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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
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

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

Handling digital assets during probate in Ontario presents a unique legal challenge. This guide outlines the legal and practical steps for executors to manage a modern digital estate. 11 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Digital Distress

Handling Digital Assets & Accounts During Ontario Probate

Stolen rare books, seized in Manhattan, returned to rightful heirs... The heirs will auction the books, which are collectively valued at nearly $3 million, and donate the proceeds. 20 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Unique Assets & Interests

Stolen Rare Books Valued at $3M Returned to Rightful Heirs

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
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Digital Distress

Landmark Penalty for Misuse of Artificial Intelligence in Court

Older adults are a common target of scammers looking to obtain money or personal information. Here's how to protect yourself and your parents from falling victim to malicious health care scams. 30 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Digital Distress

How to Protect Older Adults from Online Scams

The penalty for stealing from an estate in Canada can include criminal charges for theft, fraud, or breach of trust, with consequences such as fines, restitution, and imprisonment under the Criminal Code.  22 Dec
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

The Penalty for Stealing from an Estate in Canada

Elder financial abuse can take many forms. According to the "Safe & Savvy" guide —developed to help vulnerable adults, in Australia, avoid scams and fraud— here are 10 of the most common types of financial abuse... 08 Dec
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Guardian Safeguards

10 Most Common Types of Elder Financial Abuse: Australia

Elderly and vulnerable people are prime targets for cybercriminals and scammers. Talk to your entire family about the common schemes that cybercriminals employ. Have a conversation about how they can protect themselves today. 23 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Digital Distress

Helping Elderly and Vulnerable Loved Ones Avoid Cyber Scams

Recognizing these scams enables you to more effectively safeguard your interests during probate. If you feel any fraud is being committed, here's what you need to know... 06 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Common Probate Scams: Recognizing Fraudulent Activities

Whilst there are some proposals for reform, the effects of a predatory marriage are wide ranging and very difficult to undo legally. It is therefore the best approach for a concerned family to keep in touch with their relative and to act swiftly where a predatory marriage is suspected... 16 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Law Reform

Predatory Marriages: Is Law Reform Coming to the UK?

Following an apparent suicide, a wealthy patriarch's will and testament surprisingly leaves virtually nothing of his wealth to his third wife and two sons. 30 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Dramatized Content, Family Disputes

I, Jack Wright | British TV Drama | 2025

The Estate Planning Risks of Predatory Marriages 10 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Life Events

The Estate Planning Risks of Predatory Marriages

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Recent:

A will is intended to provide clear instructions about the distribution of a person’s property after death. But what happens when an important clause is missing? This recent Ontario court case is a useful reminder of the difficulties that can arise...

What Happens When a Will is Missing an Important Clause?

In many cases, an executor’s first instinct is not to call a lawyer. It is to ask Google. The problem? Google can provide thousands of answers, many of which are incomplete, inaccurate, or based on another jurisdiction. Executors need practical guidance tailored to the particular estate they are administering.

Cautionary Guidance for Executors: Google at Your Own Risk!

Many people hear “executor” and think it means reading the will and writing a few checks. In reality, executors can face personal liability. Find out exactly what you're agreeing to, before you agree...

Agreeing To Serve As Executor: Not As Simple As It Sounds

Holograph wills and codicils are often viewed as a simple and inexpensive way to record testamentary wishes. Ironically, the very simplicity that makes holograph codicils attractive can also make them extraordinarily vulnerable...

Ontario Case Study: The Hidden Risks of a DIY Codicil

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