Estate planning for an irresponsible child is a lot of work. Fortunately, estate planners may exert influence over how heirs spend their inheritances. Keep reading to find out the best ways to protect an irresponsible child’s financial future...
Curated Content Squandered Fortunes

Strategies: Estate Planning for Irresponsible Children

  • November 19, 2024
  • Less than a minute
St. Jude Fights Donors’ Families in Court for Share of Estates | Curated Content | Charitable Bequests | Court Battles | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

St. Jude Fights Donors’ Families in Court for Share of Estates

  • March 21, 2022
  • 1 minute read
No Will? No Estate Plan? You Are Not Alone!
Common Mistakes Curated Content

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

  • February 19, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Wondering what Estate Planning involves for Canadians? This guide covers what estate planning involves in Canada, the key documents you'll need, how taxes and probate work, and how to get started.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Estate Planning Involve For Canadians?

  • February 12, 2026
  • Less than a minute
Revocable living trusts are just one part of the estate planning toolkit. Explore how they work, where they may add value, and what to consider if you're evaluating whether this strategy fits into your broader plan.
Curated Content Related Resources

When to Support Your Estate Plan with a Revocable Living Trust

  • July 9, 2025
  • 1 minute read
This video unpacks the 2024 court case involving Zong Qinghou's heirs, the $1.8 billion trust dispute, and the clash between Zong Fuli and three U.S.-based claimants.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Wahaha’s Inheritance Battle: Family Feud & Trust Dispute

  • August 3, 2025
  • Less than a minute
McWills? Yes! Will Written on a McDonald’s Napkin May be Enforceable | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

McWills? Handwritten Will on McDonald’s Napkin Ruled Enforceable

Digital assets pose unique challenges for Ontario estate planning, particularly when they are stored or governed outside the province. Conflicting laws, restrictive terms of service, and international privacy regulations can complicate access and delay administration.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Digital Assets: Unique Challenges & Jurisdictional Conflicts

For high-net-worth families in Canada, effective estate planning is the cornerstone of generational wealth. In this guide, we walk through foundational estate planning strategies —tailored for families with significant wealth— and how to use them to build a legacy that lasts.
Curated Content Related Resources

Legacy-Centered Approach for High-Net-Worth Families in Canada

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?

Executor of a Family Estate? How to Avoid Infighting over Inherited Wealth | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Family Disputes

Executor of a Family Estate? How to Avoid Infighting over Inherited Wealth

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

The Lost Inheritance: A Cautionary Tale for Executors | Curated Content | Unclaimed Inheritance | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

The Lost Inheritance: A Cautionary Tale for Executors

  • October 24, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Don't Wait until it's Too Late: Communicate Your Plans with Your Family
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Don’t Wait: Communicate Your Plans with Your Family

  • February 10, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Clear communication, updated documents, and proactive estate planning can help families minimize disputes over inherited wealth.
Curated Content Family Disputes

How to Minimize Family Disputes Over Inherited Wealth

  • August 13, 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
If you’ve unexpectedly taken over legal guardianship of a minor or disabled person, you may be scrambling to figure out what your next steps should be...
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

What to Do When You Unexpectedly Become a Guardian

  • November 21, 2020
  • 1 minute read
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
Leaving Money to Charity so You Don’t Spoil the Kids? | Charitable Bequests | Wealth Management | High Net Worth | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Leaving Money to Charity so You Don’t Spoil the Kids?

  • March 16, 2023
  • 1 minute read
What do these Inheritance Horror Stories have in common? Every single one of them could have been prevented with a simple conversation and some thoughtful legal planning. Let’s make sure your story doesn’t become someone else’s cautionary tale...
Curated Content Family Disputes

Legal Planning Lessons from Real-Life Inheritance Horror Stories

  • July 3, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Individual family members bring their own perspectives and values to the estate planning process. However, good communication can help head off potential multi-generational conflicts before they happen.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Generational Estate Planning: Communication is Key!

