Dive a little deeper into the most common questions that people are asking online about estates, probate, and the role of the executor... RBC's "Matters Beyond Wealth" podcast : Episode 54
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Being an Executor in Canada

  • November 12, 2024
  • Less than a minute
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
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
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

  • November 14, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Transferring Property Title to a Trustee: Step-by-Step Guide
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Transferring Property Title to a Trustee: Step-by-Step Guide

  • September 13, 2024
  • 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
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

The history of estate planning includes some remarkably strange and fascinating bequests that challenge our understanding of inheritance law and human nature.
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Novel Challenges: Unusual Legacies Continue to Evolve and Fascinate

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

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

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

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Curated Content Family Disputes

Why Families Fight Over Inheritance and How to Avoid it

  • May 17, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Inheritance disputes are as old as time, but in recent years, there’s been an increase in families embroiled in legal arguments. Here are the various stances on inheritance disputes, 2024 statistics, and the demographics of those discussing the topic online. 
Curated Content Family Disputes

Inheritance Dispute Statistics: 2024 Rising Trends

  • October 18, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Unconventional Estate Planning Lessons drawn from "The Shining" | American Psychological Horror Film | 1980
Communication Breakdowns Dramatized Content

The Shining | American Horror Film | 1980

  • May 23, 1980
  • 2 minutes read
Load More
random roundup

Filter By Topic

All Celebrity Estates Family Disputes Charitable Misgivings Common Mistakes Bizarre Bequests Long-Term Care Crisis Communication Breakdowns Property Pitfalls Digital Distress Guardian Safeguards
Key Estate Planning Lessons from Classic Sitcoms & Their Family Dynamics
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Estate Planning Lessons from Classic Sitcoms & Their Family Dynamics

  • June 5, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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
How to Plan for Incapacity & Guardianship: Canada
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

How to Plan for Incapacity & Guardianship: Canada

  • August 18, 2023
  • 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
The Biggest Mistakes People Make in Their Wills | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Common Mistakes Curated Content

The Biggest Mistakes People Make in Their Wills

  • March 8, 2022
  • 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
Discussing your estate plan with difficult family members can feel daunting, but with patience, empathy, and a dash of humor, you can navigate the conversation effectively. By approaching it with kindness and understanding, you can ensure your wishes are clearly communicated and respected, keeping the family harmony intact—even if it means cracking a joke or two along the way.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

How to Talk to Your Family about Your Fiduciary Choices

  • May 27, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Inheriting Real Estate in Canada: What You Need to Know
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheritance Tax & Cross-Border Rules: What Canadians Need to Know

  • December 20, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Biggest Risk to the Continuity of Family Wealth: Breakdown of Communication and Trust | Curated Content | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Breakdown of Communication: The Biggest Risk to Family Wealth

  • November 28, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Just because the law allows for a testator to hand-write their own will does not make it a good idea, as a recent court decision shows. Even a harmonious family is likely to end up in court, seeking confirmation that the handwritten document was indeed a valid Holograph Will. 
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Handwritten Will Declared Invalid by Ontario Judge

  • March 30, 2023
  • 2 minutes read
Woman Dies Homeless Unaware of $800k Inheritance | Curated Content | Unclaimed Inheritance | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Woman Dies Homeless Unaware of $800k Inheritance

  • June 4, 2021
  • 1 minute read
Validity Requirements for Last Wills and Testaments in Ontario
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Validity Requirements for Last Wills and Testaments in Ontario

  • February 27, 2025
  • Less than a minute
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

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

  • May 23, 2024
  • 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
How to Plan for Incapacity & Guardianship: Canada
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

How to Plan for Incapacity & Guardianship: Canada

  • August 18, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Load More
Estate Planning Mistakes of the

Rich and Famous

Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Last Wishes: a Tale of Two Wills
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Last Wishes: a Tale of Two Wills

  • July 6, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Read More
The Menendez Estate: Who Got the Money?
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

The Menendez Estate: What Happened to the Money?

