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Losing a loved one is never easy. What makes it even harder is when this loss is compounded by uncertainty about what happens to their debts... 10 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Are You Responsible for a Deceased Loved One’s Debt in Canada?

Are you planning to leave real estate to a loved one under your Will? Do you want that property to be transferred free of debt or other claims? Language matters! 08 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Property Pitfalls

Navigating Bequests of Real Estate: Language Matters!

An executor has both authority and legal duty. With that comes potential risk. Acting without proper guidance can expose you to delays, disputes, or even personal liability. This article highlights the top five executor missteps and how to steer clear of them... 03 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Common Mistakes, Curated Content

Top 5 Mistakes Executors Make & How To Avoid Them: Ontario

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is overwhelming, and the complexity of probate court can add to the stress. Clear communication about fee responsibility allows families to focus on honoring their loved one’s wishes... 26 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Probate Attorney Fees: Who Covers These Costs?

Recent Ontario Court of Appeal ruling reaffirms the modern cost approach in estate litigation: trustees who fail in their duties may not only be removed but may also bear the personal financial burden of their choices. 22 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Curated Content

Personal Liability for Costs Due to Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Ontario

Not all couples want to be married, but there are some legal benefits that come with a government-recognized union. Unmarried couples should consider the following 9 Estate Planning tips... 11 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Couples: United States

Estate Administration: The Biggest Mistakes Executors Make 04 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Common Mistakes, Generated Content

Biggest Mistakes Executors Make During Estate Administration

Executor Liability: Administration of an Insolvent Estate 03 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Generated Content

Insolvent Estate Administration: Why Transparency is Crucial

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 Assets & Interests

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

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Topics:

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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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