A common misconception about donor advised funds is that they are trusts, charitable purpose trusts. At times, lawyers, especially those with expertise in trusts and estates, struggle with this distinction, as do donors.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Donor Advised Funds vs. Charitable Purpose Trusts

  • March 13, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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

  • March 21, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Since most farmers are, on average, 56 years of age, many family farms are expected to transition within the next decade. Farm succession requires an approach that considers the tax implications, the farming operations and the family’s wishes.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

The Time to Discuss The Future of The Family Farm is Now!

  • October 14, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Family businesses are the backbone of many economies, providing financial stability and long-term wealth for generations. Estate planning ensures a smooth transition of ownership while protecting the business and the family’s financial legacy.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

The Role of Estate Planning in Protecting Family Businesses

  • February 7, 2025
  • Less than a minute
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

  • February 11, 2025
  • Less than a minute
An Oregon woman —who "could not be contacted about the money despite numerous attempts to reach her"— died homeless, unaware she was entitled to over $800,000 in inheritance.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Woman Dies Homeless Unaware of $800k Inheritance

  • June 4, 2021
  • 1 minute read
To file a dependant support claim against an estate, you must file a Notice of Application with the court and provide supporting evidence in an affidavit, typically within six months of the estate trustee being appointed. 
Generated Content Related Resources

How to File a Dependant Support Claim Against an Estate

Court rules against woman who sought to have $1.8-million inheritance placed in fully discretionary trust to avoid losing disability benefits...
Curated Content Family Disputes

B.C. Court Rules Against Woman Seeking to Impose Henson Trust

How to Make Sure Your Online Accounts Aren't a Nightmare for Your Family | Digital Distress | Legacy Contacts | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Digital Distress

Will Your Online Accounts Become a Nightmare for Your Family?

No Will? No Estate Plan? You Are Not Alone!
Common Mistakes Curated Content

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

Many attorneys recommend trusts to their clients, but not everyone needs a trust. Here are some frequently asked questions about trusts, as well as answers to help you decide if a trust might be useful in your situation.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Trusts

EXPLORE ARTICLES & INSIGHTS
professional advisory services

How To Get Involved

Estates Gone Wrong is a global curated content roundup, intended for information purposes only, for which we receive no compensation. 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. We also accept content recommendations and general inquiries by email.

CONTACT ESTATES GONE WRONG