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  • Estates Gone Wrong
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  • Related Resources
  • Legacy Lexicon
Revocable living trusts are just one part of the estate planning toolkit. Explore how they work, where they may add value, and what to consider if you're evaluating whether this strategy fits into your broader plan. 09 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

When to Support Your Estate Plan with a Revocable Living Trust

Someone should start thinking about estate planning as soon as they start accumulating any form of wealth or they have financial responsibilities or obligations to another person. But it’s not a one-and-done discussion. 02 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Generated Content, Life Events

Ten Life Events that Should Make You Revisit Your Estate Plans

Trusts are versatile planning vehicles that can help Canadians protect what they’ve built, plan for the future and support the people and causes they care about – regardless of their net worth. 23 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Wealth Preservation: The Role of Trusts in Estate Planning

Being named as a guardian is a significant responsibility, and it is perfectly acceptable to decline if you are unable or unwilling to take on this role. If you're unsure, have an open conversation with the parents to discuss their expectations and your concerns.  23 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Generated Content, Guardian Safeguards

Appointed as Guardian? Yes! You Can Decline This Role

Inheritance disputes are on the rise. One of the reasons for this is a significant increase in the number of blended families. We are calling this the Cinderella Dilemma... 27 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

The Cinderella Dilemma: Protecting Your Children’s Inheritance

The Law Commission recognises that we need a legal framework that reflects modern life— where people live longer, face complex health issues, and increasingly rely on digital tools. This article outlines key areas of reform and the impact they may have. 19 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Law Reform

Modernising the Law of Wills: Law Commission Report 2025 (UK)

It is best to customize a will or trust to your specific situation. Sometimes you want more say in how or when your beneficiaries will acquire and use your assets. For this reason, several clauses are commonly included in wills or trusts... 02 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Types of Clauses Commonly Included in Wills or Trusts

If you wish to restrict the flow of inherited money to your child, you can do so through your will or trust. While there are legal limits on conditional gifting, you are generally free to structure an inheritance the way you would like. 07 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Bequests with Strings Attached: Are Conditional Gifts a Good Idea?

Like most things involving blended families, estate planning can be challenging. With children from past relationships or a new marriage, you need to plan carefully to take care of everyone. 31 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Life Events

Why Estate Planning is More Challenging for Blended Families

Uncover the impact of life's big moments on estate planning. From saying "I do" to gracefully ageing, learn why updating your Will is a must. Get valuable insights into how these events shape your estate planning decisions and tips for navigating them smoothly.  18 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Life Events

Five Major Life Events That Affect Your Estate Planning 

Securing the future of a child demands careful planning and thoughtful consideration, especially if they have developmental disabilities that require them to receive lifelong support from loved ones. 26 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Common Mistakes, Curated Content

Estate Planning for Child with Special Needs: Mistakes to Avoid!

People think a will is an estate plan. But it is not. It is a document as part of an estate plan. A legal Will can be one of the most powerful documents in your estate plan. But it is not the only tool you will need. 04 Dec
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

If I Have a Legal Will, Do I Still Need an Estate Plan?

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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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