As generative AI brings dead celebrities back to life, we must rethink the rights of the deceased. Changes are due in privacy, consumer protection and property laws, University at Buffalo legal scholar Mark Bartholomew says...
Curated Content Law Reform

Generative AI: Rethinking the Legal Rights of the Deceased

  • January 24, 2024
  • 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
A years-long succession battle within Rupert Murdoch's conservative media empire has drawn to a close, with his son Lachlan set to control the news group. The deal ends all litigation over the family's trust.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

Deal Reached in Long Succession Battle Over Murdoch Media Empire

  • September 9, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Open Family Conversation About Your Will with a Focus on Charities | Charitable Bequests | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Open Family Conversation About Your Will with a Focus on Charities

  • April 29, 2021
  • 1 minute read
Discussing your estate plan with your family may feel uncomfortable, but avoiding the conversation can create unnecessary confusion and conflict. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures your loved ones understand your intentions.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

How to Tactfully Discuss Your Estate Plan with Your Family

  • April 24, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Few things feel as delicate or as important as talking with a family member about long-term care. The team at CareOne is sharing tips to help you navigate the emotional conversations about long-term care options. 
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Long-Term Care: Navigating Emotional Conversations

  • June 15, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Comparing DIY Estate Planning Software: Features & Costs | With so many options available, choosing the right DIY Estate Planning Software can feel like navigating a labyrinth...
Curated Content Related Resources

Comparing DIY Estate Planning Software: Features & Costs

Acting as an Estate Trustee can be challenging. It is important to appoint an individual who is responsible and reliable to fulfil this role as they have a fiduciary responsibility to the beneficiaries.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Estate Trustee? What are their Responsibilities?

When Inheritance Divides: The Strain of Sibling Disputes Over Estate Debts
Curated Content Family Disputes

The Strain of Sibling Disputes Over Estate Debts: a Cautionary Tale

Legal Considerations & Access Rights for Digital Assets During Probate
Curated Content Digital Distress

Access Rights for Digital Assets During Probate: Canada

Designating people you trust to fill important roles, including executor and power of attorney, is essential to a successful estate plan. It's also wise to select backups in case your primary selections are unavailable.
Curated Content Related Resources

Designations: Key Roles to Include in Your Estate Plan

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Planning to Disinherit a Child? Experts Urge a 'Rethink' | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Planning to Disinherit a Child? Experts Urge a ‘Rethink’

  • July 22, 2024
  • 1 minute read
What if you no longer want to include someone in your will? Whether you're navigating a second marriage, dealing with an estranged relative, or leaving your assets to charity, there are reasons to disinherit someone.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Six Reasons to Disinherit Someone and How to Do It

  • June 13, 2025
  • 1 minute read
In a compelling High Court decision that has stirred conversations across both the legal and familial landscapes, a £14.5 million trust dispute between two brothers has culminated in a judgment that emphasizes intention over biology.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Landmark Case Ruling in £14.5m Trust Dispute

  • July 21, 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
Family Conflict Results in Long-Term Estate Litigation over Secret Trust and Mutual Wills Agreement | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Family Conflict Results in Long-Term Estate Litigation

  • September 9, 2020
  • 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
Will your family inherit your outstanding debts? Who’s responsible for paying them off? Can creditors pursue your beneficiaries for payment?
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Don’t Leave Your Family Battling Debt Collectors

  • October 25, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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”

  • June 12, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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

  • June 18, 2024
  • Less than a minute
Understanding the common mistakes that lead to in-family lawsuits can help you craft an estate plan that truly safeguards your legacy while minimizing conflict. Here are five mistakes that often cause families to end up in court.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Five Estate Planning Mistakes That Trigger In-Family Lawsuits

  • August 22, 2025
  • Less than a minute
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

  • March 21, 2022
  • 1 minute read
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?

