If you don’t select an executor or trustee for your estate, or if the person you named refuses to act in that role, then someone may apply to the court to be appointed as an administrator of your estate.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

British Columbia: What Happens If You Don’t Appoint an Executor?

  • January 20, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Beneficiaries of an estate often want to know how long they should expect to wait to receive their share of the estate. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, as the timeline can vary considerably depending on the specific circumstances of the estate.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does an Executor Have to Distribute Funds to Beneficiaries?

  • February 4, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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

  • June 17, 2019
  • 1 minute read
Estate Planning for Adults with Special Needs
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Creating a Trust: Estate Planning for Adults with Special Needs

  • January 6, 2025
  • 1 minute read
With spring in the air, many of us feel inspired to do some cleaning and clear the clutter. While the task may seem daunting, did you know it’s also an essential step in creating a well-thought-out estate plan?
Curated Content Related Resources

How Decluttering Can Help Streamline Estate Administration

  • April 6, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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

  • March 18, 2024
  • 1 minute read
In a typical estate plan, each spouse leaves their assets to the other. When the second spouse passes away, assets are distributed to their children. But what happens to your estate plan if you remarry? And what if you have children from a prior marriage?
Curated Content Life Events

Remarriage: a New Family Calls for a New Estate Plan

An unusual court fight that's been playing out in Pennsylvania for over a year has pitted more than a dozen schools against the family of the late Campbell’s Soup heiress, Dodo Hamilton, who provided more than half of the UArts endowment. Her heirs are now seeking to claw it back.
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Campbell’s Soup Heirs vs Colleges: Court Battle Over Endowment

For many couples, mirror wills offer a straightforward way to express shared wishes and provide for each other, but understanding whether they’re the right choice for your family requires more than just a simple yes or no.
Curated Content Related Resources

Mirror Wills: A Complete Guide for Couples in The UK

Some events in life have unexpected effects... Inheriting a large sum of money can be like that. It sounds good, but it is often riddled with conflicting emotions and unexpected challenges.
Curated Content Life Events

The Unexpected Effects of Sudden Inherited Wealth

It’s important to acknowledge that death is a part of life and think about preparations with a consumer mentality. Just like with other significant purchases, we have to educate ourselves before we buy...
Curated Content Related Resources

A Consumer’s Guide to Funeral Planning

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

Executor Liability: Administration of an Insolvent Estate
Communication Breakdowns Generated Content

Insolvent Estate Administration: Why Transparency is Crucial

  • July 3, 2025
  • 1 minute read
The First Step: Open Conversation with Loved Ones | Communication Breakdowns | We Need to Talk About Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

The First Step: Open Conversation with Loved Ones

  • September 5, 2024
  • 1 minute read
For families with a loved one receiving disability assistance, an inheritance can have unintended and damaging consequences. A well-intentioned gift can disrupt eligibility for essential government benefits, often outweighing any short-term financial gain.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Cautionary Tale: Estate Planning for a Loved One With a

  • June 25, 2025
  • 2 minutes 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
Considerations for Choosing a POA for Personal Care | Long-Term Care | Elder Care | Power of Attorney | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Considerations for Choosing a POA for Personal Care

  • November 18, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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

  • November 12, 2020
  • 1 minute read
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
Bizarre Bequests Dramatized Content

The Ultimate Gift | American Drama Film | 2006

  • March 9, 2007
  • 1 minute read
The Importance of Documenting Your Charitable Wishes | Charitable Bequests | Philanthropic Intentions | Estate Planning | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

The Importance of Documenting Your Charitable Wishes

  • September 23, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Courts could use artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up probate, but digitizing documents and training a new AI model is labour intensive.
Curated Content Digital Distress

Could AI Speed Up Uncontested Probate Applications?

  • February 4, 2025
  • 1 minute read
There are several reasons that a will may prove invalid. It is important for testators to be aware of these pitfalls in order to avoid them. By understanding the factors that can invalidate your will, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your estate and provide peace of mind for those you leave behind.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Common Reasons a Will Might Be Declared Invalid in California

  • June 27, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Lawyers Who Write Wills Share The 40 Weirdest Requests Clients Have Made | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Ask Reddit Thread: 40 Weirdest Requests in People’s Wills

  • June 28, 2022
  • 1 minute 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 parent leaves an inheritance as a legacy for their children, the intent is always to secure their future. Statistics tell us that 1-in-3 heirs end up blowing all the money, rather than stewarding it well.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

How One Woman Almost Lost a $4M Inheritance

  • January 31, 2025
  • 1 minute read
America's Elder Care Crisis is Here— And We're Not Ready | Long-Term Care | Elder Care | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

