Estate Planning for Adults with Special Needs
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Creating a Trust: Estate Planning for Adults with Special Needs

  • January 6, 2025
  • 1 minute read
High Costs for Long-Term Care are 'Unforgivable' | Curated Content | Elder Care Nightmares | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

High Costs for Long-Term Care are ‘Unforgivable’

  • February 20, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Identifying the digital property you own and managing it is more necessary than ever. From smart home devices to online investments and bank accounts, we’ve gone way beyond using the internet to email family and social media to connect with friends.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Avoiding 4 Main Obstacles: Digital-Era Estate Planning

  • December 6, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • May 24, 2024
  • Less than a minute
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
Charities have Fiduciary Duties as Estate Beneficiaries | Charitable Bequests | Administration | Philanthropic Advisor | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Charities have Fiduciary Duties as Estate Beneficiaries

  • August 29, 2024
  • 1 minute read
The Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of Blue Cross, RSPB and RSPCA in the case of a legacy bequest which was challenged by the donor’s daughter.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Important Case Ruling: Contested Wills and Charities in the UK

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

Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart

Will your family inherit your outstanding debts? Who’s responsible for paying them off? Can creditors pursue your beneficiaries for payment?
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Don’t Leave Your Family Battling Debt Collectors

There are several reasons that a will may prove invalid. It is important for testators to be aware of these pitfalls in order to avoid them. By understanding the factors that can invalidate your will, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your estate and provide peace of mind for those you leave behind.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Five Common Reasons a Will Might Be Declared Invalid

Digital Assets: Ensuring Your Loved Ones Can Access Your Phone | Digital Distress | Online Accounts | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Digital Assets: Ensuring Your Loved Ones Can Access Your Phone

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Effective communication with your family and loved ones is vital... The consequences of ambiguity or misalignment between intent and execution can be significant, potentially leading to legal battles that deplete trust resources and damage family relationships.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Estate Planning Case Proves Clarity and Communication are Vital

  • September 30, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Why Transparency Matters: The Importance Of Open Dialogue | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Why Transparency Matters: The Importance Of Open Dialogue

  • September 12, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Planning to Disinherit a Child? Experts Urge a 'Rethink' | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Planning to Disinherit a Child? Experts Urge a ‘Rethink’

  • July 22, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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All Celebrity Estates Family Disputes Charitable Misgivings Common Mistakes Bizarre Bequests Long-Term Care Crisis Communication Breakdowns Property Pitfalls Digital Distress Guardian Safeguards
Some of The Most Bizarre Inheritance Stories | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Weird Things People Left in Wills | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Some of The Most Bizarre Inheritance Stories

  • June 10, 2024
  • 1 minute read
From the quirky to the downright bizarre, let's dive into the top 10 strangest inheritance stipulations ever imposed.
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Strangest Inheritance Stipulations: Oddball Wills & Eccentric Bequests

  • October 22, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Guardianship Scams: The Stuff of Recurring Nightmares | Ransacking the Wealth and Autonomy of Countless Older Americans | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Guardianship Scams: The Stuff of Recurring Nightmares

  • February 23, 2021
  • 1 minute read
A common misconception about donor advised funds is that they are trusts, charitable purpose trusts. At times, lawyers, especially those with expertise in trusts and estates, struggle with this distinction, as do donors.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Donor Advised Funds vs. Charitable Purpose Trusts

  • March 13, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart

  • November 12, 2021
  • 1 minute read
When a Charitable Bequest in a Will Goes Wrong | Curated Content | Charitable Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

When a Charitable Bequest in a Will Goes Wrong

  • November 1, 2022
  • 1 minute read
In today’s increasingly digital world, traditional processes are being transformed by technology, and estate planning is no exception. Recent developments in technology and changes to the legal landscape are creating room for the possibility of electronic wills...
Curated Content Digital Distress

Electronic Wills: The Future of Estate Planning in Ontario

  • December 10, 2024
  • 1 minute read
The First Step: Open Conversation with Loved Ones | Communication Breakdowns | We Need to Talk About Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

The First Step: Open Conversation with Loved Ones

  • September 5, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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
Planning to Disinherit a Child? Experts Urge a 'Rethink' | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Planning to Disinherit a Child? Experts Urge a ‘Rethink’

  • July 22, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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?

  • September 2, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Potential pitfalls associated with poor estate planning exposed as a detective investigates the death of the patriarch of a combative family.
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

Knives Out | American Mystery Film | 2019

  • September 7, 2019
  • Less than a minute
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

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

  • January 23, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Legal tussle over dog has cost thousands in legal fees and plenty of heartache, while highlighting how the law treats pets in estate battles.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Dog at Centre of Estate Dispute: Highlights Need to Plan

  • March 8, 2024
  • 1 minute read
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Naming a Guardian for Your Children
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Naming a Guardian for Your

  • October 2, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Estate Planning Mistakes of the

Rich and Famous

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
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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

  • January 16, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
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Robbie Robertson’s Children Accuse Widow of "Financial Elder Abuse" | Family Disputes | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Robbie Robertson’s Children Accuse Widow of “Financial Elder Abuse”

  • June 12, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Ten Absolutely Vicious Fights over Inherited Fortunes | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Ten Absolutely Vicious Fights over Inherited Fortunes

  • March 3, 2023
  • 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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Estate Gone Wrong?

