No matter how little or how many assets you have, every person should go through the estate planning process. At a minimum, you should review and reassess your estate planning documents whenever these eight events occur...
Curated Content Life Events

Eight Big Events: When You Should Review Your Estate Plan

  • September 18, 2023
  • Less than a minute
Cryptocurrency Holdings: Ensuring Smooth Distribution of Digital Assets
Curated Content Digital Distress

Cryptocurrency Holdings: Ensuring Smooth Distribution of Digital Assets

  • January 4, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
People think a will is an estate plan. But it is not. It is a document as part of an estate plan. A legal Will can be one of the most powerful documents in your estate plan. But it is not the only tool you will need.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

If I Have a Legal Will, Do I Still Need an Estate Plan?

  • December 4, 2023
  • Less than a minute
Recent Ontario Court of Appeal ruling reaffirms the modern cost approach in estate litigation: trustees who fail in their duties may not only be removed but may also bear the personal financial burden of their choices.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Personal Liability for Costs Due to Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Ontario

  • July 22, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Probate can be a daunting process with significant legal and financial implications if not handled correctly. Understanding the common questions and potential pitfalls can help ensure a smoother transition and prevent costly mistakes.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

50 Frequently Asked Questions About Probate: NSW, Australia

  • July 28, 2024
  • Less than a minute
Here are nine things to do – and not do – when selecting guardians for a minor child or children.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Choosing a Guardian for a Minor Child: 9 Important Considerations

  • January 4, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Successful family business succession requires balancing emotional and rational considerations, family harmony and business performance, tradition and innovation. It demands honest self-assessment, difficult conversations, and sometimes painful decisions.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

Mastering Family Business Succession Planning

From tax laws to tax liabilities, there are so many things to consider. Goals include protecting inheritances for heirs, minimizing estate taxes, avoiding the probate process, and appointing the right trustee. But how do you navigate this complex process?
Curated Content Related Resources

High-Net-Worth Estate Planning: Quick Guide

Assisted reproduction and freezing genetic material are increasingly common procedures. Having complete and updated estate documents can help avoid “pretty heartbreaking” outcomes for surviving spouses.
Curated Content Related Resources

Planning Ahead: Fertility Choices & Your Estate Documents

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

Learn how to establish a trust fund that supports your child's future success. Discover practical steps and essential tips.
Curated Content Life Events

Life Events: How to Set Up Trust Fund for Your Child

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Central to this journey is the unwavering commitment to transparent communication... Although rife with complexity, estate administration can be navigated with sagacity and a judicious approach.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Unwavering Commitment to Transparent Communication

  • April 10, 2025
  • 2 minutes 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
Administering an estate can be challenging at the best of times. But what happens if a beneficiary simply refuses to engage, leaving the estate stuck for years?
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

An Estate Stuck in Limbo: Beneficiary Refuses to Engage

  • January 27, 2026
  • 1 minute read
Load More
random roundup

Filter By Topic

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 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
What Are the Consequences of Not Planning for Long-Term Care? | Curated Content | Elder Care Nightmares | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

The Consequences of Not Planning for Long-Term Care

  • January 22, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Biggest Risk to the Continuity of Family Wealth: Breakdown of Communication and Trust | Curated Content | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Breakdown of Communication: The Biggest Risk to Family Wealth

  • November 28, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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’

  • January 15, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Leona Helmsley’s decision to leave her dog, Trouble, $12 million drew legal challenges, media scrutiny, and lasting debate about her legacy.
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Leona Helmsley: The Woman Who Made Her Dog a Millionaire

  • July 19, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Our pets are more than animals for many of us. They are beloved family members, providing companionship, joy, and comfort. How can you include your pets in your estate plan? What are your options?
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Your Estate Plan: Trusts & Care Provisions for Your Pets

  • December 8, 2023
  • 2 minutes read
Careful planning and collaboration with estate professionals can help you avoid these common mistakes, ensuring your will effectively supports your loved ones and secures your legacy. Here are some thoughts to help you get your estate planning process underway.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Getting Your Estate Planning Process Underway: Dos and Don’ts

  • February 19, 2025
  • 1 minute read
When a beneficiary refuses to cooperate during estate administration, it can delay the entire process and create significant problems for everyone involved.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Uncooperative Beneficiaries: Impact on Estate Administration

  • January 22, 2026
  • 1 minute read
Guardianship is often described as a last resort, but without proper planning, it can quickly spiral into one of the most stressful legal battles a family faces. The good news is that guardianship nightmares are preventable with proper estate planning.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Guardianship Nightmares: Costly Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  • October 1, 2025
  • Less than a minute
When high-profile celebrities pass away, their estate disputes often make headlines. However, the legal challenges their estates face are not exclusive to those of the rich and famous.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Prevent Costly Missteps: Lessons from Celebrity Estate Disputes

  • May 20, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Disinheriting a child can tear a family apart, if —revealed only after the parent in question has died— it comes as a surprise. Much of this conflict can be avoided if the parent in question has a candid conversation with family members in advance.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Disinheriting a Child Shouldn’t Take Your Family By Surprise!

  • April 16, 2019
  • 1 minute read
Inheritance Mishaps from the Rich and Famous | Canadian Family Offices | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Inheritance Mishaps from the Rich and Famous

  • November 27, 2023
  • Less than a minute
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Judge Orders Guardianship Firm to Return Thousands to Elderly Woman | Curated Content | Elder Care | Court Rulings | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Judge Orders Guardianship Firm to Return Thousands to Elderly Woman

  • September 5, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Without a plan in place, assets like retirement savings, real estate, or other investments may need to be liquidated to cover the costs. This is why incorporating long-term care strategies into estate planning is essential.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Planning for Long-Term Care Costs without Draining Your Estate

  • May 8, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Guardianship and Conservatorship, while similar, serve different purposes. Understanding these roles is essential for planning for the future of loved ones who may need assistance.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Guardianship and Conservatorship: Understanding the Differences

  • November 5, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Load More
Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

Your Living Will: a Crucial Component of a Complete Estate Plan
Curated Content Related Resources

Living Will: a Crucial Component of a Complete Estate Plan

  • May 28, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Read More
While contemplating the possibility of incapacity can be uncomfortable, preparing for it with Powers of Attorney and Living Wills is a crucial aspect of responsible planning. By taking these steps, you can ensure your wishes are respected during challenging times.
Curated Content Related Resources

Planning for Incapacity: Powers of Attorney & Living Wills

  • March 11, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Navigating the complex web of estate planning for Canadians with foreign ties requires a deep understanding of both domestic and international tax laws. That is why involvement of legal experts from the relevant foreign jurisdictions is often necessary and strongly recommended.
Curated Content Related Resources

The Complexities of International Estate Planning for Canadians

  • May 30, 2024
  • Less than a minute
Read More
Family Enterprise Canada: Effective Estate Planning Tools
Curated Content Related Resources

Family Enterprise Canada: Effective Estate Planning Tools

  • February 21, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Load More

Recent Posts

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

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

One widely shared social post says putting “everything you own” into a Trust could bypass probate, leaving more funds for your kids when passing on your estate. But that advice is far from universal.
May 12, 2026

Put “Everything in a Trust” to Bypass Probate: Is This Good Advice?

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?

Directory Listings

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.

Share Your Profile
Infamous Feuds + Celebrity Estates

Cautionary Tales

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

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

By ensuring that your intentions are documented, accounting for all family members, and keeping the will simple, you can help your loved ones avoid legal battles and ensure your estate is handled smoothly.  
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Valuable Lessons in Clarity & Intent from Canadian Celebrity Estates

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

Billionaire Family Feuds: Seven High-Profile Disputes

Succession-style feud settled as court sides with Edward Rogers: The fight for Rogers Communications has riven one of Canada’s richest families— and it began with an accidental 'butt dial'...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Succession-Style Feud: The Fight for Rogers Communications

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

Mercedes Kilmer addresses mixed reactions to her late Father's precedent-setting AI-generated posthumous performance in "As Deep as the Grave"...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

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

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”

The ongoing legal dispute within the Rothschild family over a stunning collection of art captures the intrigue surrounding one of the world’s most powerful families. As the case unfolds, the art world watches closely.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Rothschild Family Feud Erupts Over ‘Mini-Louvre’ Art Collection

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

Agreement Reached in Dispute over Charley Pride’s Will

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

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

After deliberating for almost one hour, jurors found that a handwritten will, discovered under a sofa cushion by Franklin’s niece after the singer’s death, was signed by the music legend in 2014 and does show her intent.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Jury Reaches Verdict in Battle over Aretha Franklin’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

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

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

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

Inside The Bitter Feuds of America’s Richest Families

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

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

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

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

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

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 longstanding feud among the heirs of Sol Goldman’s vast New York real estate fortune has reignited. This is the latest chapter in a family conflict that dates back to the 1980s... 
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

NYC Real Estate Dynasty Heirs Intensify Feud Over Property Empire

Elvis Presley’s Estate Planning Mistakes: Lessons for Us All | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Elvis Presley’s Estate Planning Mistakes: Lessons for Us All

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

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

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
Strategies For Passing On Property To Your Heirs | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Real Estate: Strategies for Passing Property to Your Heirs

  • February 23, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Are you planning to leave real estate to a loved one under your Will? Do you want that property to be transferred free of debt or other claims? Language matters!
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Navigating Bequests of Real Estate: Language Matters!

  • August 8, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Renouncing an Inheritance: an Inherent Right | Inheriting a House | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Renouncing an Inheritance: an Inherent Right

  • June 18, 2024
  • 1 minute 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
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Estate Planning Should Not Wait: Lessons from “Howards End”

  • November 17, 2022
  • Less than a minute
Load More

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

66
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
Story Submissions

We know, this can be a very sensitive topic. If you have a personal story or a cautionary tale —a link to a specific article, blog post, or recommended resource that you found particularly helpful in your own estate planning and administration journey— anonymous submissions are welcomed and encouraged.

Share Your Story