Serving as an estate administrator can be overwhelming. From inventorying assets to managing taxes and distributing property, this role involves a wide range of responsibilities. As a result, many people turn to online tools or artificial intelligence (AI) platforms to help manage the workload.
While AI can assist with organizing tasks or generating reminders, it is important to understand that it cannot and should not replace professional legal guidance during the estate administration process.
What AI can – and should not – do
AI can be helpful for simple tasks like tracking deadlines, listing assets and outlining general probate procedures. It might suggest steps based on common estate administration scenarios and offer checklists to help administrators stay organized. This kind of support can make the process more manageable, especially for those serving in the role for the first time.
However, AI is not a substitute for guidance from an experienced probate attorney. Every estate is different. Some involve disputes among heirs, unclear wills or complex tax matters. In these situations, relying on generic AI-generated suggestions can lead to mistakes that may delay the process and/or expose the administrator to legal liability. AI tools also do not have the context needed to evaluate state-specific laws or nuanced family dynamics.
Another risk is that AI may miss important requirements. For example, certain notices to creditors or court filings must be handled correctly and on time. Failing to comply with these obligations could jeopardize the entire probate process. If an estate includes real property, closely held business interests, or out-of-state assets, those complications require personalized attention from someone who understands the law—not a software program trained on general data.
Probate courts hold estate administrators to a high standard. Missteps can lead to personal liability, especially if beneficiaries suffer financial harm. Using AI can be part of a larger strategy to stay organized, but it should never be the sole source of an administrator’s decision-making.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed