In Ontario, the absence of a valid will can lead to complexities, uncertainties, and outcomes that may not align with your wishes.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if You Die without a Will in Ontario?

  • January 17, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Small mistakes, like adding a child to a property title or failing to file the right forms, can create huge tax costs for your family. The key is to plan early and get the right advice.
Curated Content Tax-Smart Strategies

Avoiding Unnecessary Taxes For Your Surviving Loved Ones

  • September 11, 2025
  • 1 minute read
It is generally unreasonable to expect an executor to work for free, or for less than the standard rate, given the considerable amount of work involved. For potential executors, clarity about compensation helps them make informed decisions about accepting the role.
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Reasonable for an Executor to Expect Compensation?

  • November 4, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Inheriting farmland doesn’t require moving back to the farm. With the right planning, Canadians can keep farm assets in the family and potentially preserve valuable tax breaks for future generations.
Curated Content Succession Lessons

Urban Heirs, Rural Assets: Inheriting Farmland in Canada

  • March 30, 2026
  • 1 minute read
April Hubbard is not terminally ill, but the 39-year-old performance and burlesque artist has been approved for assisted dying under Canada's increasingly liberal laws. For those who are terminally ill it is possible to get approval within 24 hours.
Curated Content Law Reform

Law Reform: Canada’s Increasingly Liberal Assisted Dying Laws

  • April 3, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Leaving Money to Charity so You Don’t Spoil the Kids? | Charitable Bequests | Wealth Management | High Net Worth | Estates Gone Wrong
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Leaving Money to Charity so You Don’t Spoil the Kids?

  • March 16, 2023
  • 1 minute read
An updated list of the best estate planning podcasts to listen to, in the US, curated by Million Podcasts...
Curated Content Related Resources

Top 10 Best Estate Planning Podcasts in the US

Here’s a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that BAO staff regularly receive in phone calls and emails. Have a question we haven’t answered here? Please ask your question by email...
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

Bereavement Authority of Ontario: Answers to FAQs for Families

Estate disputes can tear families apart and leave valuable assets in limbo. When tensions rise and estate administration becomes impossible, there is a powerful legal solution that many people do not know about: an Estate Trustee During Litigation (ETDL).
Curated Content Frequently Asked Questions

“Estate Trustee During Litigation” (ETDL): Benefits & FAQs

For high-net-worth families in Canada, effective estate planning is the cornerstone of generational wealth. In this guide, we walk through foundational estate planning strategies —tailored for families with significant wealth— and how to use them to build a legacy that lasts.
Curated Content Related Resources

Legacy-Centered Approach for High-Net-Worth Families in Canada

Leaving a legacy gift is a meaningful way to support causes you care about while also enjoying potential tax benefits. Choose the method that best aligns with your estate planning objectives. Here’s a guide to help you explore your options...
Charitable Misgivings Curated Content

Planned Giving in Your Will: A Guide to Charitable Legacy Gifts

valuable lessons learned from

Communication Breakdowns
& Family Disputes

This case underscores that when emotional ties to family cottages are not managed by clear legal drafting, even well-intentioned estate plans can result in litigation.
Curated Content Family Disputes

Ontario Court Ruling: Sibling Dispute Over The Family Cottage

  • June 16, 2025
  • 1 minute read
When a beneficiary refuses to cooperate during estate administration, it can delay the entire process and create significant problems for everyone involved.
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

Uncooperative Beneficiaries: Impact on Estate Administration

  • January 22, 2026
  • 1 minute read
5 Estate Planning Lessons From ‘House Of The Dragon’ | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong
Communication Breakdowns Curated Content

5 Estate Planning Lessons From ‘House Of The Dragon’

  • June 16, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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All Celebrity Estates Family Disputes Charitable Misgivings Common Mistakes Bizarre Bequests Long-Term Care Crisis Communication Breakdowns Property Pitfalls Digital Distress Guardian Safeguards
Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Last Wishes: a Tale of Two Wills
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Last Wishes: a Tale of Two Wills

  • July 6, 2023
  • 1 minute read
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...
Curated Content Family Disputes

Family Feuds Over Inheritances Surge 61% in UK

  • October 23, 2025
  • Less than a minute
The potential artificial intelligence has to automate tasks and reduce costs will revolutionize the way we approach estate planning, making it more efficient and accessible. However, you can’t fully trust an AI bot with your estate plan and here’s why.
Curated Content Digital Distress

AI in Estate Planning: What Every Canadian Needs to Know

  • May 23, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Learn the critical reasons why a will alone is insufficient for a comprehensive estate plan, and why incorporating trusts, beneficiary designations and incapacity planning is essential to ensure a seamless and protected transfer of your assets to your loved ones.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Relying Solely on a Will? It Could Be a Costly Mistake!

