Owned by OpenAI, an organization specializing in artificial intelligence, ChatGPT is perhaps the most popular among the growing roster of language learning models. In August 2025, OpenAI recorded that ChatGPT had over 700 million active users weekly.^[1] Users report asking ChatGPT for its advice on anything ranging from whether they should buy a new home, how to ace an upcoming interview, and even whether they should break up with their significant other. With that being said, we understand why some have gone to ChatGPT for estate planning advice. But can ChatGPT assist you like an estate planning professional can? We asked ChatGPT to create an estate plan based on a variety of situations, each increasing in complexity.

 “I am a 23 year old, single, law student with no real estate, living in Maryland.”

 “I have been married for 10 years with two kids, one who is 12 years old and another who is 19.”

 “I am in my second marriage and I have a child from a previous marriage who is 18 years old. I am married to someone who also has a child from a previous marriage who is 15 years old. We have a child together who is 4 years old. Create an estate plan for me.”

 Each of these scenarios represent real circumstances we see often. To its credit, ChatGPT was able to recite fundamental estate planning knowledge and identify some of the unique challenges posed in each scenario. However, in our view, ChatGPT’s responses missed the mark on multiple fronts.

What ChatGPT Did Right

 ChatGPT properly identified a number of important estate instruments. For example, it briefly described the importance of having an Advance Medical Directive, Durable Financial Power of Attorney, and Last Will and Testament. It also noted the importance of some documents over others given unique circumstances. For example, ChatGPT recommended a Revocable Living Trust for a married family with kids but did not mention this instrument for a single adult law student without children.

 ChatGPT laid out steps after creating an estate plan, suggesting that people keep their estate documents in a safe fireproof area and to leave copies with a trusted attorney.

 Perhaps most importantly, we were grateful to see that ChatGPT disclosed that it is not a lawyer and therefore cannot give legal advice nor help create a legally binding estate plan.

What ChatGPT Could Improve On

 While ChatGPT listed some helpful estate planning documents, it failed to identify others like the importance of a HIPAA authorization and pour-over will.

 ChatGPT often spoke in legalese, identifying legal instruments by name but failing to describe them in the detail that many clients find necessary to feel assured their legacy is protected. For example, it described why having a Durable Financial Power of Attorney is helpful but did not describe what that person would be enabled to do, who should be considered for the position, or specify relevant local rules.

 Funnily enough, at other times, it did the complete opposite, speaking too simply and with no description at all. Highlighting the advantages of setting up a trust, ChatGPT simply said, “Trusts can help manage inheritance responsibly.” But how? How does a trust operate? What kinds of property can I put into trust? Who can and should serve as my trustee? This response left many questions unanswered.

 Finally, we hoped that ChatGPT would recommend seeking out professional legal advice in every scenario. However, only in response to the third prompt regarding a blended family, ChatGPT advised consulting an estate planning attorney.

Conclusion

While ChatGPT and artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm, crunching numbers, helping to write emails, and even giving dating advice, we believe ChatGPT isn’t quite ready to take on estate planning. In fact, a firm tested 46 language learning models (including ChatGPT) on a variety of estate planning questions. They found that while the models could answer simple questions, it failed when more complexity was added. The vast majority of the language models received D and F grades when graded by career professional estate planners.^[2]

 We encourage you to see an estate planning professional to create a legally binding plan that accurately reflects your wishes. While ChatGPT can be a helpful starting point, setting your legacy into stone with precision and nuance requires human professionals who can answer each of your pressing questions. The Hill Law Group hopes to provide exactly that for you and your family. Schedule a Virtual Meet & Greet with us today!