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What can go wrong with a DIY or AI-generated Will?
Common issues encountered include:
- the Will is not signed or witnessed correctly
- wording is unclear or creates confusion
- important assets are missed or described incorrectly
- executors are not properly appointed
- no Guardians are named for children under 18
- unmarried partners or stepchildren or blended families are not dealt with properly
- tax, trusts, pensions, business interests or property ownership issues are overlooked
- later life changes, such as marriage, divorce or new children, are not reflected
- the Will is based on the wrong law or generic wording
- the Will is easier for someone to challenge after death
A DIY or AI-generated Will may look professional, but if it has not been signed correctly, uses unclear wording or fails to deal with the estate properly, the consequences may only become clear after the person has died.
Even a small mistake can cause significant problems, and a Will that seemed cheaper at the time can end up costing more if it leads to delay, uncertainty or disagreement after death.
A Will does not always need to be complicated, but it does need to be legally valid, clearly drafted and suitable for a person’s circumstances. Where mistakes are made, loved ones may be left trying to work out what the person intended in their Will at a time when they are already dealing with grief and practical responsibilities following death.
Why do people use DIY and AI Wills?
Many people are drawn to DIY Wills because they seem simple, affordable and convenient. The increasing use of AI tools has added another option, with people now able to ask platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot to draft legal wording in seconds.
AI can be useful for general information, however, a Will is a legal document that must reflect the law in England and Wales, the person’s family circumstances, their assets and any risks that may need to be addressed.
The Law Society has warned that AI-generated text can be fluent yet false, and that general-purpose AI tools are not limited to verified legal sources. It also insists that AI outputs should undergo proper human review, scrutiny and professional judgement when used in legal work.
For someone making a Will without legal advice, the difficulty is that they may not know whether the AI output is legally accurate, complete or appropriate for their situation – ‘they don’t know what they don’t know.’
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How can Will mistakes lead to inheritance disputes?
Problems with a Will can lead to arguments about whether the document is valid, what particular wording means, who should inherit, whether the person had capacity, or whether someone has been left without reasonable financial provision.
These disputes can become Contentious Probate matters, the area of law that deals with disputes relating to a Will, an estate, or the way an estate is being administered. Although some cases can be resolved through correspondence, negotiation or mediation, others may involve Court proceedings. This can be costly for families, and legal fees, delay, uncertainty and damaged relationships can all follow from a Will that was unclear, incomplete or not properly prepared.
Recent reports suggest that inheritance disputes are on the rise. The Financial Times reported that more than 1,200 probate lawsuits were filed at the High Court in 2025, a 13 per cent increase on the previous year. The report linked the rise to factors such as rising asset values, complex family structures, second marriages, stepchildren and informal arrangements.
Other reports have also highlighted problems with Wills made during the pandemic, including cases where questions about signing and witnessing led to legal challenge. MoneyWeek reported that a COVID-era Will was ruled invalid because the signature was not properly witnessed. These examples show why the apparent saving of a DIY Will can be outweighed by the cost and delays of putting things right later.
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When should you take advice before making a Will?
It is sensible to take legal advice if:
- you own a property
- you have children under 18
- you are unmarried but have a partner
- you have been married, divorced or remarried
- you have children from different relationships
- you want to provide for stepchildren
- you have savings, investments, pensions or business interests
- someone in your family may be vulnerable
- there could be disagreement about your estate
- you want to leave someone out of your Will
- you are unsure how your estate would be divided without a valid Will
This does not mean every Will needs to be complex, but it does mean the Will should be properly prepared for your particular circumstances, family and assets.
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Why regulated legal advice matters
Large parts of the Will writing industry are unregulated. Some Will writers may have no formal legal qualifications, no professional regulation and no protection in place for clients if something goes wrong.
Using a regulated law firm means your Will is prepared by qualified legal professionals, with advice tailored to your circumstances. TLW Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, carries professional indemnity insurance and follows strict professional standards.
A Will is not just a form: it is a formal legal document that may need to do its job many years in the future, when the person who made it is no longer here to explain what they meant.
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TLW Solicitors’ comment
“DIY and AI-generated Wills can seem attractive because they look simple and inexpensive, but the real test of a Will comes later, when the person who made it is no longer here to explain what they wanted.
Problems with signing, witnessing, wording, missing beneficiaries, or unclear gifts can be very difficult to resolve. In some cases, the estate may not pass as the person expected, or family members may need legal advice to work out what the Will means.
A properly prepared Will gives family members clearer instructions, helps executors understand what they need to do next, and means loved ones are less likely to face delays and disputes.”
How TLW Solicitors can help
TLW Solicitors provides straightforward, solicitor-led advice on Wills, Trusts and future planning for families.
If you want to make or review your Will, protect loved ones and put proper arrangements in place for your family, we can guide you through the process with clear, practical advice. If a disagreement has already arisen about a Will, estate or inheritance, our Contentious Probate team can also advise on possible next steps.
