When It Comes to Trust and Estate Planning, You Deserve a
Better Lawyer Than a Bot
Artificial intelligence (AI) has come a long way in
recent years. Some might be tempted to think AI could replace an attorney when
drafting complex legal documents. Some purveyors of AI technology have even
made such claims. Spoiler alert:
The project did not end well. As advanced as AI technology is, it cannot completely
replace an attorney's expertise. Nowhere is this truer than in trust and estate
planning.
Artificial intelligence models lack the ability to
understand the nuances and complexities of the law. Part of this is the way
that AI works. AI technology relies on algorithms and data to make decisions by
effectively taking known information and producing the most logically perceived
outcome. By analogy, you may have noticed that your smartphone sometimes prompts
you with the exact word you were about to type in a text message. It may even
finish your sentence. This does not mean that your phone knows what you are
thinking. It is simply good at predicting language (and only sometimes).
Unfortunately, the law is not always black and white. It
is written by humans and interpreted by humans. Sometimes a legal analysis or
opinion does not yield a logical conclusion, and the law constantly evolves. After
all, if the law were purely a game of numbers, there would be little need for
judges, juries, or mediators. Our legal system is full of gray areas and
nuances that an AI model may be unable to comprehend.
Consider the example of drafting a trust document that
includes providing for a minor child's education. An AI system can understand
that education is important and include such language in the trust document.
However, an attorney with experience in trust and estate planning will know
that there are many different types of education and that the language used in
the trust document can significantly impact how the funds are used. An attorney
can provide guidance on the best language to ensure that the funds are used as
intended.
Another reason why AI cannot replace an attorney is that
trust and estate planning is not just about drafting documents. It is more
about understanding each client’s unique needs and goals and creating a tailored
plan. An AI system may be able to draft a generic trust document, but it cannot
provide the personalized attention and advice that an attorney can. An
artificial intelligence model cannot ease your anxiety about the intentions of
an estranged family member or provide consolation for those coming to terms
with their family member’s terminal illness.
An attorney can work with you to understand your unique
situation, identify your goals, and help you create a plan that meets those
goals. They can also provide guidance on other aspects of trust and estate
planning, such as tax planning and asset protection, that an AI system cannot.
Finally, trust and estate planning is not just about
drafting documents and creating a plan. It is also about ongoing maintenance
and review of the plan to ensure that it continues to meet your needs and
goals. An attorney can provide ongoing advice and guidance as your situation
changes.
While AI technology has come a long way in recent years,
it cannot completely replace an attorney regarding trust and estate planning.
An attorney's expertise in understanding the nuances and complexities of the
law, providing personalized advice and guidance, and ongoing maintenance and
review of your plan is essential to ensure that your trust and estate plan
meets your unique needs and goals.
The
team at
Rise Up Legal
understands
that every client has their own particularized needs and that no one plan is
the same. We take a personalized approach to every client to ensure your estate
plan aligns with your intent while providing you peace of mind in the process.
If you are considering an estate plan, the attorneys at Rise Up Legal are
standing by to assist. You can schedule your free initial consultation
here
or by calling
our offices at (904) 368-6360. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
RISE UP LEGAL | Attorneys-at-Law
Attorney, Cade Spivey