WHY ONE ESTATE PLANNER IS PUSHING BACK AGAINST AI-GENERATED WILLS
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in everyday financial decision-making, estate planning is emerging as a new frontier — and a controversial one. Steve Bish, an estate planner based in Hertfordshire, is warning that growing reliance on AI-generated wills risks leaving families exposed to legal disputes, invalid documents and unintended consequences.
Bish, who runs S Bish Estate Planning, has an unusual route into the profession. In 2001, one of his closest friends, Carl, was killed in a scooter accident without having made a will. Bish helped Carl’s widow navigate the estate — an experience that prompted him to leave his role as managing director and founder of a traditional timber window business and retrain in estate planning.
Nearly 25 years later, Bish’s career change forms the basis of his new book, Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way, which examines how people approach end-of-life planning and why professional advice remains critical — particularly as digital tools gain traction.
His concerns have been sharpened by recent research showing a growing appetite for automation. A survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers found that 72 per cent of UK adults aged between 30 and 34 would consider using AI to update their will. The same research showed that only 52 per cent of wills in the UK are currently drafted by a solicitor.
Writing in his book, Bish said: “A recent study that caught my eye showed how rising numbers of people are turning to automated intelligence (AI) to generate and write a will. Research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers found 72% of UK adults aged between 30 and 34 would consider using AI to update their will. It also revealed how only half (52%) of wills in the UK have been drafted by a solicitor.”
While acknowledging the broader benefits of automation, Bish argues that estate planning is poorly suited to standardised digital solutions. “AI is improving many areas of our lives, but will writing isn’t one that this extends to. The problem with AI is that the underlying code will likely be based on a limited number of basic questions,” he said.
By contrast, he added, experienced practitioners often probe far deeper. “An experienced lawyer or specialist in estate planning may ask hundreds of questions, depending on the size of the estate. These will be specifically tailored to the client, taking into account their wishes and include a careful consideration of how assets are to be shared.”
The danger, according to Bish, lies in oversimplification. “A one size fits all approach – which AI delivers – is likely to lead to loopholes and grey areas that could be contested in court with potentially ruinous costs for all involved. So, don’t put your life in the hands of a robot.”
Beyond interpretation and intent, there are also legal risks. “There are also concerns that AI-generated wills might not meet the UK’s legal requirements and, if one is deemed to be invalid, it could be contested after your death,” Bish said. “The risk is that it could spark costly family in-fighting and, at the end of the day, your final wishes may not be carried out.”
Bish also cautions against treating a will as a static document. “Writing a will should also not be seen as a one-off event. It should be reviewed every five years or after major life events, such as a divorce or the loss of an executor.”
As AI tools become more accessible and trusted by younger consumers, Bish’s warning highlights a growing tension between convenience and complexity — and raises broader questions about how far automation should be allowed to shape legally binding personal decisions.
