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

Strangest Wills Ever: Daily Roses, Millionaire Pets, and More

  • January 9, 2024
  • 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
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: Ontario

  • July 22, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
5 Estate Planning Lessons From ‘House Of The Dragon’ | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

5 Estate Planning Lessons From ‘House Of The Dragon’

  • June 16, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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

  • December 25, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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
Did a German countess named Karlotta Leibenstein really leave millions to a dog named Gunther? The German Shepard has long been described as one of the wealthiest dogs in the world, but —spoiler alert!— the truth is not that simple...
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Spoiler Alert: The True Story Behind “Gunther’s Millions”

Lawyers Alison and Jillian Barrett, from Maurice Blackburn, tackle problems everyday Aussies face. In this article, they address the following question– posed by a woman who 'isn't happy with her inheritance'.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Mum’s $20k Inheritance Gift to Charity ‘Upsets’ Daughter: Australia

Talking about money is never easy, especially when it involves inheritance, and in many wealthy families, conversations about who gets what, when, and why can feel uncomfortable. Learn how to have constructive talks regarding wealth, values, legacy.
Curated Content Related Resources

Family Wealth Conversations: Strategies That Work

There’s no “right” way to grieve, and respecting each person’s process is essential...
Curated Content Related Resources

Support for Dealing with Grief and Anticipatory Grief

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

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
Central to this journey is the unwavering commitment to transparent communication... Although rife with complexity, estate administration can be navigated with sagacity and a judicious approach.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Unwavering Commitment to Transparent Communication

  • April 10, 2025
  • 2 minutes 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
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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
The digital age has ushered in a paradigm shift in estate planning and administration... This article will delve deeper into the complexities of digital asset succession in Ontario, discussing the challenges faced, potential solutions, and the evolving legal landscape.
Curated Content Digital Distress

The Evolving Landscape of Digital Asset Succession

  • October 25, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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

  • September 10, 2024
  • Less than a minute
7 Costly Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Estates Gone Wrong
Common Mistakes Curated Content

7 Costly Estate Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  • April 9, 2024
  • 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
Estate Planning Can Be Difficult: Surprises Complicate Things Further | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Estate Planning is Difficult: Don’t Complicate it With Surprises

  • September 22, 2024
  • 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
Are you planning to leave real estate to a loved one under your Will? Do you want that property to be transferred free of debt or other claims? Language matters!
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Navigating Bequests of Real Estate: Language Matters!

  • August 8, 2025
  • 1 minute read
As digital wealth continues to grow, these assets will increasingly appear in estate files. Understanding how to value and administer them will be essential. Markets change, assumptions fail, and good planning remains the best defence.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Valuing Digital Assets: Lessons from the World of Online Gaming

  • October 30, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Furry Heirs: The Rising Trend of Pet Trusts & Bequests

  • October 4, 2024
  • Less than a minute
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 Communication in Estate Administration

  • July 29, 2024
  • Less than a minute
Digital assets pose unique challenges for Ontario estate planning, particularly when they are stored or governed outside the province. Conflicting laws, restrictive terms of service, and international privacy regulations can complicate access and delay administration.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Digital Assets: Unique Challenges & Jurisdictional Conflicts

  • September 25, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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: Estate & Trust Dispute

  • January 16, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

When we are young and vulnerable, our parents protect and care for our every need. As time moves on, we grow up, our parents age, and along the way, we fail to think there could ever be a day that they would be the ones that need looking after.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Managing the Costs of Caring for Aging Parents in Canada

  • January 26, 2026
  • 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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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

Whether driven by retirement, a desire for simplicity, or changing health needs, the act of downsizing is a profound life event. It requires a conscious and often difficult act of letting go, confronting the unspoken weight of what we choose to leave behind.
Curated Content Related Resources

Downsizing Guide: Mastering The Difficult Act of Letting Go

  • October 27, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
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 Related Resources

