There has been a rise in disputes over estates, with many of the problems linked to outdated wills or the absence of any Will at all. Rise in Will disputes prompts warning to people in their 40s and 50s... 10 Apr

Rise in UK Estate Disputes: The Cost of Outdated Wills

A bitter £10 million legal dispute has erupted between a self-made couple and their son-in-law, tearing apart a family textiles business built from humble market stall beginnings over five decades. 26 Mar

Family Fabric Empire Torn Apart in Court Battle Over Inheritance

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. 23 Mar

Steady Increase in Undue Influence Estate Disputes in Canada

While courts are generally reluctant to interfere with a testator’s choice of estate trustee, that choice will be overridden where it is necessary to ensure the proper, efficient, and impartial administration of the estate. 23 Mar

Feuding Siblings Replaced By Neutral Third-Party Estate Trustee

Family inheritance disputes carry the risk of creating permanent rifts among relatives. With timely legal intervention, family conflicts over inheritance can be effectively managed and resolved without causing irreparable damage to relationships. 11 Mar

Resolving Family Inheritance Disputes: Tips & Guidance

A recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice provides a stark reminder that unsuccessful litigants—particularly those who advance self-interested claims—may be ordered to pay millions of dollars in costs personally. 27 Feb

Ontario Beneficiary Held Personally Liable for Legal Costs

Unfortunately, disputes over Wills are on the rise in the UK... This reflects not only changing family structures but also shifting expectations around inheritance. 30 Oct

Family Dynamics & Inheritance: Managing Expectations

Relatives more prepared than ever to take costly legal action to fight for what they feel is 'their due slice' of family wealth— Attempts to have a will ruled invalid have surged 61% in five years... 23 Oct

Family Feuds Over Inheritances Surge 61% in UK

Your estate plan is your final gift to your family. It’s an opportunity to show your love and care in a lasting way. By pairing open conversations with strong legal planning, you can feel confident that your legacy will be one of harmony and understanding, not conflict. 22 Sep

Preventing Family Fights Over Inheritance: Alberta

It is important to clearly document and communicate intentions when making either a loan or a gift to a family member. Sometimes we assume a verbal agreement is sufficient but having clear written documentation removes uncertainty and mitigates the risk of disputes arising after the fact. 05 Sep

A Family Feud Unwrapped in Court: Gifts vs Loans

Landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision, from 1991, established principles for proving undue influence in trust cases: the Geffen v. Goodman family and trust estate dispute... 28 Aug

Landmark Supreme Court of Canada Decision: Undue Influence

Common themes in inheritance disputes include challenges to a will's validity, unfair or unequal asset distribution, family dynamics and pre-existing tensions, lack of clear estate planning, and issues with executor misconduct or mismanagement.  21 Aug

Inheritance Disputes: Common Themes & Recent Cases (Ontario)