Curated Content Related Resources

Estate Planning Strategies: 7 Common Uses for Trusts

  • September 18, 2023
  • 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
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

  • January 12, 2005
  • 1 minute read
This guide explains how Canada taxes estates at death, what executors and beneficiaries need to know, and why professional advice is critical.
Curated Content Tax-Smart Strategies

Estate and Inheritance Taxes in Canada: Complete Guide

  • February 17, 2026
  • Less than a minute
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
In a typical estate plan, each spouse leaves their assets to the other. When the second spouse passes away, assets are distributed to their children. But what happens to your estate plan if you remarry? And what if you have children from a prior marriage?
Curated Content Life Events

Remarriage: a New Family Calls for a New Estate Plan

  • October 10, 2024
  • 1 minute read
It is important to understand the limited purpose and necessity behind 'Net Family Property' clauses. They are not a catchall for sheltering and protecting the inheritance of a divorcing beneficiary, although they usually have the appearance of trying to achieve this objective.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Understanding the ‘Net Family Property’ Exclusion Clause: Ontario

Someone should start thinking about estate planning as soon as they start accumulating any form of wealth or they have financial responsibilities or obligations to another person. But it’s not a one-and-done discussion.
Generated Content Life Events

Ten Life Events that Should Make You Revisit Your Estate Plans

Ever thought about gifting a property to your children? I recently had this very discussion with my own aging parents. This resulted in some important discussions about our family home, their goals and consideration for the tax outcomes of any decisions made...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Transferring the Family Home: Considerations for Canadians

Few legal disputes are as personal and emotional as challenging a will. Whether you are considering contesting a will or defending against a challenge, you should know what to expect...
Curated Content Related Resources

Contesting a Will in Ontario: How it Works & What to Expect

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!

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

There are steps you can take to find out if you have an unclaimed inheritance. Learn how to claim assets that may be rightfully yours...
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

How to Search for Unclaimed Inheritance: Canada

  • November 30, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Don't Wait until it's Too Late: Communicate Your Plans with Your Family
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Don’t Wait: Communicate Your Plans with Your Family

  • February 10, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Common themes in inheritance disputes include challenges to a will's validity, unfair or unequal asset distribution, family dynamics and pre-existing tensions, lack of clear estate planning, and issues with executor misconduct or mismanagement. 
Family Disputes Generated Content

Inheritance Disputes: Common Themes & Recent Cases (Ontario)

  • August 21, 2025
  • 2 minutes 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
What do these Inheritance Horror Stories have in common? Every single one of them could have been prevented with a simple conversation and some thoughtful legal planning. Let’s make sure your story doesn’t become someone else’s cautionary tale...
Curated Content Family Disputes

Legal Planning Lessons from Real-Life Inheritance Horror Stories

  • July 3, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Here are nine things to do – and not do – when selecting guardians for a minor child or children.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Choosing a Guardian for a Minor Child: 9 Important Considerations

  • January 4, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Court rules against woman who sought to have $1.8-million inheritance placed in fully discretionary trust to avoid losing disability benefits...
Curated Content Family Disputes

B.C. Court Rules Against Woman Seeking to Impose Henson Trust

  • February 12, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Being an executor is an important job and frankly, some people are going to be better at it than others. Avoid making a big mistake by heeding this advice from Patrick O’Brien, CEO and co-founder of Executor.org
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Warning Signs That You’re Choosing The Wrong Executor

  • October 3, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Foreman established a distinctive personal legacy marked by a large blended family and a multimillion-dollar estate. His unique family dynamic highlights the importance of proper estate planning: crucial when managing multiple heirs, complex family relationships, and shared family names.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

George Foreman’s Legacy: Lessons for Complex Blended Families

  • June 10, 2025
  • 1 minute read
The Impact of Digital Assets on Estate Planning and Litigation | Digital Distress | What Happens to Your Digital Assets | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

The Impact of Digital Assets on Estate Planning and Litigation

  • March 11, 2024
  • 1 minute read
It’s never too early to start talking with your family members to ensure everyone is on the same page when a care crisis occurs. Specifically, talk to your parents about their intentions for the future when they’re still capable of managing their affairs.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Planning Care for Aging Parents: Five Key Steps

