Estate litigation lawyers across Canada are seeing a steady increase in undue influence estate disputes. Families are more frequently questioning whether a will truly reflects a loved one’s wishes or whether someone exerted pressure behind the scenes.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Steady Increase in Undue Influence Estate Disputes in Canada

Gionet Fairley Wood LLP
March 23rd, 2026

Estate litigation lawyers across Canada are seeing a steady increase in undue influence estate disputes.

Families are more frequently questioning whether a will truly reflects a loved one’s wishes or whether someone exerted pressure behind the scenes. These disputes often arise when a vulnerable person makes unexpected changes to their will, transfers significant assets before death, or removes long-standing beneficiaries from their estate plan. When those changes appear inconsistent with the individual’s past wishes, concerns about manipulation or coercion may follow.

When a will appears inconsistent with a loved one’s long-standing intentions, it may be appropriate to examine the circumstances more closely.

If you believe a loved one’s estate plan may have been affected by undue influence, speaking with an experienced estate litigation lawyer can help you understand your legal options and the evidence required to pursue a claim.

Understanding how undue influence works and how courts assess these claims can help families recognize when a will or estate decision deserves closer legal scrutiny.