ChatGPT – Do I need a HUMAN to write my will? After making its debut in late 2022, ChatGPT has taken the world by storm, and with all the recent hype and media attention it has prompted people to ask: – do I need a HUMAN to write my will? What is ChatGPT? ChatGPT stands […]
ChatGPT – Do I need a HUMAN to write my will?
After making its debut in late 2022, ChatGPT has taken the world by storm, and with all the recent hype and media attention it has prompted people to ask: – do I need a HUMAN to write my will?
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT stands for Generative Pre-trained transformer. The program is a large language model and in essence, operates much like the predictive text function on our smartphones, only on a much larger scale. It works by scanning digital information found on the internet and tries to learn and predict the next word or sentence based on the prompts provided by the writer. With enough data, it can produce very natural language which enables users to have human-like conversations with it.
Can AI like ChatGPT write a will?
The short answer is potentially, but while it may be able to render a document that reads and looks like a will, the accuracy and quality will always be limited. Writing a will (or any other estate document) is more than just entering your details and stating your wishes. Programs like ChatGPT lack critical thinking and it cannot provide advice unless the user enters the relevant prompts and questions. Unlike AI, lawyers through their years of training and experience know what to ask so that your will can be tailored to address matters relating to your own financial and personal circumstance.
What could go wrong? – an example
Recently in the US, two aviation lawyers made the news by relying on ChatGPT to produce cases in support of their personal injury case. ChatGPT provided case citations that appeared real but when Court Judge asked to read the cases the lawyers discovered that the cases were made-up.
Made-up information commonly known as “Hallucinations” by AI programs are common. If a will is drafted using fake and incorrect laws or legal jargon, this can lead to unintended outcomes and considerable delays and expense to those left having to manage your affairs during what is already a difficult time.
It is important to remember that information produced by ChatGPT is generalised and this case highlights the dangers of using AI technologies without understanding the risks.
So what can you do?
Whilst using ChatGPT may seem like an easy, quick and cheap method to create a will (or any other estate document), without the advice and expertise of an estate lawyer, mistakes and omissions in your documents may not be discovered until after your death. All lawyers at Adelta Legal are experienced in all aspects of estate planning. Our service is more than drawing a document – it is about ensuring your will is legally valid and enforceable, it correctly records your wishes and is tailored to your own circumstances and needs. We also take cyber security very seriously and adhere to strict ethical standards. For guidance on estate matters, consult our experienced lawyers.
For more information on this article contact:
Associate
e: jjohns@adelta.com.au
p: (08) 8415 5027
Associate
LL.B., BA., GDLP
Known affectionately as “Jacqui” to clients and colleagues, Jacqui works the field of estate planning, wills and deceased estate administration.
From a grazier and cropping upbringing, Jacqui is resourceful and adaptable to changing circumstances. She continues to instil the farmer’s work ethic in her practice, striving to share her authentic insights into the wills and estates process while maintaining a practical focus on factors such as time and cost. Jacqui offers clients a comprehensive but simplified understanding of their options with a warm and friendly approach.
From a multicultural background herself and spending her student years learning with and mentoring international students, Jacqui offers a great deal of patience and understanding when it comes to clients from different backgrounds, ages and varied levels of English fluency.
It is at the heart of her practice that her relationship with clients is built on confidentiality and empathy.
Jacqui can offer her services in the following matters:
Estate Planning:
Estate Administration:
While Jacqui is no longer climbing grain silos and running around shearing sheds, outside of work you will either find her back home in the Murraylands painting landscapes and spending quality time with her family, or in the city indulging on flaky, golden domes of fabulous pastries.
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