Canadian Outlook 2025: The Future of Estate Planning
Curated Content Related Resources

Canadian Outlook 2025: The Future of Estate Planning

  • February 19, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute

  • February 7, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Relocating to a new province or country can have significant legal implications for your estate plan. This article explores when and why you may need to update your will after a move, along with key considerations for cross-jurisdictional estate planning.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Can Moving Affect the Validity & Effectiveness of Your Will?

  • September 26, 2025
  • 3 minutes read
The Government of Canada has published a useful online guide explaining the tax responsibilities of legal representatives for the estates of deceased individuals. This guide sets out a 4-stage process...
Curated Content Related Resources

Tax Responsibilities of Legal Representatives of Estates: Canada

  • March 15, 2023
  • Less than a minute
As generative AI brings dead celebrities back to life, we must rethink the rights of the deceased. Changes are due in privacy, consumer protection and property laws, University at Buffalo legal scholar Mark Bartholomew says...
Curated Content Law Reform

Generative AI: Rethinking the Legal Rights of the Deceased

  • January 24, 2024
  • 1 minute read
This guide covers the legal rights of each sibling, the practical options available, what to do when negotiation fails, and how to protect your ownership interest throughout the process.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

One Sibling Living in Inherited House: Legal Rights & Practical Options

  • March 27, 2026
  • Less than a minute
In the rapidly evolving digital era, businesses are compelled to rethink traditional practices, particularly in the realm of succession planning.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

Strategic Approaches to Business Succession in The Digital Age

Transferring Property Title to a Trustee: Step-by-Step Guide
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

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

Navigating the complex web of estate planning for Canadians with foreign ties requires a deep understanding of both domestic and international tax laws. That is why involvement of legal experts from the relevant foreign jurisdictions is often necessary and strongly recommended.
Curated Content Related Resources

The Complexities of International Estate Planning for Canadians

Being an Estate Executor: Frequently Asked Questions
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Being an Estate Executor: Frequently Asked Questions

When serving in the executor role, you may find that the deceased created trusts during his/her lifetime or even through their will. Curious about your role as an executor vs. the role of the trustee? Understand the similarities and differences...
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Executor vs Trustee: What’s the Difference? Who has More Power?

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Recent Ontario Court of Appeal ruling reaffirms the modern cost approach in estate litigation: trustees who fail in their duties may not only be removed but may also bear the personal financial burden of their choices.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Personal Liability for Costs Due to Breach of Fiduciary Duty:

  • July 22, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Curated Content Family Disputes

Court Rules in Favour of Common-Law Spouse: Intestate Case

  • May 28, 2025
  • 1 minute read
The Roy family is known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. However, their world changes when their father steps down from the company.
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

Succession | Television Series | 2018-2023

  • June 3, 2018
  • 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
Even the most well-meaning executors may encounter unforeseen difficulties during the estate administration process. Errors in estate administration can make an otherwise simple procedure more difficult. Learn more about these common mistakes and how to avoid them...
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Estate Administration in Ontario: Avoiding Common Mistakes

  • February 24, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Inheriting property can be a blessing, but it may also bring challenges, particularly if disputes arise among heirs or co-owners. Understanding the legal and practical steps to manage these disputes is crucial for protecting your interests and resolving conflicts.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inherited Property Disputes: Common Causes & Steps to Resolve

  • February 19, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Guardianship is an expensive, time-consuming process that ultimately removes decision-making rights from the person with a disability. Once guardianship is in place, it is very difficult to reverse.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Adults with Disabilities: Decision-Making Rights & Support

  • December 20, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Many Americans will need long-term care (LTC) at some point, but not everyone may understand what it really involves. These statistics illustrate the importance of long-term care and planning...
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Long-Term Care Statistics 2025: The Importance of Planning

  • August 7, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Blockchain technology is changing the way we think about digital ownership and estate planning. By understanding how blockchains work and how digital assets are stored and transferred, one can make informed decisions about how to protect these assets for future generations.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Blockchain Technology: Digital Ownership & Estate Planning

  • January 2, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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
14 Unexpected Ways a Surprise Inheritance Can Complicate Your Life | Here's how to prepare yourself financially if you get an unexpected inheritance so you avoid costly missteps...
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Surprise! An Inheritance Can Complicate Your Life

  • April 20, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Top 8 Risks: The Dangers of Improper Estate Planning | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Top 8 Risks: The Dangers of Improper Estate Planning

  • March 19, 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
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
Do not leave the final chapter of your story to chance or to others. Your estate plan is not merely legal paperwork. It is your personal declaration: "My family will not be left vulnerable. My legacy will endure."
Common Mistakes Curated Content

The Cost of Unpreparedness: Take Command of Your Story!

