- Poll of 1,500 adults.
- Half of Illinoisans say they would use AI to write their wills.
- Anthony Martin available for interviews.
As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly embedded in everyday life, more Americans are turning to AI for tasks that were once considered too important to automate – including writing their wills. While the appeal is obvious, experts are now warning that the trend could leave families exposed to serious legal and financial consequences.
According to new survey data commissioned by Choice Mutual, a life insurance agency that specializes in final expense insurance, nearly half (42%) of Illinoisans say they would consider using AI to write their will, citing convenience, speed, and cost savings as the main motivations. But experts caution that what looks like a shortcut today could turn into a costly mistake tomorrow.
“Wills are not just documents – they are legal instruments that have to meet very specific state requirements,” says Anthony Martin, founder of Choice Mutual. “AI can generate language, but it can’t guarantee that a will is valid, enforceable, or aligned with the realities of someone’s family situation.”
The Hidden Risks of AI-Generated Wills
AI platforms can produce polished-sounding documents in seconds, but estate law varies significantly from state to state. Requirements around witnesses, notarization, wording, and execution are precise – and even small errors can invalidate a will entirely.
“One of the biggest dangers is false confidence,” Martin explains. “People assume that because a document looks professional, it must be legally sound. Unfortunately, many of the most serious problems only surface after someone passes away, when it’s too late to correct them.”
Common risks associated with AI-written wills include:
- Invalid execution, such as missing witness signatures or improper formatting.
- Ambiguous language that creates room for disputes between heirs.
- Failure to account for state-specific inheritance laws.
- Overlooking complex family dynamics, including blended families or dependents with special needs.
In worst-case scenarios, an invalid or unclear will can push estates into probate court, delaying distributions and significantly increasing legal costs for surviving family members.
Survey Shows Growing Reliance on AI
Choice Mutual’s survey of 1,500 adults highlights how quickly attitudes toward AI in legal planning are shifting, suggesting a common belief it would be “good enough” for straightforward estates.
That perception concerns Martin.
“Even so-called ‘simple’ estates often aren’t simple at all,” he says. “Life insurance beneficiaries, digital assets, stepchildren, shared property, and debts all introduce complexity that generic AI tools aren’t designed to handle.”
The survey suggests that many Illinoisans may be underestimating the long-term consequences of errors in estate planning – especially when those errors are only discovered during moments of grief and emotional stress.
Why Mistakes Are Often Discovered Too Late
Unlike many financial or legal decisions, wills rarely get tested until the original author is no longer alive. This creates a unique risk profile, where mistakes can’t be clarified or corrected.
“When a will fails, families are left trying to interpret intentions without guidance,” Martin says. “That’s when disagreements arise, relationships fracture, and assets end up consumed by legal fees instead of going to loved ones.”
In some cases, courts may default to state intestacy laws, distributing assets in ways that directly contradict what the deceased intended.
Advice for Consumers Considering AI Tools
Martin is not urging Americans to avoid technology altogether – but he stresses the importance of understanding its limitations.
“AI can be a helpful starting point for learning or organizing your thoughts,” he says. “But it shouldn’t replace professional review when it comes to estate planning.”
He recommends that anyone considering an AI-generated will:
- Treat AI output as a draft, not a final document.
- Verify state-specific legal requirements.
- Have documents reviewed by a qualified estate planning attorney.
- Revisit and update wills regularly as life circumstances change.
A Cautionary Moment for Estate Planning
As AI tools continue to evolve, experts say consumers must remain cautious about where automation ends and accountability begins.
“The cost savings people expect from AI can disappear instantly if a will fails,” Martin concludes. “Estate planning is about protecting the people you love. That’s not something you want resting on untested assumptions or automated guesswork.”
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