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. 21 Aug

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... 19 Aug

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

A recent decision from the BC Court of Appeal serves as an important reminder that before starting litigation, executors must consider not only whether the claim can be brought, but whether bringing it is truly in the best interests of the estate. 14 Aug

Estate Litigation Can Have Costly Consequences for Executors

Estate trustees (Executors) have a duty to keep accurate records of estate assets and transactions throughout their administration and to account to beneficiaries at appropriate intervals. 31 Jul

Keeping Meticulous Records: Practical Tips for Executors

An executor must administer the estate with diligence, respond to reasonable inquiries from beneficiaries, and take the Court process seriously. Where those duties are not met, the Court has shown that it is prepared to order costs personally... 24 Jul

What Happens When An Executor ‘Ghosts’ The Estate?

Choosing an executor is one of the most consequential decisions in estate planning. Conflicts of interest can lead to family disputes, high legal costs, and can jeopardize proper estate administration. 22 Jul

What Constitutes Executor Conflicts of Interest in Ontario?

What are you actually entitled to know as an estate beneficiary? And if you are the executor, what do you actually have to share? Here is how it works in British Columbia... 21 Jul

Beneficiary Rights in BC: What Executors Need to Know

Under Australian estate law, executors owe a fiduciary duty to all beneficiaries. This guide explains exactly what conduct justifies a dispute, what steps to take first, and how the courts approach these matters in 2026. 16 Jul

Australian Estate Law: Guide to Disputing Executor Conduct

Choosing the right estate trustee —at the planning stage— can be one of the most important decisions a testator makes. This case serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when an estate trustee fails to appreciate the seriousness of the role... 03 Jul

Cautionary Tale: When Poor Administration Comes at a Cost

With many estates being administered over extended periods —by older spouses, siblings, or peers— the risk that an executor becomes incapable is very real and foreseeable. Planning for incapacity at the drafting stage is key... 26 Jun

What Happens When An Estate Executor Becomes Incapable?

Discretionary trusts can be an effective way to provide for beneficiaries without granting them fixed entitlements. However, these structures can create uncertainty for beneficiaries... Understanding the legal framework is critical for both sides. 21 May

Ontario Guide to Discretionary Trusts and Beneficiary Rights

If you think the executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate is mismanaging the assets within it, it’s easy to feel powerless. However, when you know what steps to take, you may be able to hold the executor accountable while preventing further loss. 22 Apr

Executor Mismanaging Estate: What Beneficiaries Should Do