  • September 15, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Following an apparent suicide, a wealthy patriarch's will and testament surprisingly leaves virtually nothing of his wealth to his third wife and two sons.
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

I, Jack Wright | British TV Drama | 2025

  • April 30, 2025
  • Less than a minute
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

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

  • November 5, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Protecting The Vulnerable: Role Of Notaries In Adult Guardianship
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Protecting the Vulnerable: Role of Notaries in Adult Guardianship

  • July 15, 2024
  • 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
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

LegalWills.ca highly recommends the following books: a special selection of books related to funeral, estate and financial planning.
Curated Content Related Resources

Will & Estate Planning Books: Recommended by LegalWills.ca

  • May 25, 2014
  • 1 minute read
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High legal and ethical standards apply to estate executors and trustees. It is essential to understand your obligations...
Curated Content Related Resources

Estate Executor “Self-Dealing” Assets: Conflict of Interest

  • September 27, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Read More
If you’ve ever wondered whether your executor is prepared, whether your business could run without you, or whether your family is set up for clarity instead of conflict, this conversation will hit home.
Curated Content Related Resources

Canadian Wealth Secrets Podcast: “Why Your Will Is Not Enough”

  • November 24, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Wills and estate planning aren’t just for old, wealthy people. Every adult needs a plan. You’ll feel more confident about your future after you’ve made these decisions and communicated them to the people you care about most.
Curated Content Related Resources

Estate Planning: Six Steps to Getting Started

  • July 24, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Recent Posts

Choosing the right estate trustee —at the planning stage— can be one of the most important decisions a testator makes. This case serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when an estate trustee fails to appreciate the seriousness of the role...
July 3, 2026

Cautionary Tale: When Poor Administration Comes at a Cost

With many estates being administered over extended periods —by older spouses, siblings, or peers— the risk that an executor becomes incapable is very real and foreseeable. Planning for incapacity at the drafting stage is key...
June 26, 2026

What Happens When An Estate Executor Becomes Incapable?

Navigating the legal maze of Canadian Estate Planning can be exceptionally daunting due to the recent enforcement of transparency mandates across all provinces. This article examines the structural steps required to successfully execute a family trust in Canada...
June 21, 2026

How To Set Up a Family Trust in Canada: 2026 Action Plan

Before you set up a living trust, make sure you’re positive that it’s the right tool for your particular situation. Learn more in this step-by-step guide to setting up a living trust in Canada…
June 18, 2026

How Do I Set Up a Living (Inter Vivos) Trust in Canada?

Directory Listings

Our global curated content roundup is intended for information purposes only. We do not provide advisory services nor do we purport to offer direct legal advice. If you offer professional estate planning advisement, administration, or legal services, we welcome and encourage you to apply for a paid profile placement in our upcoming directory listings.

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Infamous Feuds + Celebrity Estates

Cautionary Tales

The Menendez Estate: Who Got the Money?
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

The Menendez Estate: What Happened to the Money?

The longstanding feud among the heirs of Sol Goldman’s vast New York real estate fortune has reignited. This is the latest chapter in a family conflict that dates back to the 1980s... 
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

NYC Real Estate Dynasty Heirs Intensify Feud Over Property Empire

Estate planning becomes more complicated when assets, citizenship and tax rules extend beyond a single country. In this episode of Celebrity Estates, David Lenok speaks with Martin Behn about these challenges.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Celebrity Estates Podcast: Cross-Border Planning Lessons

By ensuring that your intentions are documented, accounting for all family members, and keeping the will simple, you can help your loved ones avoid legal battles and ensure your estate is handled smoothly.  
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Valuable Lessons in Clarity & Intent from Canadian Celebrity Estates

The battle for the Sunjay Kapur empire has taken an explosive turn, as shocking allegations of a ‘forged will’ have surfaced, shaking the very foundation of this high-profile dispute.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Forged Will Allegations: Battle for The Sunjay Kapur Empire

Disney is one of the biggest media companies in the world, with an estimated net worth of nearly $130 billion. From a family-trust-fund feud to generous philanthropic endeavors, here's a look at the three generations of the Disney family.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Disney Family Feud as Heirs Battle for $400 Million Trust Fund

From legendary musicians to business moguls, read on to discover some of the bitterest inheritance battles of all time. 
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Battle of Wills: 25 Infamous Inheritance Disputes

Jay Pritzker quietly built a $15 billion empire of more than 200 companies, including Hyatt Hotels Corp., and a network of 1,000 family trusts.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Pritzker Family Settles Dispute with $900 Million Agreement

The members of one of Canada’s wealthiest dynasties are now openly accusing each other of reckless spending, incompetent leadership and outright fraud... in a web of litigation so complex it could keep them bound up in court for years to come.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Stronach Family Trust Dispute: Inside the $500-Million Feud

Tori Spelling, daughter of TV producer Aaron Spelling, received an inheritance of $800,000 from his $500 million estate, not the substantial sum some might have expected. 
Celebrity Estates Generated Content

Aaron Spelling: Reasons Behind the ‘Unequal’ Estate Distribution?

Robert Redford's stunning $20m property portfolio revealed after Hollywood icon dies in his sleep aged 89
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Robert Redford’s Stunning $20m Property Portfolio

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

Murdoch Family Legal Battle Highlights a Harsh Reality: No Trust is Airtight | Family Disputes | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Murdoch Family Legal Battle: “No Trust is Airtight!”

