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  • Legacy Lexicon
Ontario has no forced heirship, but a dependant child can still claim support from your estate. Learn how to document the decision so it survives a challenge... 20 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Legally Disinherit an Estranged Child in Ontario?

A dad warned his kids not to dispute his will. Hoping for a share of their father’s property, three adult children defied the warning and took his estate to court. The result busts four major inheritance myths... 22 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

Australian Will Dispute Case Busts Four Major Inheritance Myths

These aren’t made-up financial horror stories. These are real-life estate-planning nightmares recounted by veteran attorneys who have seen it all... 24 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Bizarre Bequests, Curated Content

Wills Gone Wild: Extreme Examples of Botched & Bizarre Estate Plans

Hulk Hogan’s daughter can’t write herself out of the wrestler’s will, but she can refuse to take his money. The questions arising over who will inherit Hulk Hogan’s wealth offer important insights into how family estrangement can affect estate planning. 21 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Celebrity Estates, Curated Content

Hulk Hogan’s Will: a Lesson in Family Estrangement & Estate Planning

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
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Family Disputes, Generated Content

Inheritance Disputes: Common Themes & Recent Cases (Ontario)

Ever wonder what someone does when they want to keep their estate in the family, but hate all their current relatives? American lumber baron, Wellington Burt, came up with a 'spiteful' solution... which kept most of it 'tied up' for 91 years! 11 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Bizarre Bequests, Curated Content

The “Spite Clause”: American Lumber Baron Wellington Burt

Ontario has changed how inheritance works for separated spouses. If you’re separated and living in Ontario, these new rules could affect who receives your estate whether or not you have a will. 17 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Law Reform

Ontario’s Succession Law: New Rules Affect Separated Spouses 

What if you no longer want to include someone in your will? Whether you're navigating a second marriage, dealing with an estranged relative, or leaving your assets to charity, there are reasons to disinherit someone. 13 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

Six Reasons to Disinherit Someone and How to Do It Correctly

28 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

Court Rules in Favour of Common-Law Spouse: Intestate Case

Barry White’s estate story is a heartbreaking reminder of how simple updates to your estate plan can save your family from unnecessary pain. His estate saga serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting to update your estate plan after major life changes. 16 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Celebrity Estates, Curated Content

Keep Your Documents Up-to-Date: Lessons from Barry White’s Estate

Court Upholds Validity Of Wills Despite Claims Of Undue Influence | Recent ruling: The importance of assessing claims of undue influence within the context of deceased's broader relationships and intentions 18 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

Court Upholds Validity of Wills Despite Claims of Undue Influence

The Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of Blue Cross, RSPB and RSPCA in the case of a legacy bequest which was challenged by the donor’s daughter. 13 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Charitable Misgivings, Curated Content

Important Case Ruling: Contested Wills and Charities in the UK

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  • Communication Breakdowns (46)
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Recent:

In British Columbia, the law allows spouses and children to challenge a will if it does not make adequate provision for their proper maintenance and support. However, the legal system does not give you an indefinite period of time to fight for your inheritance.

Are There Statutes of Limitations for Estate Litigation in BC?

The decision in this case is a reminder that no-contest clauses, while powerful tools for discouraging wasteful litigation, will be read in light of the court’s inherent supervisory jurisdiction. Overly broad clauses may not achieve their intended effect...

No-Contest Clauses: Enforceable, But… Not Absolute?

A careful review of a corporation’s financial statements can reveal the importance of planning opportunities and tax considerations that may otherwise remain hidden.

Corporate Financial Statements Can Reveal Hidden Opportunities

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?

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