The Probate Process: Frequently Asked Questions
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About The Probate Process

  • October 5, 2021
  • Less than a minute
If you're named as a beneficiary, you generally don't have to share — but intestacy rules, will contests, and tax consequences can complicate things.
Beneficiary Rights Curated Content

Does a Beneficiary Have to Share Inheritance with Siblings?

  • April 5, 2026
  • 1 minute read
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
Family Philanthropy: Passing Down with Purpose
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Family Philanthropy: Passing Down with Purpose

  • February 4, 2025
  • 1 minute read
5 Key Steps for Retirement and Estate Planning in 2025
Curated Content Related Resources

5 Key Steps for Retirement and Estate Planning in 2025

  • March 28, 2025
  • Less than a minute
While Canada’s tax system doesn’t impose a traditional inheritance tax, estate taxes through capital gains, final income returns, and probate fees can still shrink inheritances dramatically. By leveraging these strategies, you can pass down more of your hard-earned wealth.
Curated Content Tax-Smart Strategies

Tax-Smart Inheritance Strategies for Canadians

  • October 9, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Family Giving: From Personal Tragedy to Family Legacy | Charitable Bequests | Philanthropy | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Family Giving: From Personal Tragedy to Family Legacy

Comprehensive estate planning requires careful thought and conversation with your spouse or life partner. Before meeting with an estate planning attorney, it is best to discuss your ideas to present a united goal. 
Curated Content Related Resources

Talking to Your Spouse or Partner About Estate Planning

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

Estate Planning Lessons from the Complex World of ‘Better Call Saul’
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Estate Planning Lessons from the Complex World of ‘Better Call Saul’

In a typical estate plan, each spouse leaves their assets to the other. When the second spouse passes away, assets are distributed to their children. But what happens to your estate plan if you remarry? And what if you have children from a prior marriage?
Curated Content Life Events

Remarriage: a New Family Calls for a New Estate Plan

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Curated Content Family Disputes

Litigation Over Lost Will Depletes ‘Very Modest’ Estate

  • August 30, 2024
  • 1 minute read
This case is a testament to how even well-intentioned actions, when shrouded in ambiguity, can ignite protracted legal battles, leaving emotional scars and financial burdens on grieving families.
Curated Content Family Disputes

A Family Divided: Vancouver Condo at Centre of Estate Dispute

  • June 6, 2025
  • 1 minute 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
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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 is more than just drafting legal documents—it’s about preparing your loved ones for the future. The alternative—keeping plans under wraps—can leave loved ones unprepared...
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

How Transparency Prevents Conflict in Estate Planning

  • January 1, 2025
  • 1 minute read
This guide explores the fate of domain names and websites after death, outlining the steps executors and family members should take to manage these digital properties effectively.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Managing Domain Names & Websites After Owner Passes Away

  • January 9, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Elderly and vulnerable people are prime targets for cybercriminals and scammers. Talk to your entire family about the common schemes that cybercriminals employ. Have a conversation about how they can protect themselves today.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Helping Elderly and Vulnerable Loved Ones Avoid Cyber Scams

  • October 23, 2025
  • 2 minutes 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
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
The Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of Blue Cross, RSPB and RSPCA in the case of a legacy bequest which was challenged by the donor’s daughter.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Important Case Ruling: Contested Wills and Charities in the UK

  • August 13, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Big Inheritance Scams: Protect Your Family from Estate Fraud | Recognizing the warning signs of an inheritance scam is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Big Inheritance Scams: Protect Your Family from Estate Fraud

  • July 22, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart

  • November 12, 2021
  • 1 minute read
This case is a testament to how even well-intentioned actions, when shrouded in ambiguity, can ignite protracted legal battles, leaving emotional scars and financial burdens on grieving families.
Curated Content Family Disputes

A Family Divided: Vancouver Condo at Centre of Estate Dispute

  • June 6, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Lawyers Who Write Wills Share The 40 Weirdest Requests Clients Have Made | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Ask Reddit Thread: 40 Weirdest Requests in People’s Wills

  • June 28, 2022
  • 1 minute read
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
Court Ordered Sale of Estate Lands Ends 30-Year Dispute Among Heirs | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Court Ordered Sale of Estate Lands Ends 30-Year Dispute Among Heirs

  • October 3, 2024
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

In Canada, if you want your pet to be cared for when you’re no longer around, you need to include them in your estate plan. Here are five ways to include your pet in your estate plan...
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Tips for Canadians: Estate Planning with Your Pets in Mind

  • June 3, 2025
  • 1 minute 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
In Ontario, long-term care homes must follow a law called the Fixing Long‑Term Care Act, 2021, which includes a Residents’ Bill of Rights. This resource explains these rights in language that’s easy to understand.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Ontario Long-Term Care Home Residents: Know Your Rights!

