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. 31 Jul

Keeping Meticulous Records: Practical Tips for Executors

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. 26 Jul

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

An executor must administer the estate with diligence, respond to reasonable inquiries from beneficiaries, and take the Court process seriously. Where those duties are not met, the Court has shown that it is prepared to order costs personally... 24 Jul

What Happens When An Executor ‘Ghosts’ The Estate?

The Court of Appeal recently released a decision dismissing appeals against conviction of a former Toronto police officer who fabricated the last will and testament of Heinz Siegfried Sommerfeld to benefit the police officer. 15 Jul

Consequences of ‘Stealing’ an Estate: Ontario Fraudulent Will Case

Choosing the right estate trustee —at the planning stage— can be one of the most important decisions a testator makes. This case serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when an estate trustee fails to appreciate the seriousness of the role... 03 Jul

Cautionary Tale: When Poor Administration Comes at a Cost

With many estates being administered over extended periods —by older spouses, siblings, or peers— the risk that an executor becomes incapable is very real and foreseeable. Planning for incapacity at the drafting stage is key... 26 Jun

What Happens When An Estate Executor Becomes Incapable?

Paris Jackson has gone public with allegations that the longtime trustees of her late father’s estate have been misappropriating funds and mismanaging one of the most valuable entertainment empires in history. 08 May

Jackson Estate: Is Michael’s Daughter Receiving Terrible Advice?

A dramatic family feud over the inheritance of a prized Oregon winery has concluded with a landmark penalty for the misuse of artificial intelligence in court proceedings, exposing deep rifts between siblings and raising serious questions about legal ethics in the digital age. 20 Apr

Landmark Penalty for Misuse of Artificial Intelligence in Court

This dramatic feud over inheriting a family-owned winery drove a wedge between four siblings and led to a landmark penalty over the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in court.  20 Apr

Feud Over Family-Owned 80-Acre Winery Turns Sour

If you're named as a beneficiary, you generally don't have to share — but intestacy rules, will contests, and tax consequences can complicate things. 05 Apr

Does a Beneficiary Have to Share Inheritance with Siblings?

Cross-border capacity and guardianship issues are becoming increasingly common as families, assets, and caregiving arrangements span jurisdictions. 27 Mar

Cross-Border Guardianship: Capacity Case Spans Jurisdictions

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