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. 11 Jul

Jury Reaches Verdict in Battle over Aretha Franklin’s Estate

When it comes to estate litigation, the payment of costs from the estate may not be guaranteed. It is important for litigants to always be mindful of the potential costs consequences... 02 Jun

Litigation Costs Covered By The Estate? Not Guaranteed!

The Top 10 Estate Battles Of All Time | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong 01 Apr

Probate Disputes: The Top 10 Estate Battles Of All Time

Just because the law allows for a testator to hand-write their own will does not make it a good idea, as a recent court decision shows. Even a harmonious family is likely to end up in court, seeking confirmation that the handwritten document was indeed a valid Holograph Will.  30 Mar

Handwritten Will Declared Invalid by Ontario Judge

Even "under-the-radar" decisions, by the U.S. Supreme Court, have far-reaching consequences and significant impact on the law. This article highlights five Supreme Court decisions that have impacted estate planning and elder law. 01 Jun

U.S. Supreme Court Decisions that Impacted Estate & Elder Law

St. Jude Fights Donors’ Families in Court for Share of Estates | Curated Content | Charitable Bequests | Court Battles | Estates Gone Wrong 21 Mar

St. Jude Fights Donors’ Families in Court for Share of Estates

McWills? Yes! Will Written on a McDonald’s Napkin May be Enforceable | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong 07 Jan

McWills? Handwritten Will on McDonald’s Napkin Ruled Enforceable

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... 08 Nov

Canada’s History of Family Firm Feuds Rivals “Succession”

Succession-style feud settled as court sides with Edward Rogers: The fight for Rogers Communications has riven one of Canada’s richest families— and it began with an accidental 'butt dial'... 06 Nov

Succession-Style Feud: The Fight for Rogers Communications

Charity Awarded Over $1 Million After Will is Upheld | Curated Content | Charitable Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong 02 Sep

Charity Awarded Over $1 Million After Will is Upheld

The BC Court of Appeal has confirmed that the removal and use of human reproductive materials (sperm, ova, and embryos) both during one’s life, and after one’s death, requires prior and informed written consent. 01 Dec

Case Study: Posthumous Use of Human Reproductive Material

97-year-old woman with dementia had tens of thousands of dollars taken from her accounts by former power of attorney: "let down by a system that doesn't protect the elderly and vulnerable when it comes to financial disputes involving POAs"... 03 Mar

Financial Abuse Case Exposes Gaps in Canadian Justice System