After years of advocacy, Delaware passes End-of-Life Options Law: Delaware has become the latest state to legalize medical aid in dying, following the signing of House Bill 140 on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025.
Curated Content Law Reform

Delaware Passes End-of-Life Options Law: 2025

  • May 21, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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

  • January 24, 2025
  • 1 minute read
America's Elder Care Crisis is Here— And We're Not Ready | Long-Term Care | Elder Care | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

America’s Elder Care Crisis is Here & We’re Not Ready

  • December 15, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Spendthrift trusts help ensure that beneficiaries can’t squander their inheritance. They can also serve to protect assets from creditors. Rather than allowing the beneficiary to receive a lump sum, the trustee releases the money incrementally.
Curated Content Legacy Lexicon

Spendthrift Trusts: What Are They and How Do They Work?

  • August 7, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Lawyers Who Write Wills Share The 40 Weirdest Requests Clients Have Made | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Ask Reddit Thread: 40 Weirdest Requests in People’s Wills

  • June 28, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Aging Baby Boomers Raise the Risk of a Long-Term-Care Crisis in the U.S. | Curated Content | Elder Care | Long-Term Care | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Aging Baby Boomers Raise the Risk of a Long-Term-Care Crisis

  • November 8, 2021
  • 1 minute read
Different kinds of life events will have different impacts on your finances. If you’re going through one of these life transitions or are preparing for a change, this article has information that you might find valuable...
Curated Content Life Events

Overcoming The Financial Impacts of Major Life Events

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?

Five Famous Families Undermined by Sibling Conflict | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Five Famous Families Undermined by Sibling Conflict

Without proper planning, your pets could end up in shelters or with people who aren’t prepared to care for them properly. Taking time now to make these arrangements ensures your faithful companions will be loved and cared for throughout their lives.
Curated Content Related Resources

Choosing the Right Caregiver for Your Furry Family Members

For family-owned businesses, succession planning is especially important, as the business often represents both a significant financial asset and a key part of the family’s identity and legacy.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

Essential Estate Planning for Family-Owned Businesses

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

We can do many things to make preparing our Executor and loved ones easier. However, the main thing is just to start having the conversation, even if it is little sentences at a time. Don’t leave your loved ones with such confusion that they end up resorting to stalking someone to get some answers as Carrie Bradshaw did!
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

“BIG” Surprises in Your Will? Your Loved Ones Deserve a

  • March 3, 2022
  • 2 minutes read
What if you no longer want to include someone in your will? Whether you're navigating a second marriage, dealing with an estranged relative, or leaving your assets to charity, there are reasons to disinherit someone.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Six Reasons to Disinherit Someone and How to Do It

  • June 13, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Taking the time to gather all the assets and have detailed information about each item goes a long way to helping everyone understand specifics and how this affects them. A BC case recently showcased why clear language is so important to minimize potential challenges to a Will.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Oversight for Wills: Distributing Articles & Personal Effects

  • June 26, 2025
  • 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
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
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
Without a plan, families often face roadblocks. Passwords are lost, accounts are locked, and privacy policies can make recovery difficult or impossible. A formal approach to protecting digital assets ensures that your legacy is preserved and your wishes respected.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Digital Asset Management: How to Safeguard Your Online Legacy

  • November 21, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Your estate plan is your final gift to your family. It’s an opportunity to show your love and care in a lasting way. By pairing open conversations with strong legal planning, you can feel confident that your legacy will be one of harmony and understanding, not conflict.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Preventing Family Fights Over Inheritance: Alberta

  • September 22, 2025
  • 4 minutes read
Courts could use artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up probate, but digitizing documents and training a new AI model is labour intensive.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Could AI Speed Up Uncontested Probate Applications?

