Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Furry Heirs: The Rising Trend of Pet Trusts and Bequeathments

  • October 4, 2024
  • Less than a minute
How to Make Sure Your Online Accounts Aren't a Nightmare for Your Family | Digital Distress | Legacy Contacts | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Will Your Online Accounts Become a Nightmare for Your Family?

  • February 26, 2024
  • 1 minute read
The Top 10 Estate Battles Of All Time | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Probate Disputes: The Top 10 Estate Battles Of All Time

  • April 1, 2023
  • 1 minute read
As a small business owner or entrepreneur, you have invested time, energy, and resources into building a successful business. But have you considered how your business fits into your broader estate plan?
Curated Content Succession Strategies

Estate Planning for Business Owners: A Step-by-Step Guide

  • May 7, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Long-Term Care Statistics: Make Informed Decisions | Elder Care | Health Care Costs | Statistics | Retirement Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Long-Term Care Statistics: Make Informed Decisions

  • July 25, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Who inherited Jimi Hendrix’s estate? The answer is more complicated than many might assume. This article explores the distribution of his fortune, the legal disputes that followed, and who ultimately controls his estate today...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Legendary Legal Battle: The Heavily Contested Estate of Jimi Hendrix

  • February 6, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Careful planning and collaboration with estate professionals can help you avoid these common mistakes, ensuring your will effectively supports your loved ones and secures your legacy. Here are some thoughts to help you get your estate planning process underway.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Getting Your Estate Planning Process Underway: Dos and Don’ts

Dealing with a loved one’s digital assets after their death can be complicated, especially in the absence of a clear legal framework. This article will take you through what a digital asset is and how to handle them.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Handling Digital Assets: Legal Considerations in the UK

How to Make Sure Your Online Accounts Aren't a Nightmare for Your Family | Digital Distress | Legacy Contacts | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Will Your Online Accounts Become a Nightmare for Your Family?

Charitable Beneficiaries and Family Members At Odds Over Estate Distribution | Curated Content | Charitable Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Charitable Beneficiaries & Family Battle Over Estate Distribution

Lack of "Money Talk" Will Leave Heirs Unprepared | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Lack of “Money Talk” Will Leave Heirs Unprepared

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Effective communication is a fundamental aspect of administering an estate. Keeping beneficiaries informed about the progress and status of the estate administration is essential to maintaining trust, preventing misunderstandings, and addressing concerns promptly.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

The Importance of Effective Communication in Estate Administration

  • July 29, 2024
  • Less than a minute
Five Famous Families Undermined by Sibling Conflict | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Five Famous Families Undermined by Sibling Conflict

  • June 29, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Curated Content Family Disputes

Why Families Fight Over Inheritance and How to Avoid it

  • May 17, 2022
  • 1 minute read
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Sibling Rivalry Lands Mother’s Estate in Court | A Cautionary Tale | Family Disputes | Court Battles | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Sibling Rivalry Lands Mother’s Estate in Court

  • November 28, 2024
  • 1 minute read
A crooked legal guardian who drains the savings of her elderly wards meets her match when a woman she tries to swindle turns out to be more than she first appears.
Dramatized Content Guardian Safeguards

I Care A Lot | Satirical Black Comedy Thriller | 2020

  • September 12, 2020
  • 1 minute read
Selling Inherited Property: Tips for Executors and Beneficiaries | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Selling Inherited Property: Tips for Executors and Beneficiaries

  • August 29, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Alleged Undue Influence & Incapacity Dismissed by Ontario Superior Court
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Alleged Undue Influence & Incapacity Dismissed by Court

  • September 5, 2024
  • 2 minutes read
The 10 Strangest Inheritances of All Time | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Weird Things People Left in Wills | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

10 of the Strangest Inheritances of All Time

  • June 13, 2022
  • Less than a minute
Family Giving: From Personal Tragedy to Family Legacy | Charitable Bequests | Philanthropy | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Family Giving: From Personal Tragedy to Family Legacy

  • December 22, 2023
  • Less than a minute
While precise global statistics on inheritance disputes are limited, studies and reports from various regions indicate a noticeable rise in inheritance disputes worldwide, often attributed to factors like complex family structures, increased wealth, and more people opting for DIY wills without legal guidance. 
Family Disputes Generated Content

Noticeable Rise in Inheritance Disputes Worldwide

  • March 3, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle

  • December 13, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Six Feet Under | Television Series | the human condition, mortality, family dynamics, personal identity, the various ways in which people cope with loss
Communication Breakdowns Dramatized Content

Six Feet Under | Television Series | 2001-2005

  • June 3, 2001
  • 1 minute read
The Impact of Digital Assets on Estate Planning and Litigation | Digital Distress | What Happens to Your Digital Assets | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

The Impact of Digital Assets on Estate Planning and Litigation

  • March 11, 2024
  • 1 minute read
If you and your siblings are on track to one day inherit your parents’ home, take heed of this cautionary tale, and learn how to avoid the same fate. Does this man owe his siblings anything more? All the experts to share their take on the situation.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting a Home With Your Siblings: What Can Go Wrong?