  • March 11, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Bizarre Bequests Dramatized Content

Gunther’s Millions | Netflix Docuseries | 2023

  • February 1, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Agreement Reached in Dispute over Charley Pride's Will
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Agreement Reached in Dispute over Charley Pride’s Will

  • September 29, 2022
  • 1 minute read
Inheritance disputes are as old as time, but in recent years, there’s been an increase in families embroiled in legal arguments. Here are the various stances on inheritance disputes, 2024 statistics, and the demographics of those discussing the topic online. 
Curated Content Family Disputes

Inheritance Dispute Statistics: 2024 Rising Trends

  • October 18, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Older adults are a common target of scammers looking to obtain money or personal information. Here's how to protect yourself and your parents from falling victim to malicious health care scams.
Curated Content Digital Distress

How to Protect Older Adults from Online Scams

  • January 30, 2026
  • 1 minute read
Guardianship is often described as a last resort, but without proper planning, it can quickly spiral into one of the most stressful legal battles a family faces. The good news is that guardianship nightmares are preventable with proper estate planning.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Guardianship Nightmares: Costly Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  • October 1, 2025
  • Less than a minute
Series stars Stephen Fry as Peter Kingdom, who is coping with family, colleagues, and the strange locals who come to him for legal assistance.
Dramatized Content Family Disputes

Kingdom | British Comedy-Drama Series | 2007-2009

  • April 22, 2007
  • Less than a minute
10 of The Strangest Wills of All Time | Curated Content | Strange Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong
Bizarre Bequests Curated Content

Roundup: 10 of The Strangest Wills of All Time

  • August 25, 2015
  • 1 minute read
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • May 24, 2024
  • Less than a minute
guardian safeguards + eldercare nightmares

The Importance of Planning for
Custody & Long-Term Care

Guardianship is often described as a last resort, but without proper planning, it can quickly spiral into one of the most stressful legal battles a family faces. The good news is that guardianship nightmares are preventable with proper estate planning.
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Guardianship Nightmares: Costly Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  • October 1, 2025
  • Less than a minute
In Canada, if you want your pet to be cared for when you’re no longer around, you need to include them in your estate plan. Here are five ways to include your pet in your estate plan...
Curated Content Guardian Safeguards

Tips for Canadians: Estate Planning with Your Pets in Mind

  • June 3, 2025
  • 1 minute read
In Ontario, long-term care homes must follow a law called the Fixing Long‑Term Care Act, 2021, which includes a Residents’ Bill of Rights. This resource explains these rights in language that’s easy to understand.
Curated Content Long-Term Care Crisis

Ontario Long-Term Care Home Residents: Know Your Rights!

  • February 18, 2025
  • 1 minute read
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Helpful Tips + Reference Guides

Related Resources

This episode of Financial Decoder explores inheritance from both perspectives: the person planning to pass on wealth and the heir receiving it.
Curated Content Related Resources

Financial Decoder Podcast Examines “Both Sides of an Inheritance”

  • April 13, 2026
  • 1 minute read
Read More
Whether driven by retirement, a desire for simplicity, or changing health needs, the act of downsizing is a profound life event. It requires a conscious and often difficult act of letting go, confronting the unspoken weight of what we choose to leave behind.
Curated Content Related Resources

Downsizing Guide: Mastering The Difficult Act of Letting Go

  • October 27, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Read More
To file a dependant support claim against an estate, you must file a Notice of Application with the court and provide supporting evidence in an affidavit, typically within six months of the estate trustee being appointed. 
Generated Content Related Resources

How to File a Dependant Support Claim Against an Estate

  • July 15, 2025
  • 2 minutes read
Read More
People often believe that they can litigate a wills and estate matter in a “risk-free” manner because the estate will bear the legal costs of the disputants. That is generally not true...
Curated Content Related Resources

The Legal Costs of Estate Litigation: Know The Risks!

  • May 6, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Read More
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Recent Posts

Inheriting a collection is a significant emotional and financial event. It connects us to our past, to loved ones, and to histories that may span generations. Yet, it also presents a daunting challenge: how to decide what to keep and what to sell. 
May 30, 2026

Inherited Collectibles: Practical Tips for Deciding What to Keep or Sell

Over the past decade, a caregiving crisis has been building in the workplace. Currently, 35% of the Canadian workforce or 8 million people, are struggling and juggling their work responsibilities with caregiving duties.
May 25, 2026

Caregiving Crisis at Work: Millions of Canadians Struggling

When New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law on Feb. 6, 2026, she included an unusual provision: patients requesting medical aid in dying must make an audio or video recording of their oral request...
May 21, 2026

Medical Aid in Dying: New York State’s Unusual New Requirement

Discretionary trusts can be an effective way to provide for beneficiaries without granting them fixed entitlements. However, these structures can create uncertainty for beneficiaries... Understanding the legal framework is critical for both sides.
May 21, 2026

Ontario Guide to Discretionary Trusts and Beneficiary Rights

Directory Listings

Our global curated content roundup is intended for information purposes only. We do not provide advisory services nor do we purport to offer direct legal advice. If you offer professional estate planning advisement, administration, or legal services, we welcome and encourage you to apply for a paid profile placement in our upcoming directory listings.

