With the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence and its numerous applications in our daily lives, many people may wonder whether an AI program can create an estate plan for them. While AI has the capability to generate basic estate planning documents like wills and trusts, there is no guarantee that these documents will be enough or legally valid.
Most individuals lack the legal knowledge necessary to determine what clauses and language should be included in a will or trust to achieve estate planning goals. They are also not familiar with state laws or how to comply with them.
If you are unsure about which estate planning strategies to implement for your unique situation, how can you be certain that the software is creating the appropriate documents for your needs?
Legal professionals possess the necessary expertise and training to address your concerns and implement an adequate estate plan to legally carry out your wishes. Creating a basic online will may be sufficient for some people, but having an experienced lawyer can be invaluable in situations involving blended families, special needs planning, estate tax planning, business succession, multistate or international property, and asset protection. They offer personalized advice, ensuring your estate plan aligns with your unique circumstances and goals.
Even if you are still considering using an online tool to draft your documents, you also need to keep in mind that they may contain common mistakes, such as ambiguous wording, improper use of legal terms, incorrect names or identities, inconsistent terminology, improper witnessing and notarization, lack of clarity in distribution, failure to address contingencies, inadequate powers of attorney, and conflicting instructions. These mistakes can cause confusion, make your estate plan documents not count, and bring extra costs to fix them.
While AI-powered online estate planning programs offer convenience, accessibility, and affordability, they lack the guidance, customization, legal expertise, and personalization experienced estate planning attorneys provide.
Experienced estate planning attorneys play a vital role in designing and reviewing your family’s needs and ensuring that your wishes are met while preventing disputes in the estate administration process. If you are ready to work with one now, schedule a Legacy Session here.