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  • Legacy Lexicon
Life Insurance is more than just a safety net. It’s a strategic tool. Learn how life insurance is not just about risk— it’s about opportunity... in this in-depth guide to understanding the different types of Life Insurance for Estate Planning in Canada. 05 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Understanding The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning

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
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

A Family Feud Unwrapped in Court: Gifts vs Loans

Even if AI tools produce legal documents that look valid, the risks are obvious. Can the court step in and fix errors in an AI-generated Will? 04 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Digital Distress

Testator Intent: AI Generated Wills Lack “Proof & Context”

Ontario Estate Court Forms Revamped: Key Changes You Need to Know 29 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Ontario Estate Court Forms Revamped: Key Changes

This summer, the Montana Supreme Court had to weigh in on a modern question: can a selfie video serve as a person’s last Will? The short answer was no. Stories like the Montana case can be useful teaching tools. They help illustrate that intent is only half the battle—validity is the other.  28 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Digital Distress

Selfie Video Last Will and Testament? Still a Step Too Far!

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
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Family Disputes, Generated Content

Landmark Supreme Court of Canada Decision: Undue Influence

While a letter of wishes is not legally binding, it can still serve as a useful tool and an added “personal touch” to an estate plan, offering clarity on decisions, ensuring wishes are understood and guiding those involved in the administration of the estate. 22 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

The Letter of Wishes: A Personal Touch to Your Estate Plan

What happens when parents don’t choose guardians properly? The courts step in. Your children become part of a legal process instead of seamlessly transitioning to the loving family member you had in mind. Understanding the legal framework will help you make better decisions for your family. 21 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Guardian Safeguards

Complete Guide to Choosing a Guardian in Ontario

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
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Family Disputes, Generated Content

Inheritance Disputes: Common Themes & Recent Cases (Ontario)

This article outlines the key estate planning laws you need to know in BC, including requirements for wills, powers of attorney, representation agreements, and probate procedures. 20 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Estate Planning Laws in BC: Legal Guidelines & Requirements

In Canada, most trusts are separate legal entities taxed under strict rules in the Income Tax Act. Proper structuring is essential to reduce tax and avoid reporting issues. Regular reviews with your accountant and estate planning lawyer help prevent surprises. 14 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Taxation of Trusts in Canada: How Does it Work?

The term "executor" itself is used across many legal systems and cultures. Other terms like "estate trustee" and "estate representative" are also used, but the core function remains the same: managing the estate according to the will. 14 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Generated Content, Legacy Lexicon

Estate Executor: Role —by any other name— Remains the Same

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Topics:

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Recent:

Long-Term Care (LTC) is expensive, unpredictable and often prolonged. The projected “great wealth transfer” may therefore become far more concentrated among families who are wealthy enough to absorb years of care costs without exhausting their assets.

US Long-Term Care Costs ‘Eating into’ Family Wealth

Estate trustees (Executors) have a duty to keep accurate records of estate assets and transactions throughout their administration and to account to beneficiaries at appropriate intervals.

Keeping Meticulous Records: Practical Tips for Executors

Have Canadian boomers saved enough for retirement? It doesn't seem like it... And the numbers suggest this isn’t just a handful of unlucky families. It’s a structural problem with how an entire generation approached retirement.

Why Canadian Kids Are Bailing Out Boomer Parents

A handshake promise to leave the family farm can legally override a written will in New South Wales. The legal mechanism is equitable estoppel, and courts have enforced it in farm succession disputes where the evidence is strong enough.

NSW Inheritance Law: Can a Verbal Promise Override a Will?

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