With the increased coverage of artificial intelligence (AI) and all the applications it can have in our everyday lives, some people may wonder whether an AI program can create an estate plan for them. While AI may be able to generate basic estate planning documents, including wills and trusts, there is no guarantee that they will be valid and enforceable.
AI & Estate Planning
Providing accurate information and executing the documents in compliance with your state’s laws is critical. Otherwise, your documents will not work as intended. Most people do not have the legal knowledge necessary to determine what clauses and language should be included in a will or trust to accomplish estate planning goals. They also are not familiar with state laws or how to comply with them. This is why people rely on experienced attorneys to prepare the necessary documents to carry out their wishes.
State Law & Artificial Intelligence
Some state laws are complex and hard to understand, and you may not know enough specifics to offer the correct information about your situation or verify that AI has properly generated or created your will or trust. Additionally, your final documents may contain wording, formatting, and grammatical errors that make them unenforceable.
To review them carefully, know what to look for. This often requires that you possess a certain level of legal education and knowledge. The AI program does not understand your situation and will not help you solve a complex legal issue unless you can provide additional information. Even then, you should be cautious and ask yourself the following questions:
How well do I understand my options for protecting my money, property, family, or business if I have a medical emergency and after death?
Do I have a complex financial situation with large amounts of property, income, or debt?
Is my family structure complicated (family dynamics leading to questions about property or disinheritance)?
Am I undecided about my wishes (how to divide my money and property or what to include in an advance directive)?
Ease and Convenience of AI Versus Legal Expertise
Online estate planning programs that use artificial intelligence are designed to streamline or automate the process, making it more accessible and cost-effective for those on a tight budget. While they may provide convenience and accessibility, they provide limited guidance, and they do not offer the same level of customization, legal expertise, and personalization that an experienced estate planning attorney can provide.
Errors That Make Online Documents Unenforceable
Estate planning attorneys help you avoid the following common mistakes in online documents that could make them unenforceable, require a court to interpret them, or lead to fighting among your loved ones:
Ambiguity in 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
Conflicting instructions.
There are many considerations and potential scenarios that should be included in your estate plan. Online legal programs cannot adequately address unique situations or additional estate planning details, exposing you to unnecessary risks. Experienced estate planning attorneys play a vital role in designing and reviewing state-specific forms that address your family’s needs as well as ensuring that your wishes are met while preventing disputes in the estate administration process.
About Skvarna Law Firm in Glendora and Upland, California
Let a skilled attorney assist with your estate plan. So, contact us today to learn about your options (909) 608-7671. We operate offices in Glendora and Upland, California. Therefore, we provide legal services for individuals living in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties. This includes the cities of Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Colton, Rialto, Chino, Chino Hills, Glendora, Claremont, Montclair, Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas, Azusa, Covina, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Corona, Norco & Mira Loma. Visit SkvarnaLaw.com to learn more.
