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  • Estates Gone Wrong
  • Featured Topics
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Related Resources
  • Legacy Lexicon
In a typical estate plan, each spouse leaves their assets to the other. When the second spouse passes away, assets are distributed to their children. But what happens to your estate plan if you remarry? And what if you have children from a prior marriage? 10 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Life Events

Remarriage: a New Family Calls for a New Estate Plan

04 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Bizarre Bequests, Curated Content

Furry Heirs: The Rising Trend of Pet Trusts & Bequests

Effective communication with your family and loved ones is vital... The consequences of ambiguity or misalignment between intent and execution can be significant, potentially leading to legal battles that deplete trust resources and damage family relationships. 30 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Communication Breakdowns, Curated Content

Estate Planning Case Proves Communication is Vital

"Estates gone wrong" refers to the failure of an estate plan, often resulting in significant financial, legal, and family conflicts. Discuss your estate plan with your family and beneficiaries to ensure they understand your wishes and to minimize conflict.  30 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Common Mistakes, Generated Content

Common Mistakes Leading to “Estates Gone Wrong”

My mom, 65, inherited $450K when my dad died — but now she’s hooked on slots and burning through the cash. How can I protect our family’s assets before it’s too late? 27 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Squandered Fortunes

My Mom Inherited $450k: Now She’s ‘Hooked on Slots’

Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper over Richard Simmons' Estate 26 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Celebrity Estates, Curated Content

Richard Simmons’ Estate: Family in Legal Battle with Housekeeper

Choosing the right estate planning attorney is vital for ensuring that your wishes are honored and your assets are properly managed. By following these tips, you can ensure a smoother transition of assets and provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. 25 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Choose The Right Estate Planning Attorney?

Murdoch Family Legal Battle Highlights a Harsh Reality: No Trust is Airtight | Family Disputes | Celebrity Estates | Estates Gone Wrong 23 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Infamous Feuds

Murdoch Family Legal Battle: “No Trust is Airtight!”

High-profile estate disputes can offer invaluable lessons in effective estate planning. One prominent case is that of oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II and his brief marriage to Anna Nicole Smith. 23 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Infamous Feuds

Estate Planning Lessons from J. Howard Marshall II’s Case

Whether it’s rare stamps, vintage cars, or limited-edition action figures... when it comes to passing these treasures on to your heirs, collectibles present several unique challenges in estate planning. 23 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Unique Collectibles

An Inheritance Lawyer’s Guide to Estate Planning for Collectibles

James Gandolfini’s estate planning missteps cost $30M. The oversight in Gandolfini’s plan serves as a reminder of the risks involved in relying solely on a will— no matter how straightforward the intent. 20 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Celebrity Estates, Curated Content

Estate Planning Lessons from James Gandolfini’s $70 Million Estate

Transferring Property Title to a Trustee: Step-by-Step Guide 13 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Property Pitfalls

Transferring Property Title to a Trustee: Step-by-Step Guide

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Topics:

  • Beneficiary Rights (20)
  • Bizarre Bequests (30)
  • Celebrity Estates (56)
  • Charitable Misgivings (32)
  • Common Mistakes (44)
  • Communication Breakdowns (42)
  • Digital Distress (54)
  • Family Disputes (68)
  • Guardian Safeguards (36)
  • Infamous Feuds (34)
  • Law Reform (32)
  • Life Events (32)
  • Long-Term Care Crisis (36)
  • Property Pitfalls (52)
  • Squandered Fortunes (24)
  • Succession Lessons (40)
  • Tax-Smart Strategies (33)
  • Unique Collectibles (26)

Recent:

With many estates being administered over extended periods —by older spouses, siblings, or peers— the risk that an executor becomes incapable is very real and foreseeable. Planning for incapacity at the drafting stage is key...

What Happens When An Estate Executor Becomes Incapable?

Navigating the legal maze of Canadian Estate Planning can be exceptionally daunting due to the recent enforcement of transparency mandates across all provinces. This article examines the structural steps required to successfully execute a family trust in Canada...

How To Set Up a Family Trust in Canada: 2026 Action Plan

Before you set up a living trust, make sure you’re positive that it’s the right tool for your particular situation. Learn more in this step-by-step guide to setting up a living trust in Canada…

How Do I Set Up a Living (Inter Vivos) Trust in Canada?

This article provides general information only. Estate administration rules and procedures vary across provinces and territories, and legal advice is recommended in most cases.

Estate Administration: Practical First Steps for Executors

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