Resources: a Comprehensive Guide to Holographic Wills

  • July 30, 2024
  • Less than a minute
Read More
Most families don't have these conversations until it's too late. Not because they don't care. But because there's never a clear moment to bring it up...
Curated Content Related Resources

Thoughtful Questions To Ask Your Aging Parents

  • April 24, 2026
  • Less than a minute
Read More
Executors have a duty to notify beneficiaries of their entitlement under an estate, but what happens if a beneficiary can’t be easily identified or found?
Curated Content Related Resources

Missing Beneficiaries: What Executors Need to Know

  • March 14, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Read More
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Recent Posts

Inheriting a collection is a significant emotional and financial event. It connects us to our past, to loved ones, and to histories that may span generations. Yet, it also presents a daunting challenge: how to decide what to keep and what to sell. 
May 30, 2026

Inherited Collectibles: Practical Tips for Deciding What to Keep or Sell

Over the past decade, a caregiving crisis has been building in the workplace. Currently, 35% of the Canadian workforce or 8 million people, are struggling and juggling their work responsibilities with caregiving duties.
May 25, 2026

Caregiving Crisis at Work: Millions of Canadians Struggling

When New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law on Feb. 6, 2026, she included an unusual provision: patients requesting medical aid in dying must make an audio or video recording of their oral request...
May 21, 2026

Medical Aid in Dying: New York State’s Unusual New Requirement

Discretionary trusts can be an effective way to provide for beneficiaries without granting them fixed entitlements. However, these structures can create uncertainty for beneficiaries... Understanding the legal framework is critical for both sides.
May 21, 2026

Ontario Guide to Discretionary Trusts and Beneficiary Rights

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

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?

Thirty paintings created by the bushy-haired, soft-spoken Bob Ross will soon be up for auction to defray the costs of programming for small and rural public television stations suffering under cuts in federal funding.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Bob Ross Paintings to be Auctioned to Support Public TV Stations

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

Succession-style feud settled as court sides with Edward Rogers: The fight for Rogers Communications has riven one of Canada’s richest families— and it began with an accidental 'butt dial'...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Succession-Style Feud: The Fight for Rogers Communications

The name John Seward Johnson probably means very little to you, but you’ve certainly know the company that Johnson’s father co-founded. That’s right – Johnson & Johnson, the maker of baby products we’ve all used for generations.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Disinherited Children: Battle Over The Johnson & Johnson Legacy

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

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

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

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

Heirs to an iconic fortune sought out a wealth manager who would assuage their progressive consciences. Now their dispute is exposing dynastic secrets...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Getty Trust Issues: Dispute Exposed Family Secrets

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”

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: Estate & Trust Dispute

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

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

The Menendez Estate: What Happened to the Money?

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

This dramatic feud over inheriting a family-owned winery drove a wedge between four siblings and led to a landmark penalty over the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in court. 
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Feud Over Family-Owned 80-Acre Winery Turns Sour

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

The Legacy of Bob Ross: Lessons in Succession Planning

Exploring the legal, contractual, and federal challenges of AI-driven celebrity likeness—from state statutes to the proposed “No Fakes Act.”
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Postmortem Publicity Rights: Digital Use of Celebrity Likeness

These heiresses —Evalyn Walsh McLean, Catherine Tylney-Long, Christina Onassis, Barbara Hutton, and Barbara Baekland— learned that some prices are too high to pay, even when you can afford anything money can buy.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

The Cursed Fortunes That Destroyed Their Heiresses

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

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
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
It’s a common misconception that debt disappears when someone dies — but this isn’t usually the case, especially when inheriting a house with debt. While you may not be personally responsible for a decedent’s loans, the debt must still be addressed, or the house risks foreclosure.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting a House with Debt: Understanding Your Options

  • March 11, 2026
  • 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
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
Any property that you own in the UK, be it land or buildings, can be bequeathed to someone in your will. However, the way in which you own the property impacts how it can be passed on.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Including Property in Your Will in the UK: What You Should Know

  • April 15, 2024
  • 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

44
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

50
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