Have you embraced AI yet? If so, chances are you’ve used it to simplify your daily life. AI can be a fantastic tool for tasks where the stakes are low—like generating meal plans or crafting workout routines. But when it comes to estate planning, some people see AI as a quick, affordable alternative to traditional legal services.
The appeal of DIY estate planning through AI is understandable, especially if you believe your situation is straightforward. You might also assume that because you don’t have significant wealth, your estate planning needs are simple. These are common misconceptions—and they’re rarely accurate.
The reality is that estate planning isn’t just about filling out documents; it’s a complex process that requires personalization based on your family dynamics, assets, and long-term goals. Unless you’re an expert, you may not fully grasp how your unique circumstances interact with the law—or how to structure your estate plan accordingly. AI simply can’t provide that level of insight. And if you make a mistake, the legal and financial consequences can be severe.
That’s why estate planning requires a human touch—someone who understands you, your family, your assets, and your intentions, and who knows how to align all of these with the law.
Before you trust AI with your estate planning, take a moment to ask yourself these three critical questions. Your answers could determine whether a DIY approach is truly in your best interest—even if you’ve already put a plan in place.
Question No. 1: What (or Who) Matters Most to You?
When planning for what happens if you become incapacitated or after you pass away, the most important question to ask yourself is: What truly matters to me? Is it the wealth you’ve worked so hard to accumulate, or is it the people you love and the relationships you’ve built? For most, the answer is clear—it’s the people.
Now, think about this: When someone close to you dies, what stays with you? While any financial inheritance can help, it’s the memories, the shared experiences, and the impact they had on your life that truly matter. That’s their legacy. Your loved ones will feel the same way about you when you’re gone. So, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Imagine your family dealing with a legal and financial nightmare after your passing—all because your estate plan was incomplete, ineffective, or nonexistent. Are you comfortable with that being part of your legacy? Would it bother you if your loved ones had to take time off work, endure unnecessary stress, or even end up in conflict over your estate?
And what about your assets? Do you care if your estate gets drained by unnecessary taxes? Would it matter to you if your money or property gets lost and ends up with the State’s Department of Unclaimed Property? Or perhaps you have a cause close to your heart, or a loved one who needs financial support—wouldn’t you want to ensure your assets go where they can make a difference?
These are not decisions AI can make for you. A well-crafted Life & Legacy Plan ensures your wishes are carried out the way you intend, providing clarity and security for your loved ones. But before you create a plan, take the time to get clear on what truly matters most to you.
Question No. 2: What’s It Worth?
Once you’ve identified what matters most, the next question is: How much is it worth to you? How important is it to ensure your family stays connected and that relationships aren’t strained by legal complications? How much does it matter that your assets go directly to your loved ones instead of being eaten up by unnecessary taxes? Understanding not just what is important but how important it is will help you determine the level of time, energy, and financial investment you’re willing to make in protecting your legacy.
Many people turn to AI for estate planning because they assume it’s a straightforward process. But estate planning is far more complex than it seems. Even experienced attorneys specializing in this area have to navigate ever-changing laws that differ by state. AI, on the other hand, applies a one-size-fits-all approach—one that doesn’t consider the nuances of your specific situation. If you rely on AI to create your estate plan, you’re leaving a lot to chance.
So, ask yourself: Am I willing to take that risk with the things and people I care about most? There’s no universally right or wrong answer—what matters is that your decision reflects your values and priorities.
Question No. 3: Is AI Actually Cheaper and Easier?
Now for the final question: Does using AI or a DIY legal service actually save you money and effort in the long run? It might seem like a cost-effective solution upfront, but if an error in your estate plan lands your family in court—fighting legal battles, enduring unnecessary stress, and possibly fracturing relationships—was it really worth the initial savings?
Consider the potential consequences:
- Legal Disputes – If your plan is unclear or incomplete, your loved ones could end up in costly and emotionally draining litigation.
- Lost Assets – Without proper planning, some of your estate could be consumed by taxes or even turned over to the government.
- Unintended Outcomes – Your assets might not end up where you intended, or loved ones who need financial support might be left without protection.
When you weigh these risks—financial, emotional, and relational—against the small amount you might save by using AI, the true cost of taking shortcuts becomes clear. Estate planning isn’t just about money; it’s about safeguarding the people you care about and ensuring your legacy is carried out according to your wishes.
Ultimately, the real question isn’t just about saving money—it’s about whether you’re willing to take a chance on something as important as your family’s future.
Even AI Knows Its Limits: Why Estate Planning Requires a Human Expert
You don’t have to take my word for it. I asked ChatGPT (the most popular AI platform) if it was capable of creating an estate plan as well as a lawyer. Here’s what it said:
“No, I wouldn’t be able to create an estate plan for you as well as a lawyer. While I can provide general guidance on estate planning concepts, explain legal terms, and even outline common strategies, I cannot offer legal advice or draft legally binding documents.
If you were to rely on AI (or even a generic online legal service) for your estate plan, you’d be taking a one-size-fits-all approach—one that doesn’t account for the unique details of your family, assets, or long-term goals. Worse, if there’s an error, it may only become apparent after you’re gone, leaving your loved ones to deal with legal battles and financial complications.
So, while I can help you understand the concepts of estate planning and what to discuss with an attorney, a human expert is essential for ensuring your estate plan is legally sound and fully tailored to your needs.”
You and Your Family Deserve More Than a Quick and Cheap Fix
The way to ensure that your plan works when you and your loved ones need it to, and saves you and your family money, is by working with me to create a Life & Legacy Plan. With my Life & Legacy Planning® process, I’ll guide you to get clear on what matters, then together we’ll create a complete plan that honors your wishes and creates a loving legacy at a price that fits your budget. When it comes to something as important as your estate plan, it’s worth taking the time to do it right. Your legacy deserves more than a quick fix—it deserves the thoughtful attention of someone who understands your unique situation and can help you navigate the complexities of the law to achieve your goals.
As a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm, we understand that estate planning isn’t just about the documents you sign or the money you leave behind. It’s about ensuring that the people and things that matter most to you are protected and honored in the way you intend. Once you’ve created your plan, you can rest easy knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your legacy preserved.
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This article is a service of SG Law PLC, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session™.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firm leaders, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.