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  • Legacy Lexicon
If you have a spouse or partner, and either of you has children from an earlier relationship, your estate needs more thought than a standard will gives it. 07 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Estate Planning for Blended Families in Canada

This article explains why assuming a spouse will handle everything is a common but risky planning mistake, how that assumption breaks down under real-world constraints, and why individual clarity matters even within shared plans. 24 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Common Mistakes, Curated Content

Common Mistake: Assuming Your Spouse Will Handle Everything

Careers, families, and assets no longer fit neatly within a single jurisdiction... As lives become increasingly global, estate planning must reflect that reality. 17 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Life Events

Cross-Border Estate Planning Lessons from a Destination Wedding

Several life events stand out as clear signals that financial guidance should move to the top of the to-do list... Don’t wait until things feel complicated. 08 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Life Events

Life Events That Should Trigger a Call for Financial Guidance

For many couples, mirror wills offer a straightforward way to express shared wishes and provide for each other, but understanding whether they’re the right choice for your family requires more than just a simple yes or no. 23 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Mirror Wills: A Complete Guide for Couples in The UK

Second marriages and blended families don’t have to mean complicated or risky outcomes. With the right planning, you can protect everyone's interests and reduce the risk of disputes. Seeking legal advice early is essential... 01 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Life Events

Second Marriages: Seeking Legal Advice Early is Essential

Major life transitions can cause stress that makes it hard to think clearly, leading to poor financial decisions. A Certified Financial Transitionist can help you manage the financial and emotional aspects of these events. 18 Nov
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Generated Content, Life Events

The Financial and Emotional Challenges of Major Life Changes

A spousal trust can be very beneficial for your family’s financial future. But the execution of such a trust requires careful consideration and planning as trustees must balance the current needs of the surviving spouse with the future inheritance of the heirs. 06 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Spousal Trusts: Selecting the Right Trustee

It is crucial for individuals to fully understand the significant implications and constraints of mutual wills before committing to them. 02 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Mutual Wills: Know The Risks Before You Commit!

It is important to understand the limited purpose and necessity behind 'Net Family Property' clauses. They are not a catchall for sheltering and protecting the inheritance of a divorcing beneficiary, although they usually have the appearance of trying to achieve this objective. 12 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Property Pitfalls

Understanding the ‘Net Family Property’ Exclusion Clause: Ontario

Life events such as marriage or divorce significantly impact estate planning. This article explains the implications of marriage and divorce on wills, outlines the key provisions of Section 56, and provides guidance on steps to protect your estate planning intentions. 30 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Life Events

Impact of Marriage & Divorce: Estate Law Reform in BC

Is Inheritance Considered Marital Property in Canada? 25 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Is Inheritance Considered Marital Property in Canada?

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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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