America’s Elder Care Crisis is Here & We’re Not Ready

  • December 15, 2023
  • 1 minute read
UK docuseries "Inheritance Wars" features gripping and shocking true stories of families dragged through the courts by grief and greed...
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

Inheritance Wars | UK Documentary Series | 2023

  • September 17, 2023
  • 1 minute read
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Planning for the incapacity of vulnerable adults involves creating legal and practical arrangements to ensure their well-being and financial stability if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. This includes designating substitute decision-makers through powers of attorney or protection mandates, developing comprehensive care plans, and potentially seeking court-appointed guardianship or trusteeship. 
Generated Content Guardian Safeguards

Designating Decision Makers for Vulnerable Adults

  • June 5, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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
America's Elder Care Crisis is Here— And We're Not Ready | Long-Term Care | Elder Care | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

America’s Elder Care Crisis is Here & We’re Not Ready

  • December 15, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

This guide was created by the ALA Office of Research & Evaluation, and funded by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. New books added June 13th, 2025...
Curated Content Related Resources

Financial Literacy in Public Libraries: Estate Planning Books

  • June 13, 2025
  • 4 minutes read
Read More
Many people think all handwritten wills are holographic wills. This is not correct. This guide breaks down the difference between holographic and handwritten wills, how they work, when they’re appropriate, and their legal requirements in Canada...
Curated Content Related Resources

Difference Between Holographic & Handwritten Wills in Canada

  • July 22, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Michigan has its own unique set of rules when it comes to estate planning, and knowing these can help you safeguard your family’s future.
Curated Content Related Resources

Easy Estate Planning Tips for Michigan Residents

  • February 19, 2025
  • 3 minutes read
Read More
Trusts let you control how and when your assets are passed on. The stipulations you outline in the trust can help your beneficiaries use it wisely.
Curated Content Related Resources

Comprehensive Guide to the Many Different Types of Trusts

  • August 1, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
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Recent Posts

When valid, no contest clauses can be a powerful tool for discouraging estate litigation. Typically, these clauses threaten to disinherit beneficiaries who challenge the validity of the testator’s final will...
March 18, 2026

Can a Beneficiary Be Disinherited for Successful Litigation?

Losing a parent is one of life's most profound sorrows. For those in their 20s and 30s, this loss can feel particularly disorienting. As you navigate this complex journey, this guide offers compassionate support and practical coping strategies...
March 14, 2026

Losing a Parent in Your 20s and 30s: Navigating Young Adult Grief

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)

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.

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Infamous Feuds + Celebrity Estates

Cautionary Tales

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

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

Jay Pritzker quietly built a $15 billion empire of more than 200 companies, including Hyatt Hotels Corp., and a network of 1,000 family trusts.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Pritzker Family Settles Dispute with $900 Million Agreement

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

The Menendez Estate: What Happened to the Money?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hulk Hogan’s daughter can’t write herself out of the wrestler’s will, but she can refuse to take his money. The questions arising over who will inherit Hulk Hogan’s wealth offer important insights into how family estrangement can affect estate planning.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Hulk Hogan’s Will: a Lesson in Family Estrangement & Estate Planning

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

Richard Simmons’ Estate: Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

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

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

TV Chef Blew £2.8million Inheritance: Leaves Only £33k to Family
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

TV Chef Blew £2.8million Inheritance: Leaves Only £33k to Family

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

Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Controversial Prince Documentary Cancelled Over Estate Dispute

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

Inside The Bitter Feuds of America’s Richest Families

Glastonbury Founder Could Avoid £80m in Inheritance Tax
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Glastonbury Founder Could Avoid £80m in Inheritance Tax

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of capital gains on inherited property in Canada, explain who pays the tax, explore strategies to reduce or avoid it, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure you have a clear understanding of your obligations and options.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

How to Avoid Paying Capital Gains Tax on Inherited Property in Canada

  • June 24, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Property owners who have used joint ownership as an estate planning tool to avoid the cost and delay of probate will need to revisit their plans in light of this decision.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Court Ruling Upsets Commonly-held Interpretation of Joint Tenancy

  • December 16, 2024
  • Less than a minute
Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common | There are three main ways that a homeowner can own a home, and the way title is held dramatically affects their estate and heirs...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common

  • February 4, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Family Cottage Succession: a Dream or a Nightmare? No matter how much you may intend to keep the property in the family, you should plan for the almost certain inevitability that at some point it will be sold.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Shared Ownership in The Family Cottage: a Dream or a Nightmare?

  • August 5, 2022
  • 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
It is important to understand the limited purpose and necessity behind 'Net Family Property' clauses. They are not a catchall for sheltering and protecting the inheritance of a divorcing beneficiary, although they usually have the appearance of trying to achieve this objective.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Understanding the ‘Net Family Property’ Exclusion Clause: Ontario

  • August 12, 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

48
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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