  • February 12, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Lessons To Be Learned From Failed Celebrity Estates

  • June 29, 2021
  • Less than a minute
Read More
Divergent Estate Plans of Ike & Tina Turner Provide Valuable Insights: The contrasting estate plans of Tina Turner and Ike Turner serve as instructive examples of the importance of effective estate planning.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Divergent Estate Plans of Ike & Tina Turner Provide Valuable Insights

  • June 7, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Load More

Most Viewed

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

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
random roundup

Curated Content

Curated Content Family Disputes

Litigation Over Lost Will Depletes ‘Very Modest’ Estate

On the Lookout: Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse | Long-Term Care | Elder Care | Power of Attorney | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

On the Lookout: Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse

Estate Planning for Adults with Special Needs
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Creating a Trust: Estate Planning for Adults with Special Needs

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?

Can You Contest a Will That Leaves Your Parent’s Money to a Charity? When Should You Contest Your Parent’s Charitable Will Bequest?
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Can You Contest a Will that Leaves Your Parent’s Money to a Charity?

When Inheritance Divides: The Strain of Sibling Disputes Over Estate Debts
Curated Content Family Disputes

The Strain of Sibling Disputes Over Estate Debts: a Cautionary Tale

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

A trust is a legal agreement between the person creating the trust, known as the settlor, and a trustee. The trustee is responsible for managing the trust's assets and distributing them according to the settlor's wishes.
Curated Content Legacy Lexicon

Understanding Trusts: Estate Planning in Ontario

Protecting The Vulnerable: Role Of Notaries In Adult Guardianship
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Protecting the Vulnerable: Role of Notaries in Adult Guardianship

Property owners who have used joint ownership as an estate planning tool to avoid the cost and delay of probate will need to revisit their plans in light of this decision.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Court Ruling Upsets Commonly-held Interpretation of Joint Tenancy

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

Second Marriages: Potential Conflicts & the Impact on Your Estate Plan
Curated Content Life Events

Second Marriage? Update Your Estate Plan to Avoid Potential Conflicts!

Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper over Richard Simmons' Estate
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Richard Simmons’ Estate: Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper

This guide will help you explore the key aspects of inheritance tax in Canada for non-residents, taxes on property, and cross-border tax concerns for Canadians inheriting overseas.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian Inheritance Tax 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

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

Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Lessons To Be Learned From Failed Celebrity Estates

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

Inheritance Mishaps from the Rich and Famous

Economic uncertainty, inflation and the decline of workplace pensions have left growing numbers of Canadian seniors unable to leave their jobs. What can aspiring but anxious would-be retirees do?
Curated Content Life Events

Why “Unretirement” May Be the Fate of So Many Canadians

estate planning horror stories? money going to the wrong person, incorrect people settling the estate... why you should ask more questions!
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

“What If” Scenarios: Why You Should Ask More Questions

The Digital Assets Gap in Canadian Law | Digital Distress | Obstacles People Face When Trying To Access | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Digital Assets Gap: Accessing Accounts After Owner Has Passed

Biggest Risk to the Continuity of Family Wealth: Breakdown of Communication and Trust | Curated Content | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Breakdown of Communication: The Biggest Risk to Family Wealth

Estate Planning: How To Keep Track of Passwords, Access Keys, and PINs
Curated Content Digital Distress

Estate Planning: How To Keep Track of Passwords, Access Keys, and PINs

Everything You Need To Know About Probate in Canada | While it’s not you who handles probate—rather, it’s your executor who handles it after you pass away—it’s important to understand why having a will makes probate easier.
Curated Content Legacy Lexicon

Everything You Need To Know About Probate in Canada

Estate Planning Horror Stories: 5 Nightmare Scenarios that Will Scare You into Action | Curated Content | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Estate Planning Horror Stories: 5 Nightmare Scenarios

10 of The Strangest Wills of All Time | Curated Content | Strange Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Roundup: 10 of The Strangest Wills of All Time

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

This comprehensive guide explores what a holographic will is, the legal requirements it must meet, potential drawbacks, and why you probably need a more robust estate planning solution.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive Guide to Holographic Wills: Frequently Asked Questions

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

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

What to Do if You Inherit a House with a Mortgage

  • August 27, 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
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
Sibling Living in Inherited Property: Refuses To Sell
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Sibling Living in Inherited Property: Refuses To Sell

  • June 1, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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
Load More

Explore Topics

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