  • February 18, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

Probate can be difficult to navigate, and it can become even trickier when it comes to contentious probate. This guide, by The University of Law (UK), sets out to answer some of the most important questions and explores how the process works...
Curated Content Related Resources

Everything You Need to Know about Contentious Probate (UK)

  • March 6, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Recognizing these scams enables you to more effectively safeguard your interests during probate. If you feel any fraud is being committed, here's what you need to know...
Curated Content Related Resources

Common Probate Scams: Recognizing Fraudulent Activities

  • September 6, 2025
  • Less than a minute
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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
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HopeHealth grief counselor, Diane Lambert, has advice to help those who may find themselves feeling emotionally adrift now that one or both parents is no longer a phone call away...
Curated Content Related Resources

Ways to Help You Heal & Cope: Grieving the Loss of a Parent

  • June 20, 2021
  • 1 minute read
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Recent Posts

Inheriting a collection is a significant emotional and financial event. It connects us to our past, to loved ones, and to histories that may span generations. Yet, it also presents a daunting challenge: how to decide what to keep and what to sell. 
May 30, 2026

Inherited Collectibles: Practical Tips for Deciding What to Keep or Sell

Over the past decade, a caregiving crisis has been building in the workplace. Currently, 35% of the Canadian workforce or 8 million people, are struggling and juggling their work responsibilities with caregiving duties.
May 25, 2026

Caregiving Crisis at Work: Millions of Canadians Struggling

When New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law on Feb. 6, 2026, she included an unusual provision: patients requesting medical aid in dying must make an audio or video recording of their oral request...
May 21, 2026

Medical Aid in Dying: New York State’s Unusual New Requirement

Discretionary trusts can be an effective way to provide for beneficiaries without granting them fixed entitlements. However, these structures can create uncertainty for beneficiaries... Understanding the legal framework is critical for both sides.
May 21, 2026

Ontario Guide to Discretionary Trusts and Beneficiary Rights

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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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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”

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute

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

The name John Seward Johnson probably means very little to you, but you’ve certainly know the company that Johnson’s father co-founded. That’s right – Johnson & Johnson, the maker of baby products we’ve all used for generations.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Disinherited Children: Battle Over The Johnson & Johnson Legacy

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

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

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

Six Estate Planning Mistakes Celebrities Made | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong | A will isn't enough...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Six Estate Planning Mistakes Celebrities Made

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”

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

Navigating the Evolving Landscape: Val Kilmer’s Digital Legacy
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Navigating the Evolving Landscape: Val Kilmer’s Digital Legacy

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

From legendary musicians to business moguls, read on to discover some of the bitterest inheritance battles of all time. 
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Battle of Wills: 25 Infamous Inheritance Disputes

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

The Menendez Estate: What Happened to the Money?

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

Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Last Wishes: a Tale of Two Wills
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Last Wishes: a Tale of Two Wills

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

Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Lisa Marie Presley's Estate | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Estate

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

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

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

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
Even Canadians who don’t consider themselves snowbirds may own property south of the border or have other U.S. based assets that could impact their planning.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Snowbirds: Is Your Cross-border Property in Your Estate Plan?

  • January 2, 2024
  • Less than a minute
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
It’s a common misconception that debt disappears when someone dies — but this isn’t usually the case, especially when inheriting a house with debt. While you may not be personally responsible for a decedent’s loans, the debt must still be addressed, or the house risks foreclosure.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting a House with Debt: Understanding Your Options

  • March 11, 2026
  • 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
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
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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

44
What to Do when the Executor Is Not Communicating with Beneficiaries? | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong

Communication Breakdowns

42
Top 8 Risks: The Dangers of Improper Estate Planning | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Digital Distress

54
Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Family Disputes

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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