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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

This article explains exactly what a letter of wishes is, why you need one, what to include, and how to write one that truly reflects your intentions. 04 Nov
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

How & Why To Write a Letter of Wishes: UK Guide

A multijurisdictional approach uses one document, whereas a cross-jurisdictional approach uses multiple, separate documents. Both require specialized legal advice to navigate differences in foreign laws, such as forced heirship rules, and to ensure wishes are carried out effectively.  03 Nov
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Generated Content, Legacy Lexicon

Multi-Jurisdictional vs Cross-Jurisdictional Estate Planning

Unfortunately, disputes over Wills are on the rise in the UK... This reflects not only changing family structures but also shifting expectations around inheritance. 30 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

Family Dynamics & Inheritance: Managing Expectations

Several legitimate strategies exist for minimizing or avoiding capital gains tax on inherited property in Canada. Understanding these options helps preserve family wealth across generations. 29 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Avoid Capital Gains Tax on Inherited Property in Canada?

An estate tax is levied on the deceased's estate, while an inheritance tax is paid by heirs subject to the tax (spouses are usually exempt). Over a dozen states currently impose estate or inheritance taxes. Find out where you’ll have to pay... 24 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Tax-Smart Strategies

2025 Update: States with Scary Estate & Inheritance Taxes

In a perfect world, trustees would never abuse their position for personal gain, but it is an unfortunately an all-too-common occurrence. Learn more in this "Ultimate Guide to Trustee Malfeasance"... 23 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Ultimate Guide to Understanding “Trustee Malfeasance”

Trustees are legally obligated to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries. Aligning the trustee’s responsibilities with the best interests of the beneficiaries is a core principle of trust law. 21 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Beneficiary Rights, Curated Content

Understanding the Basic Rights of Trust Beneficiaries

To determine whether the photocopy could be admitted, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice applied the "four-part legal test for admitting a lost will" and found that all four criteria were satisfied... 20 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Curated Content

Ontario Court Ruling: Photocopy of Lost Will Deemed Admissible

Northern Ireland's legal system is based on common law and is closely aligned with England and Wales. While the succession rules and probate procedures are broadly similar, there are important practical differences. 15 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Probate in Northern Ireland: Key Jurisdictional Differences

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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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