Removing an Estate Trustee: How Bad is Bad Enough? | Family Disputes | Court Rulings | Ontario | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Removing an Estate Trustee: How Bad is Bad Enough?

  • April 10, 2024
  • Less than a minute
If you are a crypto investor, it’s essential to take steps now to guarantee that any of your digital holdings can be safely transferred to your heirs.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Here’s What Can Happen to Crypto & Why You Need To Plan Ahead

  • November 7, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Stan Lee, the iconic co-creator of Marvel superheroes, became center of a high-profile elder abuse lawsuit...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Elder Abuse Lawsuit Against Stan Lee’s Ex-Manager

  • May 9, 2025
  • 1 minute read
When it’s time to do your estate planning – and it’s actually never too soon to begin – you may find the process, at first, to be somewhat bewildering. Using a trust company can make things a lot easier when it’s time to plan and execute your estate.
Curated Content Related Resources

Who Can You Trust to Help Reduce the Stress of Estate Planning?

  • July 6, 2022
  • 1 minute read
What happens when parents don’t choose guardians properly? The courts step in. Your children become part of a legal process instead of seamlessly transitioning to the loving family member you had in mind. Understanding the legal framework will help you make better decisions for your family.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Complete Guide to Choosing a Guardian in Ontario

  • August 21, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Planning for a family business's future is challenging. Keeping the company within the family and ensuring its success requires careful decision-making. Discover practical strategies for effective family business succession planning to ensure a smooth transition and lasting success.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

A Guide to Family Business Succession Planning

  • July 10, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Disinheriting a child can tear a family apart, if —revealed only after the parent in question has died— it comes as a surprise. Much of this conflict can be avoided if the parent in question has a candid conversation with family members in advance.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Disinheriting a Child Shouldn’t Take Your Family By Surprise!

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

Estate Planning Legal Center: Frequently Asked Questions

Curated Content Related Resources

Estate Planning Strategies: 7 Common Uses for Trusts

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

In Ontario, the absence of a valid will can lead to complexities, uncertainties, and outcomes that may not align with your wishes.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if You Die without a Will in Ontario?

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Estate planning plays a crucial role in crime dramas like The Sixth Commandment, where financial manipulation and inheritance fraud drive the plot.
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

The Sixth Commandment | True Crime Drama | 2023

  • July 17, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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

  • January 31, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Individual family members bring their own perspectives and values to the estate planning process. However, good communication can help head off potential multi-generational conflicts before they happen.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Generational Estate Planning: Communication is Key!

  • May 10, 2022
  • 1 minute read
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Wealthy Portuguese Bachelor Bequeathed his Fortune to 70 Strangers
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Wealthy Bachelor Leaves Fortune to Random Strangers

  • April 21, 2010
  • 1 minute read
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

  • February 12, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Abusive Guardianships: Prevention & Taking Action
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Abusive Guardianships: Prevention & Taking Action

  • September 19, 2023
  • 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
Charitable Giving: Legacy is More than What You Leave Behind
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Charitable Giving: Legacy is More than What You Leave Behind

  • April 4, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Accessing a deceased loved one's digital accounts is a complex issue, often resulting in legal battles and emotional distress for families. Advocates continue to push for clearer policies and legal frameworks to address the challenges of digital inheritance...
Digital Distress Generated Content

Accessing a Deceased Loved One’s Digital Accounts

  • July 22, 2025
  • 2 minutes 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
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 Communication is Vital

  • September 30, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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

  • October 25, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Addressing Common Communication Challenges in Estate Planning
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Addressing Common Communication Challenges in Estate Planning

  • June 10, 2024
  • 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
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
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Be prepared to be vulnerable. Start by acknowledging it's a challenging topic and ensure everyone is comfortable and open to the discussion.
Generated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

How to Discuss Long-Term Care Planning with Your Family

  • May 7, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
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

  • December 18, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Understanding Power of Attorney for Personal Care in Ontario | Long-Term Care | Elder Care | Power of Attorney | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Understanding Power of Attorney for Personal Care: Ontario

  • September 9, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Related Resources

As individuals approach the end of life, families often find themselves at the heart of crucial care decisions. It is essential for families to communicate openly, ensuring that all members feel supported and included in the decision-making process.
Curated Content Related Resources

Understanding The Role of Family in End-Of-Life Care Decisions

  • February 26, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Read More
Incapacity can happen suddenly and without warning, but the good news is that it’s entirely possible to plan ahead. By putting the right legal protections in place, you’re not only preserving your dignity and autonomy—you’re also giving your loved ones the gift of clarity and guidance during uncertain times.
Curated Content Related Resources

Planning Ahead for Incapacity and Medical Emergencies

  • September 4, 2025
  • 3 minutes read
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Whether you’re an executor tasked with administering a loved one’s estate or a family member seeking to understand what lies ahead, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step...
Curated Content Related Resources

Complete Guide to Estate Settlement in Canada

  • February 25, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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Comparing DIY Estate Planning Software: Features & Costs | With so many options available, choosing the right DIY Estate Planning Software can feel like navigating a labyrinth...
Curated Content Related Resources

Comparing DIY Estate Planning Software: Features & Costs

  • May 7, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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Family Business Succession: Entrepreneurs can plan for future generational transitions by implementing a corporation governance framework.
March 10, 2026

Family Business: Planning for Future Generational Transitions

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.
March 10, 2026

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

Several life events stand out as clear signals that financial guidance should move to the top of the to-do list... Don’t wait until things feel complicated.
March 8, 2026

Life Events That Should Trigger a Call for Financial Guidance

New Study Finds "Women Are Trusted Most" to Manage Crises and Estates in Canada
March 3, 2026

