Six of the Worst Assets to Inherit | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Six of the Worst Assets to Inherit: More Trouble Than Their Worth?

  • August 16, 2024
  • Less than a minute
This in-depth guide explores strategies and best practices to help you create a thoughtful, effective estate plan that protects your blended family and prevents future conflicts.
Curated Content Life Events

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Strategies & Best Practices

  • July 22, 2025
  • 1 minute read
The Law Commission recognises that we need a legal framework that reflects modern life— where people live longer, face complex health issues, and increasingly rely on digital tools. This article outlines key areas of reform and the impact they may have.
Curated Content Law Reform

Modernising the Law of Wills: Law Commission Report 2025 (UK)

  • May 19, 2025
  • 3 minutes read
How is Debt is Handled by an Estate in Canada? Your executor is responsible for carrying out the duties of your will and arranging to pay off your debts. They will also close any accounts that you may have. If you don’t want to burden your loved ones with having to deal with your debt, there are steps you can take.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

How is Debt is Handled by an Estate in Canada?

  • March 14, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Today’s Executor is a Digital Executor | Digital Distress | Online Accounts | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

In Today’s Digital World, Every Executor is a Digital Executor

  • June 4, 2021
  • 1 minute read
Looking to transition your business to the next generation? Many entrepreneurs have learned the hard way, simply having adult children or relatives that could potentially run the family business is no guarantee that the transition will go smoothly.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

Do Your Kids Really Want to Take Over the Family Business?

  • June 24, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Ontario's Family Law Act: "Entitlement to Equalization" in Action | Family Disputes | Court Battles | Case Ruling | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Ontario’s Family Law Act: Entitlement to Equalization

"Estates gone wrong" refers to the failure of an estate plan, often resulting in significant financial, legal, and family conflicts. Discuss your estate plan with your family and beneficiaries to ensure they understand your wishes and to minimize conflict. 
Common Mistakes Generated Content

Common Mistakes Leading to “Estates Gone Wrong”

Estate litigation lawyers across Canada are seeing a steady increase in undue influence estate disputes. Families are more frequently questioning whether a will truly reflects a loved one’s wishes or whether someone exerted pressure behind the scenes.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Steady Increase in Undue Influence Estate Disputes in Canada

Learn the critical reasons why a will alone is insufficient for a comprehensive estate plan, and why incorporating trusts, beneficiary designations and incapacity planning is essential to ensure a seamless and protected transfer of your assets to your loved ones.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Relying Solely on a Will? It Could Be a Costly Mistake!

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

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

The Roy family is known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. However, their world changes when their father steps down from the company.
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

Succession | Television Series | 2018-2023

  • June 3, 2018
  • 1 minute read
Estate litigation lawyers across Canada are seeing a steady increase in undue influence estate disputes. Families are more frequently questioning whether a will truly reflects a loved one’s wishes or whether someone exerted pressure behind the scenes.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Steady Increase in Undue Influence Estate Disputes in Canada

  • March 23, 2026
  • Less than a minute
What do these Inheritance Horror Stories have in common? Every single one of them could have been prevented with a simple conversation and some thoughtful legal planning. Let’s make sure your story doesn’t become someone else’s cautionary tale...
Curated Content Family Disputes

Legal Planning Lessons from Real-Life Inheritance Horror Stories

  • July 3, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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All Celebrity Estates Family Disputes Charitable Misgivings Common Mistakes Bizarre Bequests Long-Term Care Crisis Communication Breakdowns Property Pitfalls Digital Distress Guardian Safeguards
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

  • April 13, 2022
  • Less than a minute
Passing down real estate to loved ones gets more complex when the property lies across international borders. Unlike domestic transfers, international real estate transfers involve navigating different legal systems, tax obligations, and reporting requirements. Luckily, there are legal structures and tax strategies that can minimize the complications and ensure that your property passes smoothly to your heirs.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

How to Pass Down Real Estate Across Borders Without Tax Nightmares

  • May 2, 2025
  • 1 minute read
No Will? No Estate Plan? You Are Not Alone!
Common Mistakes Curated Content

No Will? No Estate Plan? You Are Not Alone!

  • February 19, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Some of The Most Bizarre Inheritance Stories | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Weird Things People Left in Wills | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Some of The Most Bizarre Inheritance Stories

  • June 10, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Sibling Rivalry Lands Mother’s Estate in Court | A Cautionary Tale | Family Disputes | Court Battles | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Sibling Rivalry Lands Mother’s Estate in Court

  • November 28, 2024
  • 1 minute read
This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of how important it is to carefully plan, draft, and update your Will with the help of an experienced advisor. Doing so can prevent misunderstandings and disputes, and ensure that your wishes are truly fulfilled.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Will Interpretation: Alberta Court Decision Serves as Cautionary Tale

  • April 28, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Individual family members bring their own perspectives and values to the estate planning process. However, good communication can help head off potential multi-generational conflicts before they happen.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Generational Estate Planning: Communication is Key!

