Curated Content Property Pitfalls

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

  • November 17, 2022
  • Less than a minute
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
After years of advocacy, Delaware passes End-of-Life Options Law: Delaware has become the latest state to legalize medical aid in dying, following the signing of House Bill 140 on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025.
Curated Content Law Reform

Delaware Passes End-of-Life Options Law: 2025

  • May 21, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Understanding Probate in Canada: Everything You Need to Know | Probate is a crucial process in the Canadian legal system that ensures the deceased person’s estate is distributed according to their wishes.
Curated Content Legacy Lexicon

Understanding Probate in Canada: Everything You Need to Know

  • January 21, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Give Yourself Permission to Grieve: Managing the psychological aspects of an inheritance ultimately determines whether the windfall becomes a lasting positive influence or a temporary financial event...
Curated Content Life Events

The Psychology of an Inheritance Windfall: Strategic Approaches

  • May 8, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Early inheritance is an increasingly popular route towards homeownership: a way for Canadian families to support younger generations...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Early Inheritance is Trending: Canada’s ‘Living Legacy’ Movement

  • March 27, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Give Yourself Permission to Grieve: Managing the psychological aspects of an inheritance ultimately determines whether the windfall becomes a lasting positive influence or a temporary financial event...
Curated Content Life Events

The Psychology of an Inheritance Windfall: Strategic Approaches

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

Testamentary Capacity and Estate Planning in Ontario
Curated Content Related Resources

Testamentary Capacity and Estate Planning in Ontario

Potential pitfalls associated with poor estate planning exposed as a detective investigates the death of the patriarch of a combative family.
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

Knives Out | American Mystery Film | 2019

For ultra-high-net-worth families, wealth management is about more than managing money. It’s also about envisioning strategic planning for the future, including planning for assets as they pass from one generation to the next...
Curated Content Related Resources

Successfully Navigating Legacy Planning: Five Key Factors

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Effective communication with your family and loved ones is vital... The consequences of ambiguity or misalignment between intent and execution can be significant, potentially leading to legal battles that deplete trust resources and damage family relationships.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Estate Planning Case Proves Communication is Vital

  • September 30, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

The Estate | American Comedy Film | 2022

  • November 4, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Inheritance Wars— More Families Fight Over Money | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Probate | Court Battles | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Family Inheritance Wars “On The Rise” in the UK

  • March 18, 2024
  • 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
In Ontario, a Power of Attorney for Personal Care (POAPC) is a legal document that covers healthcare, living arrangements, and other personal needs. It's important to choose someone trustworthy and capable of understanding your wishes.
Generated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Power of Attorney for Personal Care (POAPC): Ontario

  • June 17, 2025
  • 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
When a loved one passes away, their streaming accounts and subscriptions may seem like minor considerations compared to other estate matters. However, managing these accounts is important to prevent ongoing charges and secure their digital legacy.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Managing Streaming Service Accounts: A Guide for Canadians

  • January 9, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Trying to figure out the best way to pass your home to your children? Making the right choice between a gift or trust can save your family money and headaches in the long run.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Gift or Trust? The ‘Correct Way’ to Pass Your Home to Your Children

  • January 17, 2025
  • Less than a minute
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
We can do many things to make preparing our Executor and loved ones easier. However, the main thing is just to start having the conversation, even if it is little sentences at a time. Don’t leave your loved ones with such confusion that they end up resorting to stalking someone to get some answers as Carrie Bradshaw did!
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

“BIG” Surprises in Your Will? Your Loved Ones Deserve a Spoiler Alert!

  • March 3, 2022
  • 2 minutes read
Widow in Legal Battle with Rotary Foundation Over Husband's Estate
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Widow in Legal Battle with Rotary Foundation Over Husband’s Estate

  • November 14, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Charity Awarded Over $1 Million After Will is Upheld | Curated Content | Charitable Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Charity Awarded Over $1 Million After Will is Upheld

  • September 2, 2021
  • 1 minute read
Charitable Beneficiaries and Family Members At Odds Over Estate Distribution | Curated Content | Charitable Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Charitable Beneficiaries & Family Battle Over Estate Distribution

  • September 10, 2020
  • 1 minute read
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so the strategy that’s right for you may not be appropriate for someone else. That’s why you should seek legal and tax advice when incorporating charitable or philanthropic giving into your estate plan.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Have You Built Charity & Philanthropy into Your Estate Plan?

  • December 16, 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
As we grow older and enter retirement, we face many LIFE-CHANGING decisions. We must consider long-term care, financial well-being, and, ultimately, our end-of-life planning. Fortunately, there are legislations in place to protect the rights and interests of older individuals.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Elder Care Law: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

  • May 31, 2024
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

What happens when parents don’t choose guardians properly? The courts step in. Your children become part of a legal process instead of seamlessly transitioning to the loving family member you had in mind. Understanding the legal framework will help you make better decisions for your family.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Complete Guide to Choosing a Guardian in Ontario

  • August 21, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress and Burnout
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress and Burnout

  • January 16, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Elderly guardianships are complex and have consequences. If you’re considering legal guardianship for a parent or loved one, seeking professional legal advice is critically important.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Legal Guardianship of an Aging Parent: What You Need to

  • February 26, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

LegalWills.ca highly recommends the following books: a special selection of books related to funeral, estate and financial planning.
Curated Content Related Resources

Will & Estate Planning Books: Recommended by LegalWills.ca

  • May 25, 2014
  • 1 minute read
Read More
When it’s time to do your estate planning – and it’s actually never too soon to begin – you may find the process, at first, to be somewhat bewildering. Using a trust company can make things a lot easier when it’s time to plan and execute your estate.
Curated Content Related Resources

Who Can You Trust to Help Reduce the Stress of Estate Planning?

