The Biggest Mistakes People Make in Their Wills | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Common Mistakes Curated Content

The Biggest Mistakes People Make in Their Wills

  • March 8, 2022
  • 1 minute read
There can be benefits to gifting part of your estate during your lifetime (inter vivos), an increasingly popular wealth transfer option for Canadians. Before settling on this option, here’s what you’ll need to consider. 
Curated Content Related Resources

Advantages of Gifting Assets During Your Lifetime: Inter Vivos

  • May 6, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
In most cases, testators cannot rule from the grave. If you leave certain assets or gifts for certain individuals, you cannot unduly restrict their use of them.
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Ruling From the Grave: Are Conditional Bequests Valid?

  • September 2, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Navigating Inheritance Disputes Between Siblings | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Ontario Law | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Navigating Inheritance Disputes Between Siblings

  • March 18, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Experiencing anxiety during inheritance matters is more common than you might think. This article explores seven science-backed strategies that help you manage the emotional overwhelm while handling practical inheritance matters with greater clarity and peace of mind.
Curated Content Related Resources

Strategies for Managing Anxiety During Inheritance Matters

  • May 9, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Miami retiree alleges 3ABN executives misled him into signing away 400 acres in the Bahamas that had been in his family for four generations
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Nonprofit Christian Ministry: Property Disputes & Scandals

  • September 27, 2024
  • 1 minute read
It is generally unreasonable to expect an executor to work for free, or for less than the standard rate, given the considerable amount of work involved. For potential executors, clarity about compensation helps them make informed decisions about accepting the role.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Reasonable for an Executor to Expect Compensation?

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

Although still commonly used, in Ontario the term "probate" stopped being officially used on April 1, 1995 (no joke…). What is the process to obtain a Certificate of Appointment, with or without a will? This article answers some of the most common questions...
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Certificates of Appointment

Charitable Beneficiaries and Family Members At Odds Over Estate Distribution | Curated Content | Charitable Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Charitable Beneficiaries & Family Battle Over Estate Distribution

When it comes to succession, psychological factors such as motivation and relationship dynamics are just as important as understanding the business operations and budget, experts say.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

Succession Planning: How to Avoid the Drama

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

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
The things that matter most aren’t always in a bank account— "The $2 Million Lawsuit That Started Over Grandma’s Lasagna Recipe"...
Curated Content Family Disputes

Siblings Battle Over Rights to Grandma’s Lasagna Recipe

  • July 24, 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
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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
In estate planning, digital accounts such as PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay must be considered every bit as much as bank and retirement accounts. Digital accounts can be conveniently closed upon the account holder’s death, provided they plan ahead.
Curated Content Digital Distress

What Happens to Your Virtual Wallets if You Don’t Plan Ahead?

  • June 3, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Selling or transferring an inherited cottage in Canada often triggers capital gains tax, even though Canada does not have an inheritance tax. If you are administering an estate or planning a future transfer, early tax clarity can prevent costly mistakes later.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Selling or Transferring an Inherited Cottage in Canada

  • January 12, 2026
  • 1 minute read
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

The Descendants | Comedy-Drama Film | 2011

  • September 10, 2011
  • 1 minute read
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

  • August 27, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Estate disputes rarely arise from money alone. They are often triggered by conflicting instructions, unclear drafting, or overlooked provisions. The best protection is clarity, coordination, and regular review.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Ambiguous Wills: How Fragile an Estate Plan Can Become

  • October 2, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Almost half of all Canadians lack estate plans, leaving financial and medical decisions uncertain: Scotiatrust survey reveals gaps in wills and power of attorney documents, leaving key decisions unmade...
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Scotiatrust Estate Planning Survey Finds Canadians Unprepared

  • February 7, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Leona Helmsley’s decision to leave her dog, Trouble, $12 million drew legal challenges, media scrutiny, and lasting debate about her legacy.
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Leona Helmsley: The Woman Who Made Her Dog a Millionaire

  • July 19, 2025
  • 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
Few things feel as delicate or as important as talking with a family member about long-term care. The team at CareOne is sharing tips to help you navigate the emotional conversations about long-term care options. 
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Long-Term Care: Navigating Emotional Conversations

  • June 15, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Can Your Subscription Service Limit Your Estate’s Ability to Sue? | Digital Distress | Streaming Subscription Agreement | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Warning: Read “Subscriber Agreements” Very Carefully

  • October 2, 2024
  • 2 minutes read
Many family farms are comprised of large, valuable parcels of farmland that have been passed down through generations. This blog post highlights why family farm operations are uniquely susceptible to estate battles.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Family Farm Operations: Uniquely Susceptible to Estate Disputes

  • July 18, 2025
  • 1 minute read
On occasions a will may have been prepared in such a manner that it is not clear precisely what the testator intended. Competing interpretations can often lead to a dispute between parties...
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

What Happens When a Will is Vague or Ambiguous?

  • March 19, 2025
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

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
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
Understanding Power of Attorney for Personal Care in Ontario | Long-Term Care | Elder Care | Power of Attorney | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Understanding Power of Attorney for Personal Care: Ontario

  • September 9, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

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
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Staying informed isn’t just good practice. It protects relationships, builds trust, and ensures clients feel safe and supported. Consider bookmarking the BankSafe Dementia Hub as a go-to reference when navigating delicate client situations.
Curated Content Related Resources

Dementia Hub: Fraud Prevention Resources from AARP

  • November 17, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Cost of Care Calculator & Long-Term Care Options: By State
Curated Content Related Resources

Cost of Care Calculator & Long-Term Care Options: By State

  • March 18, 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
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Recent Posts

A shareholders’ agreement is an important document to shareholders and businesses. There are several reasons to review a shareholders’ agreement every 3 to 5 years.
April 7, 2026

Shareholders’ Agreement: Ensure it Remains Accurate & Up to Date

State inheritance laws vary more than you might expect — learn how they affect spousal rights, what happens without a will, and which states impose inheritance taxes.
April 4, 2026

Inheritance Laws Vary By State: Understanding Your Rights

If you are a trust beneficiary in California, the law stands behind you. You have specific, enforceable rights that a trustee cannot ignore, sidestep, or delay. If your trustee has treated you unfairly, here's what you need to know...
April 2, 2026

Your Rights as a Trust Beneficiary in California

It seems that traditional approaches and societal norms are underpinning the practice of the daughter being given the caregiver role and the son looking after finances and property, even though their skills and abilities may not match those roles.
March 30, 2026

Designating POA Responsibilities: Is Gender Playing a Role?

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Infamous Feuds + Celebrity Estates

Cautionary Tales

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

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

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

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

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

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”

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

Billionaire Family Feuds: Seven High-Profile Disputes

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

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

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

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

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

Glastonbury Founder Could Avoid £80m in Inheritance Tax

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

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 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

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

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?

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

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

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

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!”

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

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

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

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
What to Do if You Inherit a House with a Mortgage | Curated Content | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Inheriting Debt | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

What to Do if You Inherit a House with a Mortgage

  • August 27, 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
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
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
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
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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

52
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

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

50
Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Family Disputes

60
Abusive Guardianships: Prevention & Taking Action

Guardian Safeguards

32
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

42
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