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  • Estates Gone Wrong
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  • Legacy Lexicon
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
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Australian Estate Law: Guide to Disputing Executor Conduct

The Court of Appeal recently released a decision dismissing appeals against conviction of a former Toronto police officer who fabricated the last will and testament of Heinz Siegfried Sommerfeld to benefit the police officer. 15 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Consequences of ‘Stealing’ an Estate: Ontario Fraudulent Will Case

This guide sets out what a beneficiary of an Irish estate is actually entitled to and goes deeper into specific questions beneficiaries ask most often... 09 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Beneficiary Rights, Curated Content

Beneficiary Rights in Ireland: What Are You Entitled To?

Effective succession planning for family business isn't just about paperwork; it's about securing your future and your family's peace of mind. In this guide, you'll learn how to protect your legacy and minimize tax liabilities when transitioning your company under current regulations... 02 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Succession Lessons

Guide to Family Business Succession Planning for Canadians

Worried a beneficiary will blow —or even just simply mismanage— their inheritance? Ontario wills can include spendthrift trusts with staggered distributions and trustee control. This article explains the main options... 30 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Squandered Legacies

Worried Their Inheritance May Do ‘More Harm Than Good’?

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
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens When An Estate Executor Becomes Incapable?

Navigating music rights and estate law simultaneously is incredibly complex. To manage a deceased musician's performance royalties in Ontario, executors must complete a strict legal transfer process... 23 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Unique Assets & Interests

Handling Musician’s Royalties in Ontario: Guide for Executors

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... 21 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

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

An estate freeze is a highly effective tax strategy that allows business owners to lock in the current value of their company shares. By doing this, you generally freeze your future capital gains tax bill at today’s amount, while safely passing all future business growth to your children tax-free. 21 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Succession Lessons

Estate Freeze: Passing Your Ontario Business to the Next Generation

Before you set up a living trust, make sure you’re positive that it’s the right tool for your particular situation. Learn more in this step-by-step guide to setting up a living trust in Canada… 18 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Set Up a Living (Inter Vivos) Trust in Canada?

To ensure your surviving spouse can use your genetic material, you must include highly specific, written consent. This guide explains how to integrate reproductive clauses into your Ontario estate plan... 14 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Law Reform

Ontario Guide to Will Clauses for Reproductive Material

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of using mediation to resolve your estate dispute, the associated costs, and why it is the best way to protect your family's legacy... 12 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Using Mediation to Resolve a Family Estate Dispute in Ontario

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Recent:

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?

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.

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...

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

Holograph wills and codicils are often viewed as a simple and inexpensive way to record testamentary wishes. Ironically, the very simplicity that makes holograph codicils attractive can also make them extraordinarily vulnerable...

Ontario Case Study: The Hidden Risks of a DIY Codicil

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