When you start thinking about end-of-life planning, you may hear a lot of terms that sound similar. One question many people ask is whether a living will is the same as a DNR order.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Is a Living Will the Same As a DNR Order?

  • June 24, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
I had no idea I was due to inherit a substantial sum. Sudden wealth puts you in a cocoon; it makes you feel invincible. I thought I was Superman... I was too young and immature to handle such wealth.
Curated Content Squandered Fortunes

Sudden Unexpected Wealth: How I Blew My Inheritance

  • June 19, 2010
  • 3 minutes read
Sometimes, an estate’s debts and liabilities are greater than its assets. In Canada, an insolvent estate can only be assigned into bankruptcy with the court's permission. This is specifically outlined in Section 49(1) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA).
Curated Content Related Resources

Assigning an Involvent Estate into Bankruptcy: Canada

  • March 10, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Learn why fiduciary access to digital assets matters and how a new Alberta Act would help facilitate access...
Curated Content Law Reform

Alberta Law Reform: Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets

  • August 7, 2024
  • 3 minutes read
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
Executors are often surprised by how long their newly accepted “job” will be. Beneficiaries are equally surprised to hear how long it might take before they start seeing estate funds come their way. How long does it take to administer an estate?
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should it Take to Administer an Estate?

  • August 3, 2021
  • Less than a minute
Philanthropy is a significant part of your life. It's a reflection of your values and the legacy you wish to leave behind. However, ensuring that your beloved charities are named in your Will requires careful planning and attention to detail.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

How to Ensure Your Beloved Charities are Named in Your Will

For a loved one struggling with an addiction, a direct inheritance could be dangerous. However, disinheriting an addicted adult child is NOT the only option. Thankfully, there is an alternative estate planning solution available.
Curated Content Related Resources

Before You Disinherit a Loved One Struggling with Addiction…

One of the biggest estate planning mistakes you can make is failing to have Health and Financial Powers of Attorney. Protect your wishes. Select someone you trust implicitly to manage your affairs and make personal decisions on your behalf. 
Common Mistakes Generated Content

Why Powers of Attorney (POAs) are Crucial

Frequently Asked Questions: Role & Responsibilities of The Executor
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time & Effort is Involved in Serving as an Estate Executor?

The Digital Assets Gap in Canadian Law | Digital Distress | Obstacles People Face When Trying To Access | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Digital Assets Gap: Accessing Accounts After Owner Has Passed

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

It is important to clearly document and communicate intentions when making either a loan or a gift to a family member. Sometimes we assume a verbal agreement is sufficient but having clear written documentation removes uncertainty and mitigates the risk of disputes arising after the fact.
Curated Content Family Disputes

A Family Feud Unwrapped in Court: Gifts vs Loans

  • September 5, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Most retirees don’t tell adult children about their inheritance, research shows. Here's what advisors recommend sharing, and when...
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Reluctance to Divulge Estate Plans = Bigger Problems Later

  • November 25, 2025
  • Less than a minute
What to Do when the Executor Is Not Communicating with Beneficiaries? | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Generated Content

Effective Estate Planning Hinges on Open Communication

  • June 17, 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
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
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!

  • March 11, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Battles over Marilyn Monroe's estate shed light on the challenges of protecting intellectual property rights posthumously. Disputes emerged over the ownership and commercial use of her image and likeness. 
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Marilyn Monroe’s Estate Continues to Make People Rich… But Who???

  • November 21, 2019
  • 1 minute read
Curated Content Family Disputes

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

  • May 28, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Why Your Family Needs to Know About Your 'Digital Stash'
Curated Content Digital Distress

Why Your Family Needs to Know About Your ‘Digital Stash’

  • May 6, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
This article breaks down the current LTC crisis, what the waitlists look like across Canada, and how seniors can stay protected at home during what may be a long and uncertain wait.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Canada’s Long-Term Care (LTC) Waitlist Crisis

  • January 20, 2026
  • 1 minute read
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

  • April 16, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Court Upholds Validity Of Wills Despite Claims Of Undue Influence | Recent ruling: The importance of assessing claims of undue influence within the context of deceased's broader relationships and intentions
Curated Content Family Disputes

Court Upholds Validity of Wills Despite Claims of Undue Influence

  • October 18, 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
Estate Disputes: Limitation Periods You Need to Know About
Curated Content Family Disputes

Estate Disputes: Limitation Periods You Need to Know About

  • February 25, 2025
  • 1 minute read
If you have kids, you need to name a guardian for them when making your will. Consider these steps to help you make this important decision.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

5 Steps to Choosing a Guardian for Your Children

  • July 25, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Curated Content Family Disputes

Litigation Over Lost Will Depletes ‘Very Modest’ Estate

  • August 30, 2024
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Cross-border capacity and guardianship issues are becoming increasingly common as families, assets, and caregiving arrangements span jurisdictions.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Cross-Border Guardianship: Capacity Case Spans Jurisdictions

  • March 27, 2026
  • 1 minute read
A single man is drawn into a custody battle with his mother. The judge ultimately has to decide who will be the best guardian for Mary.
Dramatized Content Guardian Safeguards