  • January 16, 2025
  • 1 minute read
As we grow older and enter retirement, we face many LIFE-CHANGING decisions. We must consider long-term care, financial well-being, and, ultimately, our end-of-life planning. Fortunately, there are legislations in place to protect the rights and interests of older individuals.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Elder Care Law: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

  • May 31, 2024
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

How to Plan for Incapacity & Guardianship: Canada
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

How to Plan for Incapacity & Guardianship: Canada

  • August 18, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Don't Let Denial Delay Long-Term Care Planning | Curated Content | Elder Care | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Don’t Let Denial Delay Long-Term Care Planning

  • August 27, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Legal issues faced by the elderly population arise in almost all areas of legal practice; however, most commonly in real estate law, family law, human rights law, and wills and estates law.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Power of Attorney & Estate Planning: Elder Law Canada

  • June 21, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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The Top 10 Estate Battles Of All Time | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Probate Disputes: The Top 10 Estate Battles Of All Time

  • April 1, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous

  • April 13, 2022
  • Less than a minute
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Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper over Richard Simmons' Estate
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Richard Simmons’ Estate: Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper

  • September 26, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Murdoch Family Legal Battle Highlights a Harsh Reality: No Trust is Airtight | Family Disputes | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Lessons from Murdoch Family Legal Battle: No Trust is Airtight

  • September 23, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Estate Planning Horror Stories: 5 Nightmare Scenarios that Will Scare You into Action | Curated Content | Estates Gone Wrong
March 26, 2021

Estate Planning Horror Stories: 5 Nightmare Scenarios

The Top 10 Estate Battles Of All Time | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
April 1, 2023

Probate Disputes: The Top 10 Estate Battles Of All Time

Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
April 13, 2022

Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous

Inheritance Mishaps from the Rich and Famous | Canadian Family Offices | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
November 27, 2023

Inheritance Mishaps from the Rich and Famous

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Curated Content

Curated Content Family Disputes

Litigation Over Lost Will Depletes ‘Very Modest’ Estate

Alleged Undue Influence & Incapacity Dismissed by Ontario Superior Court
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Alleged Undue Influence & Incapacity Dismissed by Court

The evolution of digital estate planning laws reflects our increasingly online lives, where valuable and sentimental digital property requires the same careful legal consideration traditionally given to physical assets. State legislatures are working to bridge the gap between traditional estate planning and the unique challenges posed by digital inheritance.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Digital & Online Estate Planning Laws: State-by-State

Does the Court Have Jurisdiction to Terminate a Charitable Trust? The answer to the question is Yes. But the jurisdiction must be exercised sparingly and not indiscriminately.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Does the Court Have Jurisdiction to Terminate a Charitable Trust?

When a loved one passes away, their streaming accounts and subscriptions may seem like minor considerations compared to other estate matters. However, managing these accounts is important to prevent ongoing charges and secure their digital legacy.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Managing Streaming Service Accounts: A Guide for Canadians

Court Upholds Validity Of Wills Despite Claims Of Undue Influence | Recent ruling: The importance of assessing claims of undue influence within the context of deceased's broader relationships and intentions
Curated Content Family Disputes

Court Upholds Validity of Wills Despite Claims of Undue Influence

Even Canadians who don’t consider themselves snowbirds may own property south of the border or have other U.S. based assets that could impact their planning.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Snowbirds: Is Your Cross-border Property in Your Estate Plan?

This guide explores the fate of domain names and websites after death, outlining the steps executors and family members should take to manage these digital properties effectively.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Managing Domain Names & Websites After Owner Passes Away

Trustee vs. Executor: Understanding the Difference and Why You Need Both | If you’re like most people, you’ll need both— the executor to oversee the execution of your will and a trustee to manage and administer your trust.
Curated Content Legacy Lexicon

Trustee vs. Executor: What is The Difference & Why You Need Both

Long-Term Care Expenses Can Destroy Your Estate Plan | Elder Care Costs | Tax Implications | LTC Insurance | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Long-Term Care Expenses Can Destroy Your Estate Plan

Charity Awarded Over $1 Million After Will is Upheld | Curated Content | Charitable Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Charity Awarded Over $1 Million After Will is Upheld

When Caretakers Empty the Coffers: A Look at Guardianship Fraud
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

When Caretakers Empty the Coffers: A Look at Guardianship Fraud

Securing Your Life's Work Beyond Succession | Estate planning is vital to preserving hard-earned success and safeguarding both business and personal legacies for future generations.
Curated Content Succession Strategies