Critical Life Decisions: Women Trusted Most

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Infamous Feuds + Celebrity Estates

Cautionary Tales

James Gandolfini’s estate planning missteps cost $30M. The oversight in Gandolfini’s plan serves as a reminder of the risks involved in relying solely on a will— no matter how straightforward the intent.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Estate Planning Lessons from James Gandolfini’s $70 Million Estate

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 Legacy of Bob Ross: Lessons in Succession Planning
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

The Legacy of Bob Ross: Lessons in Succession Planning

Bitter family feuds and succession battles are not new to the Canadian business landscape. In fact, some of Canada’s most prominent family-owned firms have had very public brawls...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Canada’s History of Family Firm Feuds Rivals “Succession”

After deliberating for almost one hour, jurors found that a handwritten will, discovered under a sofa cushion by Franklin’s niece after the singer’s death, was signed by the music legend in 2014 and does show her intent.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Jury Reaches Verdict in Battle over Aretha Franklin’s Estate

Billionaire Family Feuds: The 7 Biggest Disputes
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Billionaire Family Feuds: Seven High-Profile Disputes

The Barclay family feud started with accusations of privacy breach at the family-owned Ritz hotel. Open discussions about succession, good structuring and mediation could help a family business avoid going the same way as the Barclay's.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Rise and Fall of an Empire: The Barclay Family Feud

Following the death of Ozzy Osbourne, headlines turned to an alleged change to his will, in which Ozzy stipulated that his widow, Sharon, is to receive a dozen black roses a week for the rest of her life...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Ozzy Osbourne’s “Black Roses” Request

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

Navigating the Evolving Landscape: Val Kilmer’s Digital Legacy
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Navigating the Evolving Landscape: Val Kilmer’s Digital Legacy

Six Estate Planning Mistakes Celebrities Made | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong | A will isn't enough...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Six Estate Planning Mistakes Celebrities Made

James Brown’s Estate Reaches Settlement After Nearly 15-Year Dispute | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

James Brown’s Estate Reaches Settlement After Lengthy Dispute

Inside The Bitter Family Feuds of America’s Richest Billionaire Clans
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Inside The Bitter Feuds of America’s Richest Families

Director Norman Jewison's wife cut him off from family, coerced him to change $30M will, lawsuits claimed. Legal fight between filmmaker's sons, 2nd wife highlights end-of-life struggles many families face...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Family Members Clash Over Director Norman Jewison’s Estate

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

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?

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

A French court has found eight people guilty of exploiting 92-year-old L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, one of the world's richest people. The verdict brings to an end a long-running case that began with a feud between Mrs Bettencourt and daughter.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

The Exploitation of L’Oreal Heiress Liliane Bettencourt

If you’re building wealth for future generations, open communication and clear planning are just as important as investment strategies. These stories offer practical lessons for anyone hoping to pass on wealth— or simply keep their family together...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Wealthy Families That Lost Everything Over Generational Feuds

Glastonbury Founder Could Avoid £80m in Inheritance Tax
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Glastonbury Founder Could Avoid £80m in Inheritance Tax

Gore-Tex Heiress, Susan Gore, has been denied the right to adopt her 65-year-old ex-husband as a means to boost her family's inheritance fortune.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Court Ruling: Heiress Cannot Adopt Ex-Husband for Inheritance

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

The Menendez Estate: What Happened to the Money?

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

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

This full length in-depth documentary explores how some of history's wealthiest families were torn apart when their own children turned against the empires their ancestors built.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Wealthy Families Betrayed By Their Own Children: Documentary

Ten Absolutely Vicious Fights over Inherited Fortunes | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Ten Absolutely Vicious Fights over Inherited Fortunes

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

Trying to figure out the best way to pass your home to your children? Making the right choice between a gift or trust can save your family money and headaches in the long run.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Gift or Trust? The ‘Correct Way’ to Pass Your Home to Your Children

  • January 17, 2025
  • Less than a minute
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
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
There can be sentimental reasons to keep inherited real estate, but —unless you plan to use the property personally— you should ask yourself: would you buy that real estate with an equivalent amount of cash?
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting Real Estate: Ask Yourself “Would You Buy it?”

  • March 17, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Ontario Superior Court Removes Estate Executor to Resolve Deadlock | Property Pitfalls | Family Disputes | Case Ruling | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Ontario Superior Court Removes Estate Executor to Resolve Deadlock

  • September 3, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Can You Avoid Impending Capital Gain on Your Family Cottage?
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Can You Avoid Impending Capital Gain on Your Family Cottage?

  • June 5, 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

28
Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Lisa Marie Presley's Estate | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates

Celebrity Estates

47
Family Conflict Results in Long-Term Estate Litigation over Secret Trust and Mutual Wills Agreement | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong

Charitable Misgivings

30
Estate Planning: 6 Big Mistakes You Might Be Making | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Estates Gone Wrong

Common Mistakes

42
What to Do when the Executor Is Not Communicating with Beneficiaries? | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong

Communication Breakdowns

40
Top 8 Risks: The Dangers of Improper Estate Planning | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Digital Distress

46
Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Family Disputes

58
Abusive Guardianships: Prevention & Taking Action

Guardian Safeguards

30
High Costs for Long-Term Care are 'Unforgivable' | Curated Content | Elder Care Nightmares | Estates Gone Wrong

Long-Term Care Crisis

32
What to Do if You Inherit a House with a Mortgage | Curated Content | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Inheriting Debt | Estates Gone Wrong

Property Pitfalls

40
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