Why AI can’t write your Will in Jersey: the case for human expertise
Would you trust artificial intelligence to write your Will? According to a recent article by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (March 28, 2024), 72% of adults in their early 30s would. The appeal is understandable: AI promises convenience, speed, and low costs, especially attractive to younger, digital-native generations.
But when it comes to your legacy, taking shortcuts could come at a high cost.
Jersey law isn’t like anywhere else
AI tools offering “instant Wills” are often trained on legal systems from the UK, USA or other jurisdictions. Jersey law is different and ignoring those differences could invalidate your Will altogether.
In Jersey, the law treats movable and immovable property differently. Your family home, for instance, must be handled separately from your bank accounts or shares. A generic AI tool is unlikely to make this distinction, potentially leading to incomplete or incorrect instructions in your Will.
Mistakes could mean intestacy
Wills that don’t comply with Jersey law may be declared invalid. In such cases, your estate may fall into intestacy, meaning your assets are distributed according to rigid statutory rules, not according to your wishes.
This is not just a theoretical risk. At Parslows we have seen first-hand how small errors, like missing a survivorship clause, not obtaining the appropriate witnesses or failing to revoke an earlier Will, can cause complications during probate.
AI doesn’t understand family dynamics
Wills are about more than just property. They reflect your values, your relationships, and your intentions. Whether you’re providing for a blended family, appointing guardians for your children, or protecting a vulnerable relative, these are deeply personal decisions.
AI cannot offer empathetic, tailored advice. It cannot sense tension between family members, navigate sensitive situations, or help you plan for future disputes. A qualified Jersey lawyer can.
Jersey law keeps changing— AI doesn’t always keep up
Take, for example, the Capacity and Self-Determination (Jersey) Law 2016. It changed the way mental capacity is assessed in estate planning. These assessments require professional judgment, not algorithms trained on foreign or outdated law.
AI also doesn’t proactively update its advice in light of new legislation, case law, or policy changes. In contrast, a qualified Advocate stays current and can adapt your Will or Wills accordingly.
The Probate Registry is watching closely
In Jersey, all movable Wills go through the Probate Registry, which applies rigorous checks. Documents that are poorly drafted or incorrectly executed often lead to delays, rejections, and legal challenges, especially if prepared without legal guidance.
This can create unnecessary distress and expense for families, at a time when they should be focusing on mourning and healing.
The bottom line: AI can’t replace human judgment
AI is a powerful tool, but it is not a lawyer. And when it comes to safeguarding your estate, there’s no substitute for experience, legal knowledge, and most of all, human understanding.
At Parslows, we believe in the value of clear, personalised, and legally robust estate planning. Don’t leave your legacy to chance, or to code.
Natalie Jenner – Managing Partner I Wills and Estate Planning
Contact Parslows LLP today. Tel: 630530, or explore more at www.parslowsjersey.com.
Why AI can’t write your Will in Jersey: the case for human expertise
Would you trust artificial intelligence to write your Will? According to a recent article by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (March 28, 2024), 72% of adults in their early 30s would. The appeal is understandable: AI promises convenience, speed, and low costs, especially attractive to younger, digital-native generations.
But when it comes to your legacy, taking shortcuts could come at a high cost.
Jersey law isn’t like anywhere else
AI tools offering “instant Wills” are often trained on legal systems from the UK, USA or other jurisdictions. Jersey law is different and ignoring those differences could invalidate your Will altogether.
In Jersey, the law treats movable and immovable property differently. Your family home, for instance, must be handled separately from your bank accounts or shares. A generic AI tool is unlikely to make this distinction, potentially leading to incomplete or incorrect instructions in your Will.
Mistakes could mean intestacy
Wills that don’t comply with Jersey law may be declared invalid. In such cases, your estate may fall into intestacy, meaning your assets are distributed according to rigid statutory rules, not according to your wishes.
This is not just a theoretical risk. At Parslows we have seen first-hand how small errors, like missing a survivorship clause, not obtaining the appropriate witnesses or failing to revoke an earlier Will, can cause complications during probate.
AI doesn’t understand family dynamics
Wills are about more than just property. They reflect your values, your relationships, and your intentions. Whether you’re providing for a blended family, appointing guardians for your children, or protecting a vulnerable relative, these are deeply personal decisions.
AI cannot offer empathetic, tailored advice. It cannot sense tension between family members, navigate sensitive situations, or help you plan for future disputes. A qualified Jersey lawyer can.
Jersey law keeps changing— AI doesn’t always keep up
Take, for example, the Capacity and Self-Determination (Jersey) Law 2016. It changed the way mental capacity is assessed in estate planning. These assessments require professional judgment, not algorithms trained on foreign or outdated law.
AI also doesn’t proactively update its advice in light of new legislation, case law, or policy changes. In contrast, a qualified Advocate stays current and can adapt your Will or Wills accordingly.
The Probate Registry is watching closely
In Jersey, all movable Wills go through the Probate Registry, which applies rigorous checks. Documents that are poorly drafted or incorrectly executed often lead to delays, rejections, and legal challenges, especially if prepared without legal guidance.
This can create unnecessary distress and expense for families, at a time when they should be focusing on mourning and healing.
The bottom line: AI can’t replace human judgment
AI is a powerful tool, but it is not a lawyer. And when it comes to safeguarding your estate, there’s no substitute for experience, legal knowledge, and most of all, human understanding.
At Parslows, we believe in the value of clear, personalised, and legally robust estate planning. Don’t leave your legacy to chance, or to code.
Natalie Jenner – Managing Partner I Wills and Estate Planning
Contact Parslows LLP today. Tel: 630530, or explore more at www.parslowsjersey.com.