  • February 4, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Planning for the incapacity of vulnerable adults involves creating legal and practical arrangements to ensure their well-being and financial stability if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. This includes designating substitute decision-makers through powers of attorney or protection mandates, developing comprehensive care plans, and potentially seeking court-appointed guardianship or trusteeship. 
Generated Content Guardian Safeguards

Designating Decision Makers for Vulnerable Adults

  • June 5, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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
This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of how important it is to carefully plan, draft, and update your Will with the help of an experienced advisor. Doing so can prevent misunderstandings and disputes, and ensure that your wishes are truly fulfilled.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Will Interpretation: Alberta Court Decision Serves as Cautionary Tale

  • April 28, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
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
Understanding how one outdated will can make probate last for years is key to avoiding unnecessary stress for your loved ones.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

An Outdated Will Can Make Probate Last For Years

  • April 15, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

The Descendants | Comedy-Drama Film | 2011

  • September 10, 2011
  • 1 minute read
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
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Judge Orders Guardianship Firm to Return Thousands to Elderly Woman | Curated Content | Elder Care | Court Rulings | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Judge Orders Guardianship Firm to Return Thousands to Elderly Woman

  • September 5, 2024
  • 1 minute 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
How to Plan for Incapacity & Guardianship: Canada
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

How to Plan for Incapacity & Guardianship: Canada

  • August 18, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

Certain assets are generally excluded from the net family property calculation, provided they were not used for family purposes or did not significantly change in nature during the marriage. The complexity of family law make it essential to seek professional legal advice.
Curated Content Related Resources

Net Family Property (NFP) in Ontario: A Complete Guide

  • August 10, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Administering an estate after someone passes away can be a daunting task, filled with legal complexities and emotional challenges. This Ultimate List aims to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating this process effectively.
Curated Content Related Resources

What You Need to Know About Administering an Estate: Australia

  • July 16, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Family Enterprise Canada: Effective Estate Planning Tools
Curated Content Related Resources

Family Enterprise Canada: Effective Estate Planning Tools

  • February 21, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Read More
If you’re between 35 and 65, chances are you know someone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. It’s a tough reality, but if there’s still time, helping them get their estate in order can provide peace of mind for them and their loved ones.
Curated Content Related Resources

Estate Planning for the Terminally Ill: A Practical Guide

  • April 7, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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Recent Posts

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

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

What happens when the domestic tax rules of two different countries look at the same person and both conclude that the individual is a tax resident?
May 12, 2026

Navigating Dual-Residency: Canada’s Tax Treaty Tie-Breakers

One widely shared social post says putting “everything you own” into a Trust could bypass probate, leaving more funds for your kids when passing on your estate. But that advice is far from universal.
May 12, 2026

Put “Everything in a Trust” to Bypass Probate: Is This Good Advice?

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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

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

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

Robin Williams' family, though provided for in his will, spent years after his passing in court battling over items, budgets and Knick knacks because the language in the beloved comedian's will was non-specific and overly vague.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Cautionary Tale: Overly Vague Language in Robin Williams Will

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”

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

TV Chef Blew £2.8million Inheritance: Leaves Only £33k to Family
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

TV Chef Blew £2.8million Inheritance: Leaves Only £33k to Family

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

Richard Simmons’ Estate: Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper

High-profile estate disputes can offer invaluable lessons in effective estate planning. One prominent case is that of oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II and his brief marriage to Anna Nicole Smith.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Estate Planning Lessons from J. Howard Marshall II’s Case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Battles over Marilyn Monroe's estate shed light on the challenges of protecting intellectual property rights posthumously. Disputes emerged over the ownership and commercial use of her image and likeness. 
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Marilyn Monroe’s Estate Continues to Make People Rich… But Who???

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

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 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

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

Robert De Niro is said to have plans to leave his seventh child a huge bite of his fortune – leaving his other relatives peeved... De Niro's older children reportedly want an equal cut of his massive estate.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Robert De Niro Sparks ‘Family Feud’ with His Plans to Revamp Will

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

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

Inside The Bitter Feuds of America’s Richest Families

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

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

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

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

Tax Considerations for Inherited Properties: What You Need to Know | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Tax Considerations for Inherited Properties: What You Need to Know

  • February 15, 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
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
Whether you own a cottage, a family home, or any other high-value asset, working with an experienced estate lawyer to craft clear, specific, and regularly updated instructions is not just good practice — it is essential.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Why Cottage Estates Are a Breeding Ground for Family Conflict

  • March 22, 2026
  • 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
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
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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

35
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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