  • May 10, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Testators should know the risks before using joint ownership as an estate planning tool. 
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Joint Ownership of Property: Know the Risks

  • February 16, 2024
  • 1 minute read
The history of estate planning includes some remarkably strange and fascinating bequests that challenge our understanding of inheritance law and human nature.
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Unusual Bequests Continue to Evolve, Fascinate, and Challenge

  • January 8, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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

  • August 7, 2019
  • 2 minutes read
Being named as a guardian is a significant responsibility, and it is perfectly acceptable to decline if you are unable or unwilling to take on this role. If you're unsure, have an open conversation with the parents to discuss their expectations and your concerns. 
Generated Content Guardian Safeguards

Appointed as Guardian? Yes! You Can Decline This Role

  • June 23, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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

  • September 16, 2025
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

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
Estate Planning for Adults with Special Needs
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Creating a Trust: Estate Planning for Adults with Special Needs

  • January 6, 2025
  • 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
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

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
Read More
If you have minor children, not having a Will in Quebec is not just unfortunate— it's a failure of planning: a recurring and avoidable mess.
Curated Content Related Resources

Québec: Why You Need a Will to Protect Your Minor Children

  • March 12, 2026
  • 1 minute read
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Learn more about the process of claiming class action settlements for a deceased person's estate, including qualification, documentation, and distribution among heirs.
Curated Content Related Resources

Claiming Class Action Settlement Funds on Behalf of Deceased

  • January 24, 2026
  • 1 minute read
Read More
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
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Recent Posts

Without the right legal documents, even your closest family member can’t access your accounts, talk to your doctors or make decisions on your behalf. Here are the five “Must-Have Documents” that protect your independence.
March 28, 2026

Estate Planning Documents Suze Orman Says Single Women Need

Cross-border capacity and guardianship issues are becoming increasingly common as families, assets, and caregiving arrangements span jurisdictions.
March 27, 2026

Cross-Border Guardianship: Capacity Case Spans Jurisdictions

Over 6 million Canadians aged 15 and older identifies having one or more disabilities. Today, we're talking about estate planning for disabled beneficiaries in British Columbia.
March 26, 2026

How to Safeguard Your Disabled Loved Ones in Your Estate Plan

Estate litigation lawyers across Canada are seeing a steady increase in undue influence estate disputes. Families are more frequently questioning whether a will truly reflects a loved one’s wishes or whether someone exerted pressure behind the scenes.
March 23, 2026

Steady Increase in Undue Influence Estate Disputes in Canada

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Infamous Feuds + Celebrity Estates

Cautionary Tales

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!”

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

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

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

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

Actress Diane Keaton left behind not just a remarkable legacy but an important reminder about estate planning for our pets.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Pet Trusts: What We Can Learn from Diane Keaton’s Estate

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

Ten Absolutely Vicious Fights over Inherited Fortunes | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Ten Absolutely Vicious Fights over Inherited Fortunes

Bitter family feuds and succession battles are not new to the Canadian business landscape. In fact, some of Canada’s most prominent family-owned firms have had very public brawls...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Canada’s History of Family Firm Feuds Rivals “Succession”

The 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

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

The legal dispute between Danny Bennett, the eldest son of Tony Bennett, and his sisters, Antonia and Johanna Bennett, has intensified in court.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Tony Bennett’s Kids in Legal Battle: Estate & Trust Dispute

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

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

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”

A French court has found eight people guilty of exploiting 92-year-old L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, one of the world's richest people. The verdict brings to an end a long-running case that began with a feud between Mrs Bettencourt and daughter.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

The Exploitation of L’Oreal Heiress Liliane Bettencourt

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

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?

Who inherited Jimi Hendrix’s estate? The answer is more complicated than many might assume. This article explores the distribution of his fortune, the legal disputes that followed, and who ultimately controls his estate today...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Legendary Legal Battle: The Heavily Contested Estate of Jimi Hendrix

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 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

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

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute

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”

The Menendez Estate: Who Got the Money?
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

The Menendez Estate: What Happened to the Money?

Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Lessons To Be Learned From Failed Celebrity Estates

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

Can You Avoid Impending Capital Gain on Your Family Cottage?
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Can You Avoid Impending Capital Gain on Your Family Cottage?

  • June 5, 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
How do you approach estate planning if your property is divided between Florida and another country? Don’t assume Florida and Canada have the same laws! Consider putting your Florida property into a Trust...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Florida Estate Planning for Canadian Snowbirds

  • December 18, 2024
  • Less than a minute
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
Passing down real estate to loved ones gets more complex when the property lies across international borders. Unlike domestic transfers, international real estate transfers involve navigating different legal systems, tax obligations, and reporting requirements. Luckily, there are legal structures and tax strategies that can minimize the complications and ensure that your property passes smoothly to your heirs.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

How to Pass Down Real Estate Across Borders Without Tax Nightmares

  • May 2, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Inheriting a Property With Your Siblings: What Are Your Options? | Family Disputes | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting a Property With Your Siblings: What Are Your Options?

  • May 30, 2024
  • 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

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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