Securing Your Life’s Work: Legacy Planning for Business Owners

Court Ordered Sale of Estate Lands Ends 30-Year Dispute Among Heirs | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Court Ordered Sale of Estate Lands Ends 30-Year Dispute Among Heirs

Canadians with U.S. Beneficiaries: Cross-border Estate Planning Tips
Curated Content Planning Resources

Canadians with U.S. Beneficiaries: Cross-border Estate Planning Tips

Charities named as beneficiaries are generally treated in the same way as an individual, save for tax considerations. They will want to be respectful of the Deceased’s wishes.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Inheritance Disputes Over Charitable Giving: What to Expect

5 Mistakes People Make: The Long-term Care Planning Process | Elder Care | Elder Law | Advanced Care Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

5 Mistakes People Make: Long-Term Care Planning

The Importance of Appointing a Digital Executor | Accessing and Protecting Digital Assets | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

The Importance of Appointing a Digital Executor

Five Famous Families Undermined by Sibling Conflict | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Five Famous Families Undermined by Sibling Conflict

5 Guaranteed Ways to Mess Up Estate Planning | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Estates Gone Wrong
Common Mistakes Curated Content

5 Most Common Ways to “Mess Up” Estate Planning

Estate Planning Legal: Frequently Asked Questions
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Estate Planning Legal: Frequently Asked Questions

Common Disaster Planning and the Estates of Barry and Honey Sherman | Curated Content | Disaster Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Common Disaster Planning: The Estates of Barry & Honey Sherman

McWills? Yes! Will Written on a McDonald’s Napkin May be Enforceable | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

McWills? Handwritten Will on McDonald’s Napkin Ruled Enforceable

Assuming testamentary capacity, more frequent reviews of all estate planning documents should be undertaken later in life, not only to remind will makers of the provisions in their wills, but to help prevent unintended outcomes.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Canadians are Living Longer: Estate Planning Considerations

Today’s Executor is a Digital Executor | Digital Distress | Online Accounts | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

In Today’s Digital World, Every Executor is a Digital Executor

In most cases, testators cannot rule from the grave. If you leave certain assets or gifts for certain individuals, you cannot unduly restrict their use of them.
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Ruling From the Grave: Are Conditional Bequests Valid?

The legal dispute between Danny Bennett, the eldest son of Tony Bennett, and his sisters, Antonia and Johanna Bennett, has intensified in court.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Tony Bennett’s Kids in Legal Battle Over Estate and Trust Disputes

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

Renouncing an Inheritance: an Inherent Right | Inheriting a House | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Renouncing an Inheritance: an Inherent Right

  • June 18, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Avoid Estate Administration Surprises. Performing a title search on your property as part of your estate plan could save your heirs both money and hassle. 
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Avoid Estate Administration Surprises: Perform a Title Search

  • October 26, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Court Ordered Sale of Estate Lands Ends 30-Year Dispute Among Heirs | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Court Ordered Sale of Estate Lands Ends 30-Year Dispute Among Heirs

  • October 3, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Family Cottage Succession: a Dream or a Nightmare? No matter how much you may intend to keep the property in the family, you should plan for the almost certain inevitability that at some point it will be sold.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Shared Ownership in The Family Cottage: a Dream or a Nightmare?

  • August 5, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Strategies For Passing On Property To Your Heirs | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Real Estate: Strategies for Passing Property to Your Heirs

  • February 23, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Canadian Inheritance Tax on Property: What You Should Know | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Capital Gains Tax | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Canadian Inheritance Tax on Property: What You Should Know

  • February 16, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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Dying Saskatchewan Farmer’s Will Goes Down in History | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong

Bizarre Bequests

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Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Lisa Marie Presley's Estate | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates

Celebrity Estates

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Family Conflict Results in Long-Term Estate Litigation over Secret Trust and Mutual Wills Agreement | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong

Charitable Misgivings

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Estate Planning: 6 Big Mistakes You Might Be Making | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Estates Gone Wrong

Common Mistakes

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What to Do when the Executor Is Not Communicating with Beneficiaries? | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong

Communication Breakdowns

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Top 8 Risks: The Dangers of Improper Estate Planning | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Digital Distress

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Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Family Disputes

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Abusive Guardianships: Prevention & Taking Action

Guardian Safeguards

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High Costs for Long-Term Care are 'Unforgivable' | Curated Content | Elder Care Nightmares | Estates Gone Wrong

Long-Term Care Crisis

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What to Do if You Inherit a House with a Mortgage | Curated Content | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Inheriting Debt | Estates Gone Wrong

Property Pitfalls

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Story Submissions

Estate Gone Wrong?

We know, it is a very sensitive topic. Anonymous submissions are welcomed and encouraged. We just want to help you tell your cautionary tale.

Share Your Story