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  • Estates Gone Wrong
  • Featured Topics
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Related Resources
  • Legacy Lexicon
Choosing an executor is one of the most consequential decisions in estate planning. Conflicts of interest can lead to family disputes, high legal costs, and can jeopardize proper estate administration. 22 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

What Constitutes Executor Conflicts of Interest in Ontario?

Under Australian estate law, executors owe a fiduciary duty to all beneficiaries. This guide explains exactly what conduct justifies a dispute, what steps to take first, and how the courts approach these matters in 2026. 16 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Australian Estate Law: Guide to Disputing Executor Conduct

If you think the executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate is mismanaging the assets within it, it’s easy to feel powerless. However, when you know what steps to take, you may be able to hold the executor accountable while preventing further loss. 22 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Beneficiary Rights, Curated Content

Executor Mismanaging Estate: What Beneficiaries Should Do

If you are a trust beneficiary in California, the law stands behind you. You have specific, enforceable rights that a trustee cannot ignore, sidestep, or delay. If your trustee has treated you unfairly, here's what you need to know... 02 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Beneficiary Rights, Curated Content

Your Rights as a Trust Beneficiary in California

Being an executor doesn’t end when you hand out the last inheritance check. Your legal liability stretches far beyond the day you think you’re done, and the mistakes that trigger lawsuits aren’t always obvious when you’re making them. 28 Nov
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Executor Personal Liability: Mistakes That Trigger Lawsuits

In a perfect world, trustees would never abuse their position for personal gain, but it is an unfortunately an all-too-common occurrence. Learn more in this "Ultimate Guide to Trustee Malfeasance"... 23 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Ultimate Guide to Understanding “Trustee Malfeasance”

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

Executor —the deceased's son— transferred estate properties to himself and his brother without fair market value compensation. His conduct was deemed a significant conflict of interest: favouring certain beneficiaries over others. 06 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Family Disputes

Court Removes Deceased’s Son as Estate Executor for “Self-Dealing”

High legal and ethical standards apply to estate executors and trustees. It is essential to understand your obligations... 27 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Estate Executor “Self-Dealing” Assets: Conflict of Interest

If a personal representative wishes to purchase estate assets, it should be with the consent of all beneficiaries or occur at fair market value with the approval of the court. 14 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

BC Supreme Court Ruling: When “Self-Dealing” May Be Allowed

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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

While having an estate plan in place to provide for your possible incapacity and death is important, many people also look for a way to pass down their knowledge, values and memories. This can be done through a non-legal document called an Ethical Will...

Creating an Ethical Will: a Legacy Letter for Your Loved Ones

Long-Term Care (LTC) is expensive, unpredictable and often prolonged. The projected “great wealth transfer” may therefore become far more concentrated among families who are wealthy enough to absorb years of care costs without exhausting their assets.

US Long-Term Care Costs ‘Eating into’ Family Wealth

By the time a family sees the fall or the diagnosis, they are seeing the tip of an iceberg. The decline underneath it started much earlier. That earlier stretch is where families still have real choices.

Five Most Common Signs of Decline in Aging Parents

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