  • July 10, 2025
  • 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
Defusing Trust Disputes: A Guide to Conflict Resolution
Curated Content Family Disputes

Defusing Trust Disputes: A Guide to Conflict Resolution

  • December 6, 2024
  • Less than a minute
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

  • August 25, 2015
  • 1 minute read
Watching your elderly parent(s) struggle with dwindling financial resources can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. However, there are steps you can take to address this situation effectively and ensure your parent receives the care and support they need.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

What to Do When Your Elderly Parent is Running Out of Money

  • September 25, 2023
  • Less than a minute
The UK is tackling its long-term care crisis through increased funding, leveraging technology, strengthening the social care workforce, and supporting informal carers.
Generated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

How is the UK Tackling its Long-Term Care Crisis?

  • September 22, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

A single man is drawn into a custody battle with his mother. The judge ultimately has to decide who will be the best guardian for Mary.
Dramatized Content Guardian Safeguards

Gifted | Court Battle Over Guardianship | Drama Film |

  • April 7, 2017
  • 1 minute read
When Caretakers Empty the Coffers: A Look at Guardianship Fraud
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

When Caretakers Empty the Coffers: A Look at Guardianship Fraud

  • April 13, 2022
  • 1 minute read
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
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

This guide was created by the ALA Office of Research & Evaluation, and funded by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. New books added June 13th, 2025...
Curated Content Related Resources

Financial Literacy in Public Libraries: Estate Planning Books

  • June 13, 2025
  • 4 minutes read
Read More
In the intricate process of estate planning and will preparation, the expertise of an accountant is invaluable. The collaboration between your solicitor and accountant ensures a seamless integration of legal and financial expertise.
Curated Content Related Resources

The Critical Role of Accountants in Estate Planning

  • March 17, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Your pets depend on you and planning for their future is a meaningful way to ensure they continue to receive the love and care they deserve, even after you’re gone.
Curated Content Related Resources

Financial Support & Care: Planning for Pets in Your Will

  • August 12, 2025
  • 3 minutes read
Read More
Canada is on the brink of a historic wealth transfer, with estimates suggesting that up to $1 trillion could change hands over the next decade. With proper planning, the transition of wealth can be a smooth and positive experience.
Curated Content Related Resources

The Great Wealth Transfer: How Prepared are Canadians?

  • April 3, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Read More
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Recent Posts

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

The Will of Marlon Brando: A Lesson in Estate Planning | Inheritance Disputes | Celebrity Estates | Court Battles | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

The Will of Marlon Brando: A Lesson in Estate Planning

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

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

Dueling Trustees Battle Over Jimmy Buffett’s $275 Million Estate
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Dueling Trustees Battle Over Jimmy Buffett’s $275 Million Estate

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?

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

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute

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

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

The Menendez Estate: What Happened to the Money?

Often you hear that you should review your will or trust to make sure it keeps up with changes in your life and still meets your needs. The tragic death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, whose will became public due to the probate proceeding, brought some of these issues into the public eye.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Unintended Consequences: Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Estate

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

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

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”

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

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

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 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

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

Glastonbury Founder Could Avoid £80m in Inheritance Tax

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

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

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

This video unpacks the 2024 court case involving Zong Qinghou's heirs, the $1.8 billion trust dispute, and the clash between Zong Fuli and three U.S.-based claimants.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Wahaha’s Inheritance Battle: Family Feud & Trust Dispute

When high-profile celebrities pass away, their estate disputes often make headlines. However, the legal challenges their estates face are not exclusive to those of the rich and famous.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Prevent Costly Missteps: Lessons from Celebrity Estate Disputes

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!”

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

Billionaire Family Feuds: Seven High-Profile Disputes

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

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

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 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
Ever thought about gifting a property to your children? I recently had this very discussion with my own aging parents. This resulted in some important discussions about our family home, their goals and consideration for the tax outcomes of any decisions made...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Transferring the Family Home: Considerations for Canadians

  • December 4, 2025
  • 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
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
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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Explore Topics

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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