A bitter £10 million legal dispute has erupted between a self-made couple and their son-in-law, tearing apart a family textiles business built from humble market stall beginnings over five decades.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Family Fabric Empire Torn Apart in Court Battle Over Inheritance

  • March 26, 2026
  • 1 minute read
Many Americans will need long-term care (LTC) at some point, but not everyone may understand what it really involves. These statistics illustrate the importance of long-term care and planning...
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Long-Term Care Statistics 2025: The Importance of Planning

  • August 7, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
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”

  • November 8, 2021
  • 2 minutes read
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
Balancing fairness with religious and cultural customs in estates— The law requires equality between men and women. Following tradition may not stand up in court...
Curated Content Related Resources

Balancing Cultural Tradition and Estate Law in BC

  • March 9, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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

  • August 24, 2014
  • 1 minute 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 Correctly

A commitment-phobic man goes in search of a bride to inherit his grandfather's one hundred million dollar inheritance.
Bizarre Bequests Dramatized Content

The Bachelor | American Comedy-Drama Film | 1999

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?

When a loved one passes away, their streaming accounts and subscriptions may seem like minor considerations compared to other estate matters. However, managing these accounts is important to prevent ongoing charges and secure their digital legacy.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Managing Streaming Service Accounts: A Guide for Canadians

Being an executor is no easy task. While it can be a great honor, the role comes with significant responsibilities and potential risks. Before agreeing to serve as an executor, make sure you understand the scope of your duties and the possible hazards involved. 
Curated Content Related Resources

Surprising Hazards of Being an Executor: Know the Risks!

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Although television and movies are entertaining with their conflicts and cliffhangers, your estate plan should not be as entertaining.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Probate & Trust Administration: Dramatic Misconceptions

  • October 28, 2024
  • Less than a minute
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
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
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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
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of capital gains on inherited property in Canada, explain who pays the tax, explore strategies to reduce or avoid it, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure you have a clear understanding of your obligations and options.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

How to Avoid Paying Capital Gains Tax on Inherited Property in Canada

  • June 24, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Grieving Families Face "Grisly Problem" | Digital Access After Death | Passwords | Online Accounts | Biometrics | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Digital Access: Grieving Families Face “Grisly Problem”

  • March 15, 2023
  • 1 minute read
While courts are generally reluctant to interfere with a testator’s choice of estate trustee, that choice will be overridden where it is necessary to ensure the proper, efficient, and impartial administration of the estate.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Feuding Siblings Replaced By Neutral Third-Party Estate Trustee

  • March 23, 2026
  • 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
Welcome to "Let’s Talk Family Enterprise", a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts, and models that best serve Family Enterprise Advisors in supporting their clients.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Family Enterprise Canada Podcast: “Don’t Leave a Mess!”

  • December 19, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Series stars Stephen Fry as Peter Kingdom, who is coping with family, colleagues, and the strange locals who come to him for legal assistance.
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

Kingdom | British Comedy-Drama Series | 2007-2009

  • April 22, 2007
  • Less than a minute
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
One way to plan financially for long-term care is to create a trust. It can be an incredibly useful tool to protect your assets if you become incapacitated and to shield your assets to qualify for certain long-term care benefits.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

How to Use a Trust to Plan for Long-Term Care

  • January 23, 2023
  • 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
Rotary Fights ‘Misleading Headlines’: Dispute Over Complicated Estate
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Charity Wants ‘Nothing But Resolution’: Rotary Speaks Out

  • November 20, 2024
  • 1 minute read
To determine whether the photocopy could be admitted, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice applied the "four-part legal test for admitting a lost will" and found that all four criteria were satisfied...
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Ontario Court Ruling: Photocopy of Lost Will Deemed Admissible

  • October 20, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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?

  • April 8, 2025
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Discussing your estate plan with difficult family members can feel daunting, but with patience, empathy, and a dash of humor, you can navigate the conversation effectively. By approaching it with kindness and understanding, you can ensure your wishes are clearly communicated and respected, keeping the family harmony intact—even if it means cracking a joke or two along the way.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

How to Talk to Your Family about Your Fiduciary Choices

  • May 27, 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
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
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

People often believe that they can litigate a wills and estate matter in a “risk-free” manner because the estate will bear the legal costs of the disputants. That is generally not true...
Curated Content Related Resources

The Legal Costs of Estate Litigation: Know The Risks!

  • May 6, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Read More
With proper planning and guidance, estate matters don’t have to be stressful. This post will walk you through everything you need to create a solid estate plan in Ontario.
Curated Content Related Resources

Estate Planning Ontario: A Simple Guide to Getting It Right

  • April 2, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Read More
If you’ve ever wondered whether your executor is prepared, whether your business could run without you, or whether your family is set up for clarity instead of conflict, this conversation will hit home.
Curated Content Related Resources

Canadian Wealth Secrets Podcast: “Why Your Will Is Not Enough”

  • November 24, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Disinheritance allows you to choose not to leave an inheritance to someone, leaving them no part of your estate after your death. However, estate law is complicated and can create barriers to a successful disinheritance.
Curated Content Related Resources

How To Legally Disinherit Someone: Step-by-Step Guide

  • April 3, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Read More
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Recent Posts

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

Choosing the right estate trustee —at the planning stage— can be one of the most important decisions a testator makes. This case serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when an estate trustee fails to appreciate the seriousness of the role...
July 3, 2026

Cautionary Tale: When Poor Administration Comes at a Cost

With many estates being administered over extended periods —by older spouses, siblings, or peers— the risk that an executor becomes incapable is very real and foreseeable. Planning for incapacity at the drafting stage is key...
June 26, 2026

What Happens When An Estate Executor Becomes Incapable?

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...
June 21, 2026

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

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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

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”

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

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

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”

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

Glastonbury Founder Could Avoid £80m in Inheritance Tax

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrity Estates Curated Content

What We Can Learn From Celebrity Estate Planning Gone Wrong

Heirs to an iconic fortune sought out a wealth manager who would assuage their progressive consciences. Now their dispute is exposing dynastic secrets...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Getty Trust Issues: Dispute Exposed Family Secrets

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

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

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

Hulk Hogan’s daughter can’t write herself out of the wrestler’s will, but she can refuse to take his money. The questions arising over who will inherit Hulk Hogan’s wealth offer important insights into how family estrangement can affect estate planning.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Hulk Hogan’s Will: a Lesson in Family Estrangement & Estate Planning

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

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

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

If you’re building wealth for future generations, open communication and clear planning are just as important as investment strategies. These stories offer practical lessons for anyone hoping to pass on wealth— or simply keep their family together...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Wealthy Families That Lost Everything Over Generational Feuds

As AI technology advances, Hollywood faces new challenges regarding posthumous performances. The rights to a deceased actor's likeness depend on state laws, contracts, and estate management, making AI recreations a legal gray area.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

AI Resurrecting Deceased Actors: Laws Must Keep Pace

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

Tori Spelling, daughter of TV producer Aaron Spelling, received an inheritance of $800,000 from his $500 million estate, not the substantial sum some might have expected. 
Celebrity Estates Generated Content

Aaron Spelling: Reasons Behind the ‘Unequal’ Estate Distribution?

Estate planning 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

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

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

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.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

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

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
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
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
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
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
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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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

48
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

52
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