Absence of a clear and well-structured will often leads to protracted and costly legal disputes, straining relationships. Take steps, now, to ensure your will is "contest-proof"... 13 Apr

Eliminating Ambiguity: Steps to Ensure Your Will is “Contest-Proof”

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

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

Dealing with estate administration delays due to mismanagement or misconduct? Learn more about executor conflicts, how to prevent them, and what your rights are as a beneficiary... 18 Feb

Executor Conflicts: Common Estate Disputes in Ontario

While informal verbal agreements may seem convenient and cost-effective at the time they are made, they all-too-frequently lead to disputes down the road. 21 Jan

Informal Verbal Agreements Frequently Lead to Estate Disputes

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

Neutral Ground in Family Storms: How the appointment of a professional estate executor can help families navigate turbulent waters. 12 Sep

Reasons for Appointing a Neutral Professional in The Role of Executor

Conditional bequests are provisions in a will that make an inheritance contingent on a beneficiary fulfilling specific requirements. These conditions must be clear, possible, and not violate public policy or the law to be valid.  08 Sep

Conditional Bequests: Criteria for Legal Validity

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

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)

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers significant benefits in probate matters, including reduced costs, faster resolution times, and preservation of family relationships. ADR methods like mediation and arbitration allow for confidential, flexible, and often more amicable resolutions compared to traditional litigation.  25 Jul

Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Probate