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  • Legacy Lexicon
If you are a trust beneficiary in California, the law stands behind you. You have specific, enforceable rights that a trustee cannot ignore, sidestep, or delay. If your trustee has treated you unfairly, here's what you need to know... 02 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Beneficiary Rights, Curated Content

Your Rights as a Trust Beneficiary in California

Estate tax planning can significantly affect what you leave behind. Here are six ways to help minimize taxes on your estate... 01 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Tax-Smart Strategies

Six Ways to Help Minimize Taxes on Your Estate in Canada

Iowa's inheritance tax is fully repealed, but pre-2025 estates still follow the old rules. Here's what beneficiaries and executors should know.... 01 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Law Reform

Iowa State Inheritance Tax Fully Repealed: What You Should Know

The 10-year rule for inherited IRAs means you have plenty of time to sort out what to do with your inheritance. Here's how the 10-year rule for inherited IRAs works... 29 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Law Reform

Understanding The 10-Year Rule for Inherited IRAs

Cross-border capacity and guardianship issues are becoming increasingly common as families, assets, and caregiving arrangements span jurisdictions. 27 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Guardian Safeguards

Cross-Border Guardianship: Capacity Case Spans Jurisdictions

Even in provinces that allow holographic (handwritten) Wills, a do-it-yourself solution can pose a greater risk of costly disputes and delays. 25 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Are Handwritten Wills Legally Valid Across Canada?

Estate planning becomes more complicated when assets, citizenship and tax rules extend beyond a single country. In this episode of Celebrity Estates, David Lenok speaks with Martin Behn about these challenges. 16 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Celebrity Estates, Curated Content

Celebrity Estates Podcast: Cross-Border Planning Lessons

Estate law remains deeply jurisdiction-specific. How the law will recognize family relationships can easily differ across provincial lines. If you intend for someone to benefit from your estate, that intention must be expressed clearly. 13 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Legacy Lexicon

Jurisdiction Matters: What Makes You a ‘Child’ in an Estate?

With different countries enforcing varied intestacy rules, navigating these legal frameworks can be overwhelming... 10 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Beneficiary Rights, Curated Content

Inheritance Law: How Different Countries Handle Intestate Estates

A recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice provides a stark reminder that unsuccessful litigants—particularly those who advance self-interested claims—may be ordered to pay millions of dollars in costs personally. 27 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

Ontario Beneficiary Held Personally Liable for Legal Costs

Assisted reproduction and freezing genetic material are increasingly common procedures. Having complete and updated estate documents can help avoid “pretty heartbreaking” outcomes for surviving spouses. 10 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Planning Ahead: Fertility Choices & Your Estate Documents

It’s vital for every adult in Ontario to get their head around the fundamental distinction between a Power of Attorney and a Guardianship. These aren’t just two names for the same thing... 04 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Guardian Safeguards

Power of Attorney vs Guardianship in Ontario: The Critical Difference

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Over the past decade, a caregiving crisis has been building in the workplace. Currently, 35% of the Canadian workforce or 8 million people, are struggling and juggling their work responsibilities with caregiving duties.

Caregiving Crisis at Work: Millions of Canadians Struggling

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.

Ontario Guide to Discretionary Trusts and Beneficiary Rights

What happens when the domestic tax rules of two different countries look at the same person and both conclude that the individual is a tax resident?

Navigating Dual-Residency: Canada’s Tax Treaty Tie-Breakers

One widely shared social post says putting “everything you own” into a Trust could bypass probate, leaving more funds for your kids when passing on your estate. But that advice is far from universal.

Put “Everything in a Trust” to Bypass Probate: Is This Good Advice?

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