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

An Estate Stuck in Limbo: Beneficiary Refuses to Engage

When a beneficiary refuses to cooperate during estate administration, it can delay the entire process and create significant problems for everyone involved. 22 Jan

Uncooperative Beneficiaries: Impact on Estate Administration

If you are considering when —or if— you can challenge a will in Ontario, it is important to understand that not every disagreement leads to a successful claim. Ontario courts respect testamentary freedom... 10 Jan

When Can You Challenge a Will in Ontario?

Can concerned parties use outdated documents as a justification to contest a will? Egregious oversights could raise questions. If the testator failed to update their will for decades, there could be questions about its validity. 16 Nov

Is an Outdated Will Justification for Probate Litigation?

05 Nov

Understanding the Rights of Beneficiaries in Estate Litigation

Relatives more prepared than ever to take costly legal action to fight for what they feel is 'their due slice' of family wealth— Attempts to have a will ruled invalid have surged 61% in five years... 23 Oct

Family Feuds Over Inheritances Surge 61% in UK

Do not leave the final chapter of your story to chance or to others. Your estate plan is not merely legal paperwork. It is your personal declaration: "My family will not be left vulnerable. My legacy will endure." 15 Sep

The Cost of Unpreparedness: Take Command of Your Story!

The battle for the Sunjay Kapur empire has taken an explosive turn, as shocking allegations of a ‘forged will’ have surfaced, shaking the very foundation of this high-profile dispute. 10 Sep

Forged Will Allegations: Battle for The Sunjay Kapur Empire

A years-long succession battle within Rupert Murdoch's conservative media empire has drawn to a close, with his son Lachlan set to control the news group. The deal ends all litigation over the family's trust. 09 Sep

Deal Reached in Long Succession Battle Over Murdoch Media Empire

Conditional bequests are provisions in a will that make an inheritance contingent on a beneficiary fulfilling specific requirements. These conditions must be clear, possible, and not violate public policy or the law to be valid.  08 Sep

Conditional Bequests: Criteria for Legal Validity

Recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision provides an important lesson to farming families and their professional advisors: good intentions and family loyalty, while laudable, are no substitute for clear, enforceable agreements. 05 Sep

Court Decision: Important Lesson for Ontario Farming Families

It is important to clearly document and communicate intentions when making either a loan or a gift to a family member. Sometimes we assume a verbal agreement is sufficient but having clear written documentation removes uncertainty and mitigates the risk of disputes arising after the fact. 05 Sep

A Family Feud Unwrapped in Court: Gifts vs Loans