  • February 26, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Truly Wild Inheritance Stories: From Entire Towns to Century-Old Denim
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Truly Wild Inheritance Stories: From Entire Towns to Century-Old Denim

  • April 12, 2025
  • Less than a minute
In today’s increasingly digital world, traditional processes are being transformed by technology, and estate planning is no exception. Recent developments in technology and changes to the legal landscape are creating room for the possibility of electronic wills...
Curated Content Digital Distress

Electronic Wills: The Future of Estate Planning in Ontario

  • December 10, 2024
  • 1 minute 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
Be prepared to be vulnerable. Start by acknowledging it's a challenging topic and ensure everyone is comfortable and open to the discussion.
Generated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

How to Discuss Long-Term Care Planning with Your Family

  • May 7, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Whether you are a nursing home resident, a family member, or a supportive friend, this guide gives you the tools you need to identify and then resolve the problems that residents most frequently face.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

25 Common Nursing Home Problems and How to Resolve Them

  • February 24, 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
One way to plan financially for long-term care is to create a trust. It can be an incredibly useful tool to protect your assets if you become incapacitated and to shield your assets to qualify for certain long-term care benefits.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

How to Use a Trust to Plan for Long-Term Care

  • January 23, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

This comprehensive guide explores probate requirements across Canada’s provinces and territories, highlighting the steps involved, costs, and unique regional considerations.
Curated Content Related Resources

Probate Requirements Across Different Canadian Provinces

  • January 29, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
There can be benefits to gifting part of your estate during your lifetime (inter vivos), an increasingly popular wealth transfer option for Canadians. Before settling on this option, here’s what you’ll need to consider. 
Curated Content Related Resources

Advantages of Gifting Assets During Your Lifetime: Inter Vivos

  • May 6, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Read More
By adopting specific strategies, you can improve the quality of your interactions, making them more meaningful and productive. Here are some practical tips to help you communicate more effectively with aging individuals...
Curated Content Related Resources

ElderCare: Strategies for Effective Communication

  • June 11, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Read More
This handbook is for those who have been appointed an executor (now called an “estate trustee”) in Ontario. Read further for excerpts from "How to Administer an Estate in Ontario: Plain Language Handbook", available on Amazon...
Curated Content Related Resources

How to Administer an Estate in Ontario: Plain Language Handbook

  • September 1, 2020
  • 1 minute read
Read More
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Recent Posts

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

A dramatic family feud over the inheritance of a prized Oregon winery has concluded with a landmark penalty for the misuse of artificial intelligence in court proceedings, exposing deep rifts between siblings and raising serious questions about legal ethics in the digital age.
April 20, 2026

Landmark Penalty for Misuse of Artificial Intelligence in Court

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Infamous Feuds + Celebrity Estates

Cautionary Tales

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”

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

Few narrative devices expose human venality with the precision of inheritance theft. This collection of ten films rigorously examines the subgenre to explore the psychological and legal intricacies of usurped fortunes.
Dramatized Content Infamous Feuds

Estate Disputes & Inheritance Theft Themes Explored in 10 Films

An Ontario judge's looming decision on whether to compel the Stronach Group to disclose evidence of any coverup of sexual misconduct may add yet a new dimension to a deepening scandal surrounding the multinational's billionaire founder.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Succession-like Battle Over Family’s Billions: The Stronach Case

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

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

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

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

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”

Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper over Richard Simmons' Estate
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Richard Simmons’ Estate: Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper

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

Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous

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

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

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’

Actress Diane Keaton left behind not just a remarkable legacy but an important reminder about estate planning for our pets.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Pet Trusts: What We Can Learn from Diane Keaton’s Estate

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

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

Following the death of Ozzy Osbourne, headlines turned to an alleged change to his will, in which Ozzy stipulated that his widow, Sharon, is to receive a dozen black roses a week for the rest of her life...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Ozzy Osbourne’s “Black Roses” Request

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

The Menendez Estate: What Happened to the Money?

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

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

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

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

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

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

Inheriting Real Estate in Canada: What You Need to Know
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheritance Tax & Cross-Border Rules: What Canadians Need to Know

  • December 20, 2024
  • 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
Selling Inherited Property: Tips for Executors and Beneficiaries | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Selling Inherited Property: Tips for Executors and Beneficiaries

  • August 29, 2022
  • 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
Inheriting a Property With Your Siblings: What Are Your Options? | Family Disputes | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Inheriting a Property With Your Siblings: What Are Your Options?

  • May 30, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Transferring Property Title to a Trustee: Step-by-Step Guide
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Transferring Property Title to a Trustee: Step-by-Step Guide

  • September 13, 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

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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