Gifted | Court Battle Over Guardianship | Drama Film |

  • April 7, 2017
  • 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
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

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
Whether you’re an executor tasked with administering a loved one’s estate or a family member seeking to understand what lies ahead, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step...
Curated Content Related Resources

Complete Guide to Estate Settlement in Canada

  • February 25, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Incapacity can happen suddenly and without warning, but the good news is that it’s entirely possible to plan ahead. By putting the right legal protections in place, you’re not only preserving your dignity and autonomy—you’re also giving your loved ones the gift of clarity and guidance during uncertain times.
Curated Content Related Resources

Planning Ahead for Incapacity and Medical Emergencies

  • September 4, 2025
  • 3 minutes read
Read More
It might be the hardest part of caregiving — watching your loved one slip away step by terrible step, knowing you can’t stop the decline and grieving the loss, long before they’re actually gone.
Curated Content Related Resources

Five Steps for Dealing with Anticipatory Grief

  • May 16, 2022
  • 3 minutes read
Read More
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Recent Posts

What happens when the domestic tax rules of two different countries look at the same person and both conclude that the individual is a tax resident?
May 12, 2026

Navigating Dual-Residency: Canada’s Tax Treaty Tie-Breakers

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.
May 8, 2026

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

Ontario’s approach is deliberately cautious. A posthumously conceived child is entitled to inherit only if all statutory requirements are satisfied.
May 8, 2026

Posthumous Conception and Inheritance in Ontario

Mercedes Kilmer addresses mixed reactions to her late Father's precedent-setting AI-generated posthumous performance in "As Deep as the Grave"...
April 29, 2026

Kilmer’s Daughter Defends Late Father’s AI-Generated Performance

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Infamous Feuds + Celebrity Estates

Cautionary Tales

Director Norman Jewison's wife cut him off from family, coerced him to change $30M will, lawsuits claimed. Legal fight between filmmaker's sons, 2nd wife highlights end-of-life struggles many families face...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Family Members Clash Over Director Norman Jewison’s Estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agreement Reached in Dispute over Charley Pride’s Will

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

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

Daughters of late Hollywood legend Paul Newman filed a lawsuit against the Newman's Own Foundation (NOF), claiming their father's legacy is "under assault" by the "very organization he founded in an effort to preserve and expand that legacy."
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Paul Newman’s Daughters Claim Father’s Legacy is ‘Under Assault’

The Will of Marlon Brando: A Lesson in Estate Planning | Inheritance Disputes | Celebrity Estates | Court Battles | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

The Will of Marlon Brando: A Lesson in Estate Planning

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

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

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

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

The Barclay family feud started with accusations of privacy breach at the family-owned Ritz hotel. Open discussions about succession, good structuring and mediation could help a family business avoid going the same way as the Barclay's.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Rise and Fall of an Empire: The Barclay Family Feud

Stan Lee, the iconic co-creator of Marvel superheroes, became center of a high-profile elder abuse lawsuit...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Elder Abuse Lawsuit Against Stan Lee’s Ex-Manager

Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle

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?

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

Glastonbury Founder Could Avoid £80m in Inheritance Tax

This article delves into the estates of five legendary individuals: Bob Ross, Stan Lee, Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, and Paul Walker. These inheritance battles shed light on the significance of explicit planning for intellectual property.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Legendary Lessons: Protecting Intellectual Property

The 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

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

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

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”

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

Inside The Bitter Feuds of America’s Richest Families

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

Property owners who have used joint ownership as an estate planning tool to avoid the cost and delay of probate will need to revisit their plans in light of this decision.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Court Ruling Upsets Commonly-held Interpretation of Joint Tenancy

  • December 16, 2024
  • Less than a minute
Probate Nightmares: The Dangers of Properties Taken Out of Trust | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Probate Nightmares: The Dangers of Properties Taken Out of Trust

  • May 30, 2023
  • 1 minute read
If you are considering adding someone to the title of your home for estate planning purposes, it is essential to seek professional guidance in order to mitigate the risks of doing so...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

How Using Joint Tenancy as an Estate Planning Tool Can Go Wrong

  • April 16, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Canadian Inheritance Tax on Property: What You Should Know | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Capital Gains Tax | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Canadian Inheritance Tax on Property: What You Should Know

  • February 16, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common | There are three main ways that a homeowner can own a home, and the way title is held dramatically affects their estate and heirs...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common

  • February 4, 2025
  • Less than a minute
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
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Explore Topics

Dying Saskatchewan Farmer’s Will Goes Down in History | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong

Bizarre Bequests

30
Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Lisa Marie Presley's Estate | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates

Celebrity Estates

56
Family Conflict Results in Long-Term Estate Litigation over Secret Trust and Mutual Wills Agreement | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong

Charitable Misgivings

32
Estate Planning: 6 Big Mistakes You Might Be Making | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Estates Gone Wrong

Common Mistakes

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

62
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

34
What to Do if You Inherit a House with a Mortgage | Curated Content | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Inheriting Debt | Estates Gone Wrong

Property Pitfalls

50
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