Can I write my own will with ChatGPT or an online template?
By Ian Herrick — 2026-10-27
ChatGPT can draft text that looks like a will, but New York will only accept it if it's signed the right way, and a draft can't tell you what it left out. For parents, what usually goes missing is the part that matters most: who raises the children, and who controls their money until they're old enough.
What New York requires
A will must be signed at the end, in front of two witnesses, with you telling them it's your will, and both witnesses must sign. Get any step wrong and the court may refuse it. A handwritten or typed will you sign alone is not valid for most people in New York.
What a do-it-yourself will tends to miss
- Backup guardians, and the people you never want considered
- A trust for your children's money. Without one, anything they inherit is theirs outright at 18
- Beneficiary forms. Life insurance and retirement accounts ignore your will, so they have to match it
- Probate. A will on its own still goes through court; only a funded trust lets your family skip it
- Powers of attorney and a health care proxy, for if you're alive but can't decide for yourself
Where ChatGPT does help
It's good for learning the vocabulary and working out your questions before you talk to anyone. Our article 3 questions to ask yourself before creating your estate plan with AI is a good place to start.
If you'd rather have it done properly once
We write the whole plan for a flat fee you know in advance, explain every choice in plain English, and walk you through signing so it's valid.
Book a free 15-minute call with our office.
This material is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. You should separately consult an appropriate professional for advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.