In today’s digital world, almost anything can be done online—from ordering groceries to managing investments. Estate planning has joined the list, thanks to digital tools that promise quick and inexpensive solutions. Yet, when it comes to your family’s financial future, not every do-it-yourself or AI-generated estate-planning product delivers the protection you need.
Many people turned to online resources during the pandemic to create wills or trusts. The motivation was understandable—convenience and cost savings. But as AI-generated legal templates become more common, experts continue to warn that online wills often fail to capture the complexity of real-life circumstances.
Why Online wills & ai tools may not protect your family’s future
Online estate planning tools allow users to draft a Last Will and Testament and specify how they want their assets distributed after their death. While online or AI-generated tools may seem convenient and sufficient, these tools often fail to address complex situations such as illness, incapacity, or blended family dynamics. They also rarely include clear instructions for managing finances or caring for minor children, leaving loved ones vulnerable to unintended consequences.
Potential risks include:
- Courts appointing a guardian who does not reflect your wishes
- Lack of instructions for financial or medical decision-making if you become incapacitated
- Assets passing directly to minor children without a trust, potentially creating financial and/or legal complications
- Potentially disinheriting desired beneficiaries
Comply with state laws while estate planning
In Minnesota, a valid will generally requires:
- Proper execution: The person creating the will must be at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and sign the document in writing.
- Witness signatures: Two qualified witnesses must sign the will in the presence of the person signing the document.
- Optional notarization: While not required, making the will “self-proved” through notarization can simplify the probate process later.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in your estate being distributed according to state law rather than your wishes. Sadly, complying with these requirements can be difficult without professional legal assistance.
The Complexity of Wealth Requires Professional Estate Planning
For high-net-worth individuals, estate planning goes far beyond basic wills. Complex wealth often includes multiple asset classes, real estate, business interests, retirement accounts, digital assets, and life insurance.
Other considerations may include:
- Tax minimization strategies for estate, gift, or generation-skipping taxes
- Asset protection from creditors or lawsuits
- Succession planning for businesses or family foundations
- International or multi-state holdings
- Legacy and philanthropic goals
Estate planning attorneys evaluate these factors holistically, designing trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal structures to ensure your estate plan reflects your intentions and protects your family.
What online & ai tools miss in estate plans
DIY and AI-generated estate plans may fail to address critical issues:
- Ambiguous or legally imprecise language
- Unfunded trusts or incomplete asset transfers
- Tax implications for high-net-worth estates
- Contingency planning for remarriage, blended families, or incapacity
- State-specific execution requirements
- Privacy, undue influence, and litigation risk
- Ongoing updates as life circumstances and laws change
While AI tools may provide a starting point, they cannot replace the judgement, foresight, and coordination that attorneys and advisors bring to complex estate planning.
Why work with estate planning attorneys
Experienced estate planning professionals provide guidance tailored to your unique situation. They help safeguard assets, draft legally sound documents, anticipate “what-if” scenarios, and integrate estate planning with your broader financial strategy. The best advisors understand the emotional challenges of preparing an estate plan and come alongside their clients with compassion and empathy. By working with attorneys and wealth advisors, you reduce the risk of unintended consequences and ensure your estate plan protects your legacy and your loved ones.
Boulay’s advisors and affiliates are dedicated to understanding your goals and building strategies that support your family’s long-term success and peace of mind. Contact us today to discuss your estate planning objectives and explore how to best protect your family’s future.
Andrew Kremer Law offers estate legal services as part of their affiliation with Boulay.