Using Artificial Intelligence In Planning For Probate Causes Problems

In this day and age, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more common in society, but its history has shown that there are situations where it is not an appropriate tool to use. Nowhere is this more evident than in the legal field; in recent years, there have been many different stories of AI “hallucinating” case law and legal precedents in documents or in court, which then is used to cast doubt on the document’s validity. If you are seeking to plan your estate, it is crucial to enlist an actual human being to make it happen.

Untrained In Law

The primary objection to using AI-based tools in probate planning is that AI systems will give incorrect answers unless they are specifically trained in estate planning and probate law. Many AI systems can answer basic questions about creating a will or submitting it to probate, but when asked about more detailed questions, it will confidently make up an answer instead of refusing to reply or admitting ignorance.

This can be a significant issue both with creating a will and submitting it to probate.

The Florida probate process is designed to close a person’s legal and financial estate, meaning that all their assets should be distributed, and their debts paid (if possible). Once a person’s debts are paid off, the residue of the estate then goes to the deceased person’s beneficiaries. For most people, this requires considerable documentation and work, particularly if they have significant assets to process. An AI will have no grasp of how much the small details can matter.

More Hindrance Than Help?

In addition to the problem of ‘hallucinating’ legal theories and past cases, AI is incapable of using the more intangible ‘human’ details to successfully process an estate. For example, an experienced attorney may know which creditors they can negotiate with, or which beneficiary must be handled with care lest they challenge the will. An AI will also be unaware of exceptions to a rule unless specifically taught them by a human.

It can be tempting to “cognitively offload” some of the detailed work that goes into planning an estate (or submitting it to probate!), but doing so at this point in time appears more likely to cost a person money in fees and costs than it is to save on time and trouble. At the very least, a human must always have the last word, and to be on the safe side, probably the first as well.

Contact A Hollywood, FL Probate Attorney

If you are looking to plan your Florida estate or need help with a loved one’s probate estate, a Hollywood, FL probate attorney from the Law Offices of Steven A. Mason, P.A. can help. Call our office today at (954) 963-5900 for personalized attention.

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