  • May 10, 2022
  • 1 minute read
4 Expert Insights on Avoiding Estate Planning Pitfalls for 2025
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Expert Insights: Avoiding Estate Planning Pitfalls for 2025

  • November 17, 2024
  • Less than a minute
7 Costly Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Estates Gone Wrong
Common Mistakes Curated Content

7 Costly Estate Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  • April 9, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Aging Baby Boomers Raise the Risk of a Long-Term-Care Crisis in the U.S. | Curated Content | Elder Care | Long-Term Care | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Aging Baby Boomers Raise the Risk of a Long-Term-Care Crisis

  • November 8, 2021
  • 1 minute read
Avoid Estate Administration Surprises. Performing a title search on your property as part of your estate plan could save your heirs both money and hassle. 
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Avoid Estate Administration Surprises: Perform a Title Search

  • October 26, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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’

  • August 23, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Agreement Reached in Dispute over Charley Pride's Will
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Agreement Reached in Dispute over Charley Pride’s Will

  • September 29, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Discussing your estate plan with difficult family members can feel daunting, but with patience, empathy, and a dash of humor, you can navigate the conversation effectively. By approaching it with kindness and understanding, you can ensure your wishes are clearly communicated and respected, keeping the family harmony intact—even if it means cracking a joke or two along the way.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

How to Talk to Your Family about Your Fiduciary Choices

  • May 27, 2024
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Don't Let Denial Delay Long-Term Care Planning | Curated Content | Elder Care | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Don’t Let Denial Delay Long-Term Care Planning

  • August 27, 2024
  • 1 minute read
If you’ve unexpectedly taken over legal guardianship of a minor or disabled person, you may be scrambling to figure out what your next steps should be...
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

What to Do When You Unexpectedly Become a Guardian

  • November 21, 2020
  • 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
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

Most individuals consider purely domestic estate matters to be complex and challenging.  Add another country into the equation and the legal complexity quickly multiplies.
Curated Content Related Resources

Navigating Cross-Border & Multijurisdictional Estate Matters

  • March 19, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Estate planning is more than a legal formality—it’s a vital process to safeguard your legacy and shield your loved ones from unexpected challenges. Even with the best intentions, without the right strategies and support, things can go off track.
Curated Content Related Resources

Webinar: The Importance of Comprehensive Estate Planning

  • January 28, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Read More
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
The Government of Canada has published a useful online guide explaining the tax responsibilities of legal representatives for the estates of deceased individuals. This guide sets out a 4-stage process...
Curated Content Related Resources

Tax Responsibilities of Legal Representatives of Estates: Canada

  • March 15, 2023
  • Less than a minute
Read More
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Recent Posts

Estate law remains deeply jurisdiction-specific. How the law will recognize family relationships can easily differ across provincial lines. If you intend for someone to benefit from your estate, that intention must be expressed clearly.
March 13, 2026

Jurisdiction Matters: What Makes You a ‘Child’ in an Estate?

Dealing with the GSTT can be complex and confusing. With proper planning, the GST exemption provides opportunities to reduce or potentially eliminate the transfer taxes associated with gifting or passing money to younger generations.
March 12, 2026

Understanding The Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT)

If you have minor children, not having a Will in Quebec is not just unfortunate— it's a failure of planning: a recurring and avoidable mess.
March 12, 2026

Québec: Why You Need a Will to Protect Your Minor Children

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.
March 12, 2026

Michael Jackson’s Daughter Paris Challenges Estate Executors

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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

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

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

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

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

Who inherited Jimi Hendrix’s estate? The answer is more complicated than many might assume. This article explores the distribution of his fortune, the legal disputes that followed, and who ultimately controls his estate today...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Legendary Legal Battle: The Heavily Contested Estate of Jimi Hendrix

Murdoch Family Legal Battle Highlights a Harsh Reality: No Trust is Airtight | Family Disputes | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Murdoch Family Legal Battle: “No Trust is Airtight!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside The Bitter Feuds of America’s Richest Families

Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Lessons To Be Learned From Failed Celebrity Estates

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

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

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 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

The estate of Hulk Hogan is pushing back forcefully against a claim that seeks $10 million over the origins of the wrestler's branded beer business, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Hulk Hogan’s Heirs Wrestling with $10 Million Beer Brand Lawsuit

Disney is one of the biggest media companies in the world, with an estimated net worth of nearly $130 billion. From a family-trust-fund feud to generous philanthropic endeavors, here's a look at the three generations of the Disney family.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Disney Family Feud as Heirs Battle for $400 Million Trust Fund

From legendary musicians to business moguls, read on to discover some of the bitterest inheritance battles of all time. 
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Battle of Wills: 25 Infamous Inheritance Disputes

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

Testators should know the risks before using joint ownership as an estate planning tool. 
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Joint Ownership of Property: Know the Risks

  • February 16, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Many Canadians dream of buying a property by the sea in Florida or a golf course in Arizona. But what happens at the time of death? Buying a property in the United States takes planning...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Canadian Will & U.S. Property: Avoiding Probate Takes Planning

  • February 10, 2025
  • 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
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
Tax Considerations for Inherited Properties: What You Need to Know | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Tax Considerations for Inherited Properties: What You Need to Know

  • February 15, 2023
  • 1 minute 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
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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

50
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

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

47
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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