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  • Estates Gone Wrong
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  • Legacy Lexicon
Preserving your legacy and passing on generational wealth is a cornerstone of financial and estate planning. But it doesn’t always pan out. There is much to learn from ultra-rich families who lose everything after passing on their wealth... 26 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Squandered Fortunes

Lost Legacies: Wealth Squandered By the Heirs of the Ultra-Rich

In the glittering world of high fashion, few names shine as brightly as Gucci. But behind the glamorous facade lies a tale of family betrayal, mismanagement, and a spectacular succession failure that nearly destroyed one of the world's most iconic luxury brands. 17 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Succession Lessons

Family Business Succession Lessons from The House of Gucci

"Selling Superman" is a 4-part documentary that explores a 40-year family secret involving a collection of comic books, including a highly valued Superman #1 comic worth over $3.5 million.  16 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Dramatized Content, Unique Collectibles

Selling Superman | 4-Part Documentary | 2024

Murdoch Family Legal Battle Highlights a Harsh Reality: No Trust is Airtight | Family Disputes | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong 23 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Infamous Feuds

Murdoch Family Legal Battle: “No Trust is Airtight!”

High-profile estate disputes can offer invaluable lessons in effective estate planning. One prominent case is that of oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II and his brief marriage to Anna Nicole Smith. 23 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Infamous Feuds

Estate Planning Lessons from J. Howard Marshall II’s Case

James Gandolfini’s estate planning missteps cost $30M. The oversight in Gandolfini’s plan serves as a reminder of the risks involved in relying solely on a will— no matter how straightforward the intent. 20 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Celebrity Estates, Curated Content

Estate Planning Lessons from James Gandolfini’s $70 Million Estate

Texas woman, 40, squandered $250K inheritance on travel and ‘fancy dinners’ — how she turned things around... 13 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Squandered Fortunes

Texas Woman Squandered $250K Inheritance

For ultra-high-net-worth families, wealth management is about more than managing money. It’s also about envisioning strategic planning for the future, including planning for assets as they pass from one generation to the next... 05 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Successfully Navigating Legacy Planning: Five Key Factors

An Ontario judge's looming decision on whether to compel the Stronach Group to disclose evidence of any coverup of sexual misconduct may add yet a new dimension to a deepening scandal surrounding the multinational's billionaire founder. 11 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Infamous Feuds

Succession-like Battle Over Family’s Billions: The Stronach Case

The multibillion-dollar fortune belonging to the reclusive Hermès heir has seemingly vanished months after he promised to donate a large chunk of his colossal inheritance to his gardener. 01 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Squandered Fortunes

Hermès Heir’s $13B Fortune Has ‘Seemingly Vanished’

The Barclay family feud started with accusations of privacy breach at the family-owned Ritz hotel. Open discussions about succession, good structuring and mediation could help a family business avoid going the same way as the Barclay's. 22 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Infamous Feuds

Rise and Fall of an Empire: The Barclay Family Feud

From legendary musicians to business moguls, read on to discover some of the bitterest inheritance battles of all time.  12 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Infamous Feuds

Battle of Wills: 25 Infamous Inheritance Disputes

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Topics:

  • Beneficiary Rights (20)
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  • Common Mistakes (44)
  • Communication Breakdowns (42)
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  • Family Disputes (68)
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  • Law Reform (32)
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  • Unique Collectibles (26)

Recent:

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...

What Happens When An Estate Executor Becomes Incapable?

Navigating the legal maze of Canadian Estate Planning can be exceptionally daunting due to the recent enforcement of transparency mandates across all provinces. This article examines the structural steps required to successfully execute a family trust in Canada...

How To Set Up a Family Trust in Canada: 2026 Action Plan

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This article provides general information only. Estate administration rules and procedures vary across provinces and territories, and legal advice is recommended in most cases.

Estate Administration: Practical First Steps for Executors

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