Artificial intelligence has quickly become a valuable tool in many areas of life, including the legal world. For individuals beginning to think about their estate plans, AI can offer a helpful starting point. It can generate ideas, suggest common estate planning strategies and even create draft documents.
With that said, while AI may be useful for brainstorming, it should never replace the guidance of an experienced estate planning attorney when it comes to finalizing your estate plan.
Not losing the forest for the trees
AI tools can be particularly helpful in the early stages of the planning process. For example, they can walk you through basic questions: Do you need a will or a trust? Who might serve as a guardian for your children? What assets should be included in your estate plan? AI platforms can also explain different legal terms and help organize your thoughts. This can be a time-saver and provide clarity before meeting with a professional.
Despite these benefits, AI has significant limitations when applied to something as personal and nuanced as estate planning. One major issue is that AI cannot tailor your estate plan to your specific circumstances. AI lacks the ability to fully understand complex concerns and relationships or anticipate the legal and emotional consequences of different decisions.
Another risk involves legal compliance. Estate laws vary significantly by state and are subject to change. An AI-generated will or trust may not reflect a specific state’s legal requirements, which could render the documents generated by a particular platform invalid. Mistakes like improper witness signatures, unclear language or outdated tax strategies can lead to costly litigation or unintended distributions.
Moreover, AI cannot provide personalized advice on sensitive issues like disinheriting a family member, creating trusts to protect vulnerable heirs or navigating blended family situations. These matters often require judgment, experience and empathy—qualities that AI simply does not possess.
An experienced estate planning attorney, such as Michelle E. Smith, Esq. at Piro Zinna Cifelli Paris & Genitempo, LLC, can do more than draft documents. They can help you think through the “what ifs,” guide your decisions with legal insight and work to ensure that your wishes are documented clearly and legally. In short, AI can assist you in gathering ideas and organizing basic information, but it should never take the place of professional legal counsel.