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

Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Estate

Elvis Presley’s Estate Planning Mistakes: Lessons for Us All | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Elvis Presley’s Estate Planning Mistakes: Lessons for Us All

An Ontario judge's looming decision on whether to compel the Stronach Group to disclose evidence of any coverup of sexual misconduct may add yet a new dimension to a deepening scandal surrounding the multinational's billionaire founder.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Succession-like Battle Over Family’s Billions: The Stronach Case

The infamous inheritance battle for Koch Industries involved the four sons of Fred Koch — William, Frederick, Charles, and David — who feuded for nearly two decades over the control and ownership of the family company. 
Generated Content Infamous Feuds

Infamous 20-Year-Long Inheritance Battle: Koch Industries

If Hendrix had even done a simple will that properly spelled out his wishes, a large amount of the litigation would have been avoided and it would have ensured that his wishes were followed.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

The Estate of Jimi Hendrix: Decades of Drama & Costly Litigation

Hulk Hogan’s daughter can’t write herself out of the wrestler’s will, but she can refuse to take his money. The questions arising over who will inherit Hulk Hogan’s wealth offer important insights into how family estrangement can affect estate planning.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Hulk Hogan’s Will: a Lesson in Family Estrangement & Estate Planning

The Agnellis, Italy's ‘royal family’ of industry, has played a pivotal role in shaping global business and culture but a bitter feud is driving the Fiat family apart
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

The Agnelli Dynasty: Bitter 20-Year Inheritance Feud

The ongoing legal dispute within the Rothschild family over a stunning collection of art captures the intrigue surrounding one of the world’s most powerful families. As the case unfolds, the art world watches closely.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Rothschild Family Feud Erupts Over ‘Mini-Louvre’ Art Collection

The estate of Hulk Hogan is pushing back forcefully against a claim that seeks $10 million over the origins of the wrestler's branded beer business, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Hulk Hogan’s Heirs Wrestling with $10 Million Beer Brand Lawsuit

Gene Roddenberry is widely known as the mind behind Star Trek but less well known is his ugly estate litigation fight that centered around the definition of “Star Trek.”
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

To Boldly Go Where No Estate Litigation Has Gone Before

The Guinness family’s story shows that inheritance without structure can lead to division... When assets, wishes, and responsibilities are clearly defined, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re protecting your family’s relationships and legacy.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Inheritance Conflict & Division: Lessons from The Guinness Family

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

The Anna Nicole Smith estate saga is more than just a celebrity courtroom drama; it's a cautionary tale with lessons for everyone, according to attorney John Levy. 
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Case Study: Anna Nicole Smith Estate Saga Offers Lessons for All

Suit claimed Dudesy podcast violated Carlin’s copyright, calling it ‘a casual theft of a great American artist’s work’... The lawsuit was one of the first in the US to focus on the legality of deepfakes imitating a celebrity’s likeness.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

George Carlin’s Estate Settles Lawsuit Over “AI Doppelganger”

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

The decision of how to divide inherited property between siblings can be a complex one. In this article, Keystone explores how to divide inherited property between siblings fairly, and common disputes and solutions when inheriting a house with siblings.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

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

  • September 12, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common | There are three main ways that a homeowner can own a home, and the way title is held dramatically affects their estate and heirs...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common

  • February 4, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Inheriting property can be a complex process, but with proper planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking proactive steps can prevent disputes and create a clear path for future generations.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting Property: What You Need to Know

  • May 22, 2025
  • 3 minutes 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
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
Many Canadians dream of buying a property by the sea in Florida or a golf course in Arizona. But what happens at the time of death? Buying a property in the United States takes planning...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Canadian Will & U.S. Property: Avoiding Probate Takes Planning

  • February 10, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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Explore Topics

Dying Saskatchewan Farmer’s Will Goes Down in History | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong

Bizarre Bequests

30
Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Lisa Marie Presley's Estate | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates

Celebrity Estates

56
Family Conflict Results in Long-Term Estate Litigation over Secret Trust and Mutual Wills Agreement | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong

Charitable Misgivings

32
Estate Planning: 6 Big Mistakes You Might Be Making | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Estates Gone Wrong

Common Mistakes

46
What to Do when the Executor Is Not Communicating with Beneficiaries? | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong

Communication Breakdowns

42
Top 8 Risks: The Dangers of Improper Estate Planning | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Digital Distress

54
Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Family Disputes

68
Abusive Guardianships: Prevention & Taking Action

Guardian Safeguards

36
High Costs for Long-Term Care are 'Unforgivable' | Curated Content | Elder Care Nightmares | Estates Gone Wrong

Long-Term Care Crisis

36
What to Do if You Inherit a House with a Mortgage | Curated Content | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Inheriting Debt | Estates Gone Wrong

Property Pitfalls

52
Story Submissions

We know, this can be a very sensitive topic. If you have a personal story or a cautionary tale —a link to a specific article, blog post, or recommended resource that you found particularly helpful in your own estate planning and administration journey— anonymous submissions are welcomed and encouraged.

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