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Curated Content

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

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

Estate Planning for Blended Families in Ontario | Estate planning becomes more intricate when dealing with blended families, particularly when adult children from previous marriages are involved. Careful consideration of both legal obligations and family dynamics is essential.
Curated Content Life Events

Estate Planning for Blended Families in Ontario

Guardianship and Conservatorship, while similar, serve different purposes. Understanding these roles is essential for planning for the future of loved ones who may need assistance.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Guardianship and Conservatorship: Understanding the Differences

Some of The Most Bizarre Inheritance Stories | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Weird Things People Left in Wills | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Some of The Most Bizarre Inheritance Stories

Widow in Legal Battle with Rotary Foundation Over Husband's Estate
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Widow in Legal Battle with Rotary Foundation Over Husband’s Estate

Legal tussle over dog has cost thousands in legal fees and plenty of heartache, while highlighting how the law treats pets in estate battles.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Dog at Centre of Estate Dispute: Highlights Need to Plan for Pets

Special Needs Adults: Presumption of Capacity & Individual Rights | Can a court make a parenting order for an adult child living with a disability without giving them an opportunity to participate in the proceeding?
Curated Content Family Disputes

Special Needs Adults: Presumption of Capacity & Individual Rights

Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Furry Heirs: The Rising Trend of Pet Trusts and Bequeathments

Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress and Burnout
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress and Burnout

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

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

What Happens if a Person Has Multiple Wills in Ontario?
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if a Person Has Multiple Wills in Ontario?

Inheriting a Property With Your Siblings: What Are Your Options? | Family Disputes | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting a Property With Your Siblings: What Are Your Options?

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

Family Business Succession Planning: A Canadian Guide
Curated Content Succession Strategies

Family Business Succession Planning: A Canadian Guide

Can Your Subscription Service Limit Your Estate’s Ability to Sue? | Digital Distress | Streaming Subscription Agreement | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Warning: Read “Subscriber Agreements” Very Carefully

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

These People Inherited Fortunes — Then Blew Them All Away | Celebrity Estates | High Net Worth | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

People Who Inherited Fortunes & Then Blew Them All Away

Philanthropy is a significant part of your life. It's a reflection of your values and the legacy you wish to leave behind. However, ensuring that your beloved charities are named in your Will requires careful planning and attention to detail.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

How to Ensure Your Beloved Charities are Named in Your Will

Judge Orders Guardianship Firm to Return Thousands to Elderly Woman | Curated Content | Elder Care | Court Rulings | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Judge Orders Guardianship Firm to Return Thousands to Elderly Woman

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

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

Executor Not Communicating with Beneficiaries?

Different Roles & Responsibilities: Trustee vs. Guardian vs. Executor
Curated Content Legacy Lexicon

Different Roles & Responsibilities: Trustee vs. Guardian vs. Executor

Holding Assets & Accounts Jointly with Your Kids: Know the Risks
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Holding Assets & Accounts Jointly with Your Kids: Know the Risks

How to Identify Caregiver Burnout: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

How to Identify Caregiver Burnout: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Cryptocurrency Holdings: Ensuring Smooth Distribution of Digital Assets
Curated Content Digital Distress

Cryptocurrency Holdings: Ensuring Smooth Distribution of Digital Assets

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

Inheriting a Home With Your Siblings: A Cautionary Tale | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting a Home With Your Siblings: A Cautionary Tale

  • September 14, 2024
  • 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
Probate Nightmares: The Dangers of Properties Taken Out of Trust | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Probate Nightmares: The Dangers of Properties Taken Out of Trust

  • May 30, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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?

  • January 2, 2024
  • Less than a minute
Inheriting a House With Siblings: Not As Straightforward As It Seems | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting a House with Siblings: Not as Straightforward as it Seems

  • April 17, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Tax Considerations for Inherited Properties: What You Need to Know | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Tax Considerations for Inherited Properties: What You Need to Know

  • February 15, 2023
  • 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

20
Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Lisa Marie Presley's Estate | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates

Celebrity Estates

26
Family Conflict Results in Long-Term Estate Litigation over Secret Trust and Mutual Wills Agreement | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong

Charitable Misgivings

22
Estate Planning: 6 Big Mistakes You Might Be Making | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Estates Gone Wrong

Common Mistakes

25
What to Do when the Executor Is Not Communicating with Beneficiaries? | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong

Communication Breakdowns

20
Top 8 Risks: The Dangers of Improper Estate Planning | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Digital Distress

32
Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Family Disputes

30
Abusive Guardianships: Prevention & Taking Action

Guardian Safeguards

18
High Costs for Long-Term Care are 'Unforgivable' | Curated Content | Elder Care Nightmares | Estates Gone Wrong

Long-Term Care Crisis

18
What to Do if You Inherit a House with a Mortgage | Curated Content | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Inheriting Debt | Estates Gone Wrong

Property Pitfalls

21
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