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  • Legacy Lexicon
Administering an estate can be challenging at the best of times. But what happens if a beneficiary simply refuses to engage, leaving the estate stuck for years? 27 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Curated Content

An Estate Stuck in Limbo: Beneficiary Refuses to Engage

This article provides an overview of the U.S. federal estate and gift tax— specifically. its implications for Canadians owning U.S. assets... 26 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Tax-Smart Strategies

Estate Tax Planning Considerations for Canadians with U.S. Assets

Learn more about the process of claiming class action settlements for a deceased person's estate, including qualification, documentation, and distribution among heirs. 24 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Claiming Class Action Settlement Funds on Behalf of Deceased

When a beneficiary refuses to cooperate during estate administration, it can delay the entire process and create significant problems for everyone involved. 22 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Curated Content

Uncooperative Beneficiaries: Impact on Estate Administration

This article explains the legal framework for inheritances for minors in Ontario. It covers management options, practical considerations, and key steps for protecting a minor beneficiary's interests... 08 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Understanding & Managing Inheritance for Minors in Ontario

Confused about the terms “mirror Wills” and “mutual Wills”? They are very different concepts... This article aims to explain the basic difference between them as well as the pros and cons of each. 29 Dec
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Mirror Wills vs Mutual Wills: What is The Difference?

This guide walks you through the entire probate application process—from determining whether you need probate at all, to submitting your application, to receiving your grant. 19 Dec
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Probate in the UK

This podcast episode —"Probate and Inherited Mineral Rights: Requirements and Alternatives"— explores the often-confusing process of transferring mineral rights when someone passes away. 04 Dec
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Unique Legacy Assets: Transferring & Inheriting Mineral Rights

Being an executor doesn’t end when you hand out the last inheritance check. Your legal liability stretches far beyond the day you think you’re done, and the mistakes that trigger lawsuits aren’t always obvious when you’re making them. 28 Nov
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Executor Personal Liability: Mistakes That Trigger Lawsuits

If you have financial ties in multiple countries, your U.S. estate plan may not be enough. This article —How Living Abroad Can Complicate Your Estate Plan— covers five ways international ties can complicate your best-laid plans... 14 Nov
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Five Ways International Ties Can Complicate Your Estate Plan

Trust distributions fall into two categories, and the difference is significant. Mandatory distributions versus discretionary distributions: the difference the trust document makes... 10 Nov
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Legacy Lexicon

Trust Distributions: Mandatory vs Discretionary

05 Nov
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Beneficiary Rights, Curated Content

Understanding the Rights of Beneficiaries in Estate Litigation

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Recent:

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.

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

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...

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...

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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