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Infamous Feuds + Celebrity Estates

Cautionary Tales

An Ontario judge's looming decision on whether to compel the Stronach Group to disclose evidence of any coverup of sexual misconduct may add yet a new dimension to a deepening scandal surrounding the multinational's billionaire founder.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Succession-like Battle Over Family’s Billions: The Stronach Case

Divergent Estate Plans of Ike & Tina Turner Provide Valuable Insights: The contrasting estate plans of Tina Turner and Ike Turner serve as instructive examples of the importance of effective estate planning.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Divergent Estate Plans of Ike & Tina Turner Provide Valuable Insights

Billionaire Family Feuds: The 7 Biggest Disputes
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Billionaire Family Feuds: Seven High-Profile Disputes

Daughters of late Hollywood legend Paul Newman filed a lawsuit against the Newman's Own Foundation (NOF), claiming their father's legacy is "under assault" by the "very organization he founded in an effort to preserve and expand that legacy."
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Paul Newman’s Daughters Claim Father’s Legacy is ‘Under Assault’

Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Inside Billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s Family Trust Battle

Actress Diane Keaton left behind not just a remarkable legacy but an important reminder about estate planning for our pets.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Pet Trusts: What We Can Learn from Diane Keaton’s Estate

Who inherited Jimi Hendrix’s estate? The answer is more complicated than many might assume. This article explores the distribution of his fortune, the legal disputes that followed, and who ultimately controls his estate today...
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Legendary Legal Battle: The Heavily Contested Estate of Jimi Hendrix

TV Chef Blew £2.8million Inheritance: Leaves Only £33k to Family
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

TV Chef Blew £2.8million Inheritance: Leaves Only £33k to Family

Robert Redford's stunning $20m property portfolio revealed after Hollywood icon dies in his sleep aged 89
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Robert Redford’s Stunning $20m Property Portfolio

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.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

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

Often you hear that you should review your will or trust to make sure it keeps up with changes in your life and still meets your needs. The tragic death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, whose will became public due to the probate proceeding, brought some of these issues into the public eye.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Unintended Consequences: Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Estate

Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Last Wishes: a Tale of Two Wills
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Last Wishes: a Tale of Two Wills

Gore-Tex Heiress, Susan Gore, has been denied the right to adopt her 65-year-old ex-husband as a means to boost her family's inheritance fortune.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Court Ruling: Heiress Cannot Adopt Ex-Husband for Inheritance

The Guinness family’s story shows that inheritance without structure can lead to division... When assets, wishes, and responsibilities are clearly defined, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re protecting your family’s relationships and legacy.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Inheritance Conflict & Division: Lessons from The Guinness Family

The estate of Hulk Hogan is pushing back forcefully against a claim that seeks $10 million over the origins of the wrestler's branded beer business, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Hulk Hogan’s Heirs Wrestling with $10 Million Beer Brand Lawsuit

Suit claimed Dudesy podcast violated Carlin’s copyright, calling it ‘a casual theft of a great American artist’s work’... The lawsuit was one of the first in the US to focus on the legality of deepfakes imitating a celebrity’s likeness.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

George Carlin’s Estate Settles Lawsuit Over “AI Doppelganger”

The longstanding feud among the heirs of Sol Goldman’s vast New York real estate fortune has reignited. This is the latest chapter in a family conflict that dates back to the 1980s... 
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

NYC Real Estate Dynasty Heirs Intensify Feud Over Property Empire

Disney is one of the biggest media companies in the world, with an estimated net worth of nearly $130 billion. From a family-trust-fund feud to generous philanthropic endeavors, here's a look at the three generations of the Disney family.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Disney Family Feud as Heirs Battle for $400 Million Trust Fund

Celebrity Estates Curated Content

What We Can Learn From Celebrity Estate Planning Gone Wrong

Exploring the legal, contractual, and federal challenges of AI-driven celebrity likeness—from state statutes to the proposed “No Fakes Act.”
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Postmortem Publicity Rights: Digital Use of Celebrity Likeness

Dueling Trustees Battle Over Jimmy Buffett’s $275 Million Estate
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Dueling Trustees Battle