Sometimes, an estate’s debts and liabilities are greater than its assets. In Canada, an insolvent estate can only be assigned into bankruptcy with the court's permission. This is specifically outlined in Section 49(1) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA).
Curated Content Related Resources

Assigning an Involvent Estate into Bankruptcy: Canada

  • March 10, 2025
  • 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
$500K estate of woman under care of public guardian will go to Winnipeg Foundation. Court finds note leaving only $1 to family and friends, written by woman who led 'solitary life,' is valid...
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Court Rules in Favour of Winnipeg Foundation in $500k Estate Case

  • May 26, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Learn why fiduciary access to digital assets matters and how a new Alberta Act would help facilitate access...
Curated Content Law Reform

Alberta Law Reform: Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets

  • August 7, 2024
  • 3 minutes read
As you navigate your necessary estate planning decisions, here are a few crucial mistakes plenty of people make, but that you'll want to avoid.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Safeguard Your Legacy: Don’t Make These Costly Mistakes!

  • May 15, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Curated Content Family Disputes

Court Rules in Favour of Common-Law Spouse: Intestate Case

  • May 28, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Frequently Asked Questions: What is "Right of Survivorship"?
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: What is “Right of Survivorship”?

Holding Assets & Accounts Jointly with Your Kids: Know the Risks
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Holding Assets & Accounts Jointly with Your Kids: Know the Risks

When a beneficiary cannot be located during the probate process, executors have a legal duty to make reasonable efforts to find them. This guide outlines the steps executors should take to fulfill their obligations...
Curated Content Related Resources

What Should Executors Do If They Can’t Locate a Beneficiary?

If a personal representative wishes to purchase estate assets, it should be with the consent of all beneficiaries or occur at fair market value with the approval of the court.
Curated Content Related Resources

BC Supreme Court Ruling: When “Self-Dealing” May Be Allowed

Canadian Outlook 2025: The Future of Estate Planning
Curated Content Related Resources

Canadian Outlook 2025: The Future of Estate Planning

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

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
Communicating Your Estate Plan is Vital | Communication Breakdowns | Wills and Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Communicating Your Plans: a Vital Part of Estate Planning

  • February 24, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Administering an estate can be challenging at the best of times. But what happens if a beneficiary simply refuses to engage, leaving the estate stuck for years?
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

An Estate Stuck in Limbo: Beneficiary Refuses to Engage

  • January 27, 2026
  • 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
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
An Oregon woman —who "could not be contacted about the money despite numerous attempts to reach her"— died homeless, unaware she was entitled to over $800,000 in inheritance.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Woman Dies Homeless Unaware of $800k Inheritance

  • June 4, 2021
  • 1 minute read
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

  • July 20, 2021
  • 1 minute read
A crooked legal guardian who drains the savings of her elderly wards meets her match when a woman she tries to swindle turns out to be more than she first appears.
Dramatized Content Guardian Safeguards

I Care A Lot | Satirical Comedy Thriller | 2020

  • September 12, 2020
  • 1 minute read
Potential pitfalls associated with poor estate planning exposed as a detective investigates the death of the patriarch of a combative family.
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

Knives Out | American Mystery Film | 2019

  • September 7, 2019
  • Less than a minute
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
The story follows Alex Rose, who, after the passing of her mother, discovers that her inheritance is tied to completing a list of childhood dreams she wrote at 13.
Bizarre Bequests Dramatized Content

The Life List | Romantic Comedy Drama | 2025

  • March 28, 2025
  • Less than a minute
The backlash against AI-generated 'resurrections' of deceased celebrities underscores the urgent need for a robust ethical and legal framework to govern the use of digital likenesses, particularly after an individual's passing.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Backlash Against AI ‘Resurrections’ of Deceased Celebrities

  • October 8, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Relatives more prepared than ever to take costly legal action to fight for what they feel is 'their due slice' of family wealth— Attempts to have a will ruled invalid have surged 61% in five years...
Curated Content Family Disputes

Family Feuds Over Inheritances Surge 61% in UK

  • October 23, 2025
  • Less than a minute
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

  • March 10, 2026
  • 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
A charitable legacy can be an integral part of estate planning, providing a meaningful way to support community initiatives, educational institutions, medical research, or other important causes. The process involves allocating a portion of your estate to benefit causes or organizations you care about, but how is this done?
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

How To Leave a Charitable Legacy through Your Estate Plan

  • January 9, 2025
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Considerations for Choosing a POA for Personal Care | Long-Term Care | Elder Care | Power of Attorney | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Considerations for Choosing a POA for Personal Care

  • November 18, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Planning for Your Long Term Care in Case of Incapacity | By taking these steps, you can plan for your future long-term care needs and ensure your wishes are respected if you become incapable of making decisions for yourself.
Generated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Planning for Your Long Term Care in Case of Incapacity

  • June 9, 2025
  • 2 minutes 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 are many people who have an estate plan but haven’t taken the initiative to talk about it with their loved ones. These “conversation cues” can help your family have heartfelt and constructive estate-planning discussions.
Curated Content Related Resources

Conversation Cues For Constructive Estate Planning Discussions

  • November 11, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Read More
Building a multi-million dollar estate takes decades of vision, sacrifice, and relentless hard work. Here are the harsh realities of leaving that wealth completely unprotected and why establishing a wealth preservation strategy must be your top priority.
Curated Content Related Resources

Harsh Realities of Leaving 7-Figure Wealth Completely Unprotected

  • March 4, 2026
  • Less than a minute
Read More
Navigating the legal maze of Canadian Estate Planning can be exceptionally daunting due to the recent enforcement of transparency mandates across all provinces. This article examines the structural steps required to successfully execute a family trust in Canada...
Curated Content Related Resources

How To Set Up a Family Trust in Canada: 2026 Action Plan

  • June 21, 2026
  • Less than a minute
Read More
Learn how to handle an estate dispute under Canadian law. This guide will help you understand the grounds for disputing a will and its effect on the division of assets.
Curated Content Related Resources

Canadian Guide to Understanding the Grounds for Disputing a Will

  • July 22, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
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Recent Posts

Not planning your life around legacy? You're not alone. A growing wave of single and child-free retirees is unapologetically putting their own needs first. Don't forget to protect yourself by planning for the "What Ifs"...
July 17, 2026

No Heirs? Protect Yourself, Before You ‘Blow Your Nest Egg’!

The Court of Appeal recently released a decision dismissing appeals against conviction of a former Toronto police officer who fabricated the last will and testament of Heinz Siegfried Sommerfeld to benefit the police officer.
July 15, 2026

Consequences of ‘Stealing’ an Estate: Ontario Fraudulent Will Case

Estate planning is about making sure the people you love aren’t handed a legal and financial mess on the worst day of their lives. None of these steps are complicated, and most can be started this month. The only truly expensive option is waiting.
July 15, 2026

5 Estate Planning Steps Canadians Delay The Most

Talking with family about estate planning is one of the most loving conversations you can have. Because it’s so important to have these conversations, here are six key things to keep in mind when discussing estate planning with your loved ones...
July 13, 2026

6 Tips to Help You Talk to Your Family About Estate Planning

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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

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

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

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

Agreement Reached in Dispute over Charley Pride's Will
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Agreement Reached in Dispute over Charley Pride’s Will

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

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

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

Kate Rothko Prizel, the daughter of renowned abstract artist Mark Rothko, once said being 19 was the worst year of her life. Still only a teenager, in 1970, Prizel was embroiled in a bitter legal battle with her father’s estate executors and the directors of the Marlborough Fine Art gallery.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

How Greed Rocked the Art World: The Estate of Mark Rothko

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute

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 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

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

Inside The Bitter Feuds of America’s Richest Families

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

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

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

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

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”

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 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

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

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

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

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?

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

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!”

Nearly 17 years after Michael's death, his daughter Paris has formally challenged the lawyers managing the estate. The dispute raises questions about transparency in managing one of the most profitable celebrity estates in entertainment history.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Michael Jackson’s Daughter Paris Challenges Estate Executors

Celebrity Estates Curated Content

What We Can Learn From Celebrity Estate Planning Gone Wrong

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

This guide covers the legal rights of each sibling, the practical options available, what to do when negotiation fails, and how to protect your ownership interest throughout the process.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

One Sibling Living in Inherited House: Legal Rights & Practical Options

  • March 27, 2026
  • Less than a minute
Millions of US boomers are refusing to give their $84 trillion in real estate, wealth away to their adult kids — here’s why and what it means for the US economy
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

US Boomers Reassessing Priorities: Impact on Future Homeownership

  • February 12, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common | There are three main ways that a homeowner can own a home, and the way title is held dramatically affects their estate and heirs...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common

  • February 4, 2025
  • Less than a minute
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
Early inheritance is an increasingly popular route towards homeownership: a way for Canadian families to support younger generations...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Early Inheritance is Trending: Canada’s ‘Living Legacy’ Movement

  • March 27, 2025
  • 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

50
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

54
Story Submissions

We know, this can be a very sensitive topic. If you have a personal story or a cautionary tale —a link to a specific article, blog post, or recommended resource that you found particularly helpful in your own estate planning and administration journey— anonymous submissions are welcomed and encouraged.

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