It’s worth noting that the generation-skipping tax rate is steep. The positive news is that you can leverage a generous exemption to transfer wealth to younger generations while minimizing taxes. 
Curated Content Tax-Smart Strategies

Strategies for Minimizing Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes

  • June 12, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Even "under-the-radar" decisions, by the U.S. Supreme Court, have far-reaching consequences and significant impact on the law. This article highlights five Supreme Court decisions that have impacted estate planning and elder law.
Curated Content Law Reform

U.S. Supreme Court Decisions that Impacted Estate & Elder Law

  • June 1, 2022
  • 2 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”

  • February 1, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Careful planning and collaboration with estate professionals can help you avoid these common mistakes, ensuring your will effectively supports your loved ones and secures your legacy. Here are some thoughts to help you get your estate planning process underway.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Getting Your Estate Planning Process Underway: Dos and Don’ts

  • February 19, 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
Long-Term Care Expenses Can Destroy Your Estate Plan | Elder Care Costs | Tax Implications | LTC Insurance | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Long-Term Care Expenses Can Destroy Your Estate Plan

  • May 23, 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

The McCain Foods succession dispute was a bitter, multi-year feud between brothers Harrison and Wallace McCain, co-founders of the french fry giant, that began in the early 1990s. 
Generated Content Succession Lessons

McCain Foods Succession Dispute: Brother vs Brother

While beneficiaries have many rights, the reality of probate can still create challenges. Navigating these obstacles is often more manageable when you know what to expect. 
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

What Rights Do Beneficiaries Have During Probate?

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

Estate Planning Legal Center: Frequently Asked Questions

Leaving a legacy gift is a meaningful way to support causes you care about while also enjoying potential tax benefits. Choose the method that best aligns with your estate planning objectives. Here’s a guide to help you explore your options...
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Planned Giving in Your Will: A Guide to Charitable Legacy Gifts

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

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
Executor negligence can cause trouble among beneficiaries, leading to bad sentiment and possible legal disputes. Find out what happens if an executor fails to complete estate administration duties in BC...
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Estate Administration Duties: The Cost of Executor Negligence in BC

  • January 30, 2025
  • 1 minute read
estate planning horror stories? money going to the wrong person, incorrect people settling the estate... why you should ask more questions!
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

“What If” Scenarios: Why You Should Ask More Questions

  • September 2, 2024
  • 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
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
Transferring property to heirs "inter vivos" offers emotional benefits and potential probate fee reduction, but can trigger an immediate capital gains tax liability and means a loss of control and potential exposure to your heir's creditors. 
Generated Content Property Pitfalls

Gifting Property to Your Heirs “Inter Vivos”: Pros and Cons

  • December 2, 2025
  • 2 minutes 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
Canada offers a range of financial supports for caregivers that can help with both day-to-day expenses and long-term planning. Knowing what’s available can help you decide what kind of support might make sense for you.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Financial Supports Available for Caregivers in Canada

  • February 19, 2026
  • Less than a minute
Property owners who have used joint ownership as an estate planning tool to avoid the cost and delay of probate will need to revisit their plans in light of this decision.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Court Ruling Upsets Commonly-held Interpretation of Joint Tenancy

  • December 16, 2024
  • Less than a minute
The potential artificial intelligence has to automate tasks and reduce costs will revolutionize the way we approach estate planning, making it more efficient and accessible. However, you can’t fully trust an AI bot with your estate plan and here’s why.
Curated Content Digital Distress

AI in Estate Planning: What Every Canadian Needs to Know

  • May 23, 2023
  • 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
Your Digital Assets: The Mess Left Behind | Digital Distress | Online Accounts | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Your Digital Assets: The Mess Left Behind

  • September 29, 2024
  • 1 minute read
5 Guaranteed Ways to Mess Up Estate Planning | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Estates Gone Wrong
Common Mistakes Curated Content

5 Most Common Ways to “Mess Up” Estate Planning

  • January 23, 2022
  • Less than a minute
Six Feet Under | Television Series | the human condition, mortality, family dynamics, personal identity, the various ways in which people cope with loss
Communication Breakdowns Dramatized Content

Six Feet Under | Television Series | 2001-2005

  • June 3, 2001
  • 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
Even well-intentioned executors can make mistakes that lead to delays, legal issues, or personal liability. Here is a list common pitfalls in estate administration with tips on how to avoid them. By being aware of these, you can proactively take steps to stay on track and out of trouble.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Common Estate Administration Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

  • May 21, 2025
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

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
Being a guardian comes with a significant amount of responsibility. The purpose of this blog post is to outline the guardianship process and to answer frequently asked questions on the subject of guardianship...
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Guardianship: Responsibilities and Frequently Asked Questions

  • December 7, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Canada offers a range of financial supports for caregivers that can help with both day-to-day expenses and long-term planning. Knowing what’s available can help you decide what kind of support might make sense for you.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Financial Supports Available for Caregivers in Canada

  • February 19, 2026
  • Less than a minute
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

There’s a common myth that Canada doesn't have an inheritance tax, but before you start making financial plans or decisions, having the full picture is important. Whether leaving an inheritance or expecting to receive one, know the tax implications ahead of time.
Curated Content Related Resources

Myths & Misconceptions About Inheritance Tax in Canada

  • April 14, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
For individuals with cross-border estates, careful planning is essential. For Canadians with connections to European Union member states, this area of law has grown considerably more important...
Curated Content Related Resources

Canadians with European Assets: Whose Law Governs?

  • April 27, 2026
  • Less than a minute
Read More
Leaving behind a thoughtful estate plan that you’ve discussed beforehand with your loved ones will ensure that they won’t be burdened with unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. Here’s what you need to know about planning ahead in Ontario.
Curated Content Related Resources

Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate: Ontario

  • July 11, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Read More
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
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Recent Posts

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?

Paris Jackson has gone public with allegations that the longtime trustees of her late father’s estate have been misappropriating funds and mismanaging one of the most valuable entertainment empires in history.
May 8, 2026

Jackson Estate: Is Michael’s Daughter Receiving Terrible Advice?

Ontario’s approach is deliberately cautious. A posthumously conceived child is entitled to inherit only if all statutory requirements are satisfied.
May 8, 2026

Posthumous Conception and Inheritance in Ontario

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

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

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

The true story of a multi-billion dollar art heist and how they got away with it... 2009 Documentary follows the struggle for control of Dr. Albert C. Barnes' 25 billion dollar collection of modern and post-impressionist art.
Dramatized Content Infamous Feuds

The Art of the Steal | Documentary | 2009

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

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 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

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

Glastonbury Founder Could Avoid £80m in Inheritance Tax

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute

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”

Few narrative devices expose human venality with the precision of inheritance theft. This collection of ten films rigorously examines the subgenre to explore the psychological and legal intricacies of usurped fortunes.
Dramatized Content Infamous Feuds

Estate Disputes & Inheritance Theft Themes Explored in 10 Films

Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential and renowned artists of the 20th century, left a lasting legacy through his groundbreaking artwork. However, the probate process that followed his death in 1973 was anything but straightforward.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

From Canvas to Courtroom: The Legal Battle Over Picasso’s 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?

Barry White’s estate story is a heartbreaking reminder of how simple updates to your estate plan can save your family from unnecessary pain. His estate saga serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting to update your estate plan after major life changes.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Keep Your Documents Up-to-Date: Lessons from Barry White’s Estate

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

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

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

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

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

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 article delves into the estates of five legendary individuals: Bob Ross, Stan Lee, Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, and Paul Walker. These inheritance battles shed light on the significance of explicit planning for intellectual property.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Legendary Lessons: Protecting Intellectual Property

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

Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle

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

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

Mercedes Kilmer addresses mixed reactions to her late Father's precedent-setting AI-generated posthumous performance in "As Deep as the Grave"...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Kilmer’s Daughter Defends Late Father’s AI-Generated Performance

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

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

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
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
While a trust can be an effective way to manage and transfer ownership of the family cottage, it requires careful planning to get it right.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Trust Planning for The Family Cottage: Key Considerations

  • September 19, 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
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
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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

66
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

34
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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