An Abu Dhabi mother plans to include ChatGPT in will arrangements to help future guardians make decisions about her son’s upbringing. The proposal keeps all legal authority with human guardians.
ABU DHABI: An Abu Dhabi mother is preparing an unusual legal document that could introduce artificial intelligence into future parenting decisions. Her proposal to include ChatGPT in will arrangements aims to help guardians understand her wishes if she dies while her son is still young.
The proposed arrangement, called the Living Wishes Protocol, would allow guardians to consult artificial intelligence when making important decisions about the child’s upbringing.
However, the AI system would not replace human guardians or receive any legal authority.
The story was originally reported by Khaleej Times on October 12, 2026. The draft remains unregistered and has not received court approval.
How would ChatGPT help raise the child?
The mother wants future guardians to understand her values, beliefs and parenting philosophy.
Under the proposal, they would provide ChatGPT with a written record of her wishes before making significant decisions.
These could include choosing schools, deciding where the child should live, considering non-urgent medical treatment and maintaining family relationships.
The AI would offer guidance based on the mother’s recorded preferences.
However, guardians would make every final decision. They would also consider the child’s welfare, feelings and changing needs.
What is the Living Wishes Protocol?
The seven-page bilingual draft introduces a framework for preserving parental guidance beyond a person’s lifetime.
Expatriate Law, the firm preparing the document, developed the arrangement.
The protocol would require annual reviews of the child’s education, health, happiness and personal development.
A separate human adviser would also review the system and its suitability.
Importantly, the child would gain greater involvement in decisions as he grows older.
The arrangement would not apply during emergencies or override existing laws and court orders.
Can ChatGPT legally become a guardian?
No. The proposed ChatGPT in will arrangement does not appoint artificial intelligence as a legal guardian.
The technology would serve only as an advisory tool.
The draft is being prepared for registration with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
However, its legal acceptance remains uncertain. Authorities have not approved the arrangement, and its provisions could change during legal review.
What privacy concerns does the proposal raise?
The arrangement raises questions about protecting a child’s personal information.
Guardians could potentially share sensitive details about education, healthcare and family circumstances with an AI service.
The legal team has acknowledged these risks.
Technical arrangements for storing information and controlling access remain unresolved.
Safeguards would need to protect the child’s privacy while allowing guardians to use the mother’s recorded guidance.
Impact to expect
The proposed ChatGPT in will arrangement could encourage wider discussions about AI in family planning, inheritance and child welfare. It may also prompt legal professionals to explore new ways of preserving parental wishes. However, human oversight, privacy protection and court approval remain essential before such arrangements can operate.
