That said, AI can have a place in the process. Some clients use it to draft a letter of wishes to accompany their will—something informal and non-binding, but still meaningful. Others use it to clarify their thoughts before meeting with a solicitor. In these cases, AI can be a helpful starting point, but not the final word.

So, what’s the verdict?

AI is a tool. Like any tool, it can be useful in the right hands and risky in the wrong ones. When it comes to something as important as your will, it’s worth investing in professional advice. A solicitor doesn’t just write down your wishes—they help you understand the legal implications, avoid pitfalls, and ensure your legacy is protected.

And now, that twist…

Remember the warning at the beginning?

This entire article was written using AI.

If you found it clear, helpful, and well-structured, that’s great—but it was written without knowing anything about your personal situation, your assets, or your family. It didn’t ask you any questions. It didn’t check the law. It just wrote.

When it comes to your will, don’t leave it to chance. Use the tools available—but always speak to a qualified professional.

Disclaimer: The wording of this article was entirely generated by Microsoft Copilot (https://copilot.cloud.microsoft/?internalredirect=M365Cloud) on 13 June 2025. The author simply removed the words “A Solicitor’s Perspective” from the title of the response and added this disclaimer, and that is the above article.