If you're named as a beneficiary, you generally don't have to share — but intestacy rules, will contests, and tax consequences can complicate things. 05 Apr

Does a Beneficiary Have to Share Inheritance with Siblings?

Estate litigation lawyers across Canada are seeing a steady increase in undue influence estate disputes. Families are more frequently questioning whether a will truly reflects a loved one’s wishes or whether someone exerted pressure behind the scenes. 23 Mar

Steady Increase in Undue Influence Estate Disputes in Canada

While courts are generally reluctant to interfere with a testator’s choice of estate trustee, that choice will be overridden where it is necessary to ensure the proper, efficient, and impartial administration of the estate. 23 Mar

Feuding Siblings Replaced By Neutral Third-Party Estate Trustee

While informal verbal agreements may seem convenient and cost-effective at the time they are made, they all-too-frequently lead to disputes down the road. 21 Jan

Informal Verbal Agreements Frequently Lead to Estate Disputes

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?

Without proper instructions, your carefully curated treasures can be: misvalued, sold for pennies, fought over, mishandled, lost, forgotten, or even thrown away. 30 Nov

Estate Planning for Collectors: Protect Your Carefully Curated Legacy

Can concerned parties use outdated documents as a justification to contest a will?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Is an Outdated Will Justification for Probate Litigation?

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

Homemade wills can create confusion, delay and heartbreak for the very people you’re trying to protect. A will is one of the most important legal documents a person will ever sign. Spending an hour with an estate lawyer is not a luxury — it’s a safeguard against the horrors of homemade wills. 21 Oct

Cautionary Tales of DIY Gone Awry: The Horrors of Homemade Wills

To determine whether the photocopy could be admitted, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice applied the "four-part legal test for admitting a lost will" and found that all four criteria were satisfied... 20 Oct

Ontario Court Ruling: Photocopy of Lost Will Deemed Admissible

Few legal disputes are as personal and emotional as challenging a will. Whether you are considering contesting a will or defending against a challenge, you should know what to expect... 08 Oct

Contesting a Will in Ontario: How it Works & What to Expect

It is crucial for individuals to fully understand the significant implications and constraints of mutual wills before committing to them. 02 Oct

Mutual Wills: Know The Risks Before You Commit!