  • July 6, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Read More
With proper planning and guidance, estate matters don’t have to be stressful. This post will walk you through everything you need to create a solid estate plan in Ontario.
Curated Content Related Resources

Estate Planning Ontario: A Simple Guide to Getting It Right

  • April 2, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Read More
The Inheritance Games offers a thrilling exploration of estate planning through the lens of a captivating mystery. By learning from the fictional world of Avery Grambs, we can gain valuable insights into the importance of a well-created estate plan.
Curated Content Related Resources

Estate Planning Lessons from “The Inheritance Games”

  • November 5, 2024
  • 2 minutes read
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Recent Posts

Several life events stand out as clear signals that financial guidance should move to the top of the to-do list... Don’t wait until things feel complicated.
March 8, 2026

Life Events That Should Trigger a Call for Financial Guidance

New Study Finds "Women Are Trusted Most" to Manage Crises and Estates in Canada
March 3, 2026

Critical Life Decisions: Women Trusted Most

This guide explains how Canada taxes estates at death, what executors and beneficiaries need to know, and why professional advice is critical.
February 17, 2026

Estate and Inheritance Taxes in Canada: Complete Guide

New laws enacted in 2025 may have a big impact on how much Social Security beneficiaries pay in taxes this season. Here’s what to think about when reporting that extra income to the IRS...
February 11, 2026

Increased Social Security Benefits & The Impact on Your Taxes

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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

Gore-Tex Heiress, Susan Gore, has been denied the right to adopt her 65-year-old ex-husband as a means to boost her family's inheritance fortune.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Court Ruling: Heiress Cannot Adopt Ex-Husband for Inheritance

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

The infamous inheritance battle for Koch Industries involved the four sons of Fred Koch — William, Frederick, Charles, and David — who feuded for nearly two decades over the control and ownership of the family company. 
Generated Content Infamous Feuds

Infamous 20-Year-Long Inheritance Battle: Koch Industries

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

Agreement Reached in Dispute over Charley Pride’s Will

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

The Anna Nicole Smith estate saga is more than just a celebrity courtroom drama; it's a cautionary tale with lessons for everyone, according to attorney John Levy. 
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Case Study: Anna Nicole Smith Estate Saga Offers Lessons for All

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

Celebrity Estates Curated Content

What We Can Learn From Celebrity Estate Planning Gone Wrong

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

Kate Rothko Prizel, the daughter of renowned abstract artist Mark Rothko, once said being 19 was the worst year of her life. Still only a teenager, in 1970, Prizel was embroiled in a bitter legal battle with her father’s estate executors and the directors of the Marlborough Fine Art gallery.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

How Greed Rocked the Art World: The Estate of Mark Rothko

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

If you’re building wealth for future generations, open communication and clear planning are just as important as investment strategies. These stories offer practical lessons for anyone hoping to pass on wealth— or simply keep their family together...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Wealthy Families That Lost Everything Over Generational Feuds

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

Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Lessons To Be Learned From Failed Celebrity Estates

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”

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?

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

AI and Ethics Collide: A proposal to use artificial intelligence to recreate the voice of late actor Robin Williams has reignited a contentious debate around consent, legacy, and the ethical boundaries of generative AI.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Robin Williams Voice Recreation Proposal Sparks Backlash

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

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”

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

The Guinness family’s story shows that inheritance without structure can lead to division... When assets, wishes, and responsibilities are clearly defined, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re protecting your family’s relationships and legacy.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Inheritance Conflict & Division: Lessons from The Guinness Family

Heirs to an iconic fortune sought out a wealth manager who would assuage their progressive consciences. Now their dispute is exposing dynastic secrets...
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Getty Trust Issues: Dispute Exposed Family Secrets

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

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

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

Millions of US boomers are refusing to give their $84 trillion in real estate, wealth away to their adult kids — here’s why and what it means for the US economy
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

US Boomers Reassessing Priorities: Impact on Future Homeownership

  • February 12, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
The Pitfalls of Joint Ownership: Know the Risks
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

The Pitfalls of Joint Ownership: Know the Risks

  • May 22, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Inheriting property can be a complex process, but with proper planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking proactive steps can prevent disputes and create a clear path for future generations.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting Property: What You Need to Know

  • May 22, 2025
  • 3 minutes read
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
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
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
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Explore Topics

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

Bizarre Bequests

28
Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Lisa Marie Presley's Estate | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates

Celebrity Estates

46
Family Conflict Results in Long-Term Estate Litigation over Secret Trust and Mutual Wills Agreement | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong

Charitable Misgivings

30
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

46
Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Family Disputes

58
Abusive Guardianships: Prevention & Taking Action

Guardian Safeguards

30
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

40
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