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  • Related Resources
  • Legacy Lexicon
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... 14 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Curated Content

Ontario Case Study: The Hidden Risks of a DIY Codicil

Estate planning is not an undertaking that needs shortcuts. The cost of using a cheap template is paid later in courtrooms and fractured families. Canadians cannot afford the silent cost of DIY wills... 24 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Curated Content

Cheap DIY Will Template Today. Expensive Litigation Tomorrow?

Homemade wills can create confusion, delay and heartbreak for the very people you’re trying to protect. A will is one of the most important legal documents a person will ever sign. Spending an hour with an estate lawyer is not a luxury — it’s a safeguard against the horrors of homemade wills. 21 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Curated Content

Cautionary Tales of DIY Gone Awry: The Horrors of Homemade Wills

Understanding the common mistakes that lead to in-family lawsuits can help you craft an estate plan that truly safeguards your legacy while minimizing conflict. Here are five mistakes that often cause families to end up in court. 22 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Common Mistakes, Curated Content

Five Estate Planning Mistakes That Trigger In-Family Lawsuits

DIY estate planning, while seemingly straightforward with online templates and software, often falls short of providing adequate protection and may lead to significant problems during estate administration. 11 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Frequently Asked Questions, Generated Content

Frequently Asked Questions About “DIY” Estate Planning

Comparing DIY Estate Planning Software: Features & Costs | With so many options available, choosing the right DIY Estate Planning Software can feel like navigating a labyrinth... 07 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Comparing DIY Estate Planning Software: Features & Costs

While precise global statistics on inheritance disputes are limited, studies and reports from various regions indicate a noticeable rise in inheritance disputes worldwide, often attributed to factors like complex family structures, increased wealth, and more people opting for DIY wills without legal guidance.  03 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Family Disputes, Generated Content

Noticeable Rise in Inheritance Disputes Worldwide

Ottawa Mother's Quest for Late Son's Passwords: An Uncharted Legal Road | Digital Distress | Accessing Online Accounts | Estates Gone Wrong 08 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Digital Distress

Mother’s Quest for Late Son’s Passwords

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Recent:

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

There are a few key options to transfer art to the next generation outside a will, mitigating taxable capital gains and probate fees. Here's what to consider and why it’s time to get proactive...

Art Collections & Estate Planning: Why it’s Time to Get Proactive

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