Artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere in 2025. From grocery store checkout lines to medical research, AI is changing how we live and work. Estate planning is no exception. While the law itself is still grounded in centuries of tradition, new technology is reshaping how families create, update, and safeguard their plans.
At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we’ve seen the benefits and the limitations of these tools. Used wisely, AI can make estate planning more efficient. But it can’t replace the conversations and local knowledge that make a plan truly work for your family.
Smarter document drafting
One of the most visible ways AI is changing estate planning is in document preparation. Online services now use AI to generate wills, trusts, and powers of attorney based on user input. This can be faster and cheaper than traditional methods, but it comes with risks. Generic templates may not account for Washington’s estate tax, community property laws, or the unique quirks of your family situation.
That’s where working with a law firm still matters. At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we sometimes use technology to streamline drafting, but we always review documents to make sure they fit state law and client needs.
Organizing digital assets
AI also helps families keep track of digital assets—everything from cryptocurrency wallets to cloud photo libraries. Automated tools can identify accounts linked to your email, flag recurring subscriptions, and even create inventories of online property. This makes it easier to ensure digital inheritance doesn’t fall through the cracks.
But technology can’t decide who should inherit your photos or who should manage your online presence. Those decisions require thoughtful human input.
Predicting potential disputes
Some AI systems now analyze estate plans to identify weak points that might spark family conflict. For example, they might highlight ambiguous language in a trust or flag assets that aren’t clearly assigned. This can be useful for spotting issues early, but the real solution often comes from conversations—sitting down with family members, talking through concerns, and adjusting the plan accordingly.
Streamlining administration
After someone passes away, settling an estate involves gathering records, filing paperwork, and communicating with courts. AI tools are starting to help with this process, making it easier to track deadlines and organize documents. That can reduce stress for executors and beneficiaries alike.
Still, technology can’t answer the tough questions—like what to do when siblings disagree or how to handle a family business transition. That’s where local legal guidance becomes indispensable.
What AI can’t replace
Estate planning is ultimately about people. It’s about making sure your spouse is cared for, your kids are supported, and your wishes are honored. AI can crunch numbers and generate forms, but it can’t understand your family dynamics, cultural traditions, or the sentimental value of a cabin in the Cascades.
At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we use technology where it helps, but we never let it replace the personal side of planning.
What this means for you
If you’re creating or updating an estate plan in 2025, AI may play a role—whether you notice it or not. The key is to treat it as a tool, not a solution. Think of it like GPS: it can guide you, but you still need to know the terrain.
The best approach combines modern tools with local, hands-on advice. That way, your estate plan isn’t just legally sound—it actually works for your family when it’s needed most.
Moving forward with confidence
The rise of AI in estate planning doesn’t mean the process is less important. In fact, it makes it even more important to check that your plan reflects Washington law, your unique assets, and your personal wishes.
At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we help clients navigate this new landscape with a balance of practical technology and human judgment. Your estate plan should do more than exist on paper—it should protect your legacy in a way that feels true to you.
For more information or to start reviewing your plan, visit www.terrylawfirm.com.
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