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

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

Do not leave the final chapter of your story to chance or to others. Your estate plan is not merely legal paperwork. It is your personal declaration: "My family will not be left vulnerable. My legacy will endure." 15 Sep

The Cost of Unpreparedness: Take Command of Your Story!

The decision of how to divide inherited property between siblings can be a complex one. In this article, Keystone explores how to divide inherited property between siblings fairly, and common disputes and solutions when inheriting a house with siblings. 12 Sep

Inheriting a House with Siblings: Not as Straightforward as it Seems

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)

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

Ontario’s Succession Law: New Rules Affect Separated Spouses 

When a Will contains vague, contradictory, or incomplete instructions, it doesn’t just create paperwork headaches— it can ignite family disputes that last for years. 11 Jun

What Really Happens When Wills Aren’t Clear?

28 May

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

There can be benefits to gifting part of your estate during your lifetime (inter vivos), an increasingly popular wealth transfer option for Canadians. Before settling on this option, here’s what you’ll need to consider.  06 May

Advantages of Gifting Assets During Your Lifetime: Inter Vivos

Although still commonly used, in Ontario the term "probate" stopped being officially used on April 1, 1995 (no joke…). What is the process to obtain a Certificate of Appointment, with or without a will? This article answers some of the most common questions... 11 Mar

Frequently Asked Questions About Certificates of Appointment

Changes to the Succession Law Reform Act and Family Law Act 07 Mar

Changes to the Succession Law Reform Act and Family Law Act

Who inherited Jimi Hendrix’s estate? The answer is more complicated than many might assume. This article explores the distribution of his fortune, the legal disputes that followed, and who ultimately controls his estate today... 06 Feb

Legendary Legal Battle: The Heavily Contested Estate of Jimi Hendrix

The "Marley v Rawlings" case —which concerned attempts to rectify a mistake made by a couple when signing their mirror wills— serves as a reminder of the necessity for attention to detail to avoid estate disputes. 31 Jan

Marley v Rawlings: A Case Study in Clerical Errors & Mirror Wills