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

What Really Happens When Wills Aren’t Clear?

30 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Unique Collectibles

Rare Property Damages: Cherished Corvette Sold for Parts by ‘Friend’

Even well-intentioned executors can make mistakes that lead to delays, legal issues, or personal liability. Here is a list common pitfalls in estate administration with tips on how to avoid them. By being aware of these, you can proactively take steps to stay on track and out of trouble. 21 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Common Mistakes, Curated Content

Common Estate Administration Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Groundbreaking Estate Decisions in 2024 & 2025 23 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

Groundbreaking Estate Litigation Decisions

When a beneficiary cannot be located during the probate process, executors have a legal duty to make reasonable efforts to find them. This guide outlines the steps executors should take to fulfill their obligations... 16 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

What Should Executors Do If They Can’t Locate a Beneficiary?

If you’re between 35 and 65, chances are you know someone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. It’s a tough reality, but if there’s still time, helping them get their estate in order can provide peace of mind for them and their loved ones. 07 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Estate Planning for the Terminally Ill: A Practical Guide

Being an executor is no easy task. While it can be a great honor, the role comes with significant responsibilities and potential risks. Before agreeing to serve as an executor, make sure you understand the scope of your duties and the possible hazards involved.  16 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Surprising Hazards of Being an Executor: Know the Risks!

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Certificates of Appointment

Even the most well-meaning executors may encounter unforeseen difficulties during the estate administration process. Errors in estate administration can make an otherwise simple procedure more difficult. Learn more about these common mistakes and how to avoid them... 24 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Common Mistakes, Curated Content

Estate Administration in Ontario: Avoiding Common Mistakes

When Inheritance Divides: The Strain of Sibling Disputes Over Estate Debts 31 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

The Strain of Sibling Disputes Over Estate Debts: a Cautionary Tale

Executor negligence can cause trouble among beneficiaries, leading to bad sentiment and possible legal disputes. Find out what happens if an executor fails to complete estate administration duties in BC... 30 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Curated Content

Estate Administration Duties: The Cost of Executor Negligence in BC

This comprehensive guide explores probate requirements across Canada’s provinces and territories, highlighting the steps involved, costs, and unique regional considerations. 29 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Probate Requirements Across Different Canadian Provinces

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Topics:

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  • Common Mistakes (43)
  • Communication Breakdowns (42)
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  • Family Disputes (61)
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  • Property Pitfalls (47)
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  • Unique Collectibles (14)

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Careers, families, and assets no longer fit neatly within a single jurisdiction... As lives become increasingly global, estate planning must reflect that reality.

Cross-Border Estate Planning Lessons from a Destination Wedding

When someone manipulates a vulnerable person into changing their estate plan, affected family members may challenge the documents based on undue influence.

Undue Influence: Proving Someone Manipulated an Estate Plan

Estate theft is a serious allegation that can have lasting consequences. Whether you’re pursuing a claim or defending against one, taking the right legal steps is critical in safeguarding the interests of the estate as well as your own.  

What to Do if You Suspect —or Have Been Accused of— Estate Theft

This episode of Financial Decoder explores inheritance from both perspectives: the person planning to pass on wealth and the heir receiving it.

Financial Decoder Podcast Examines “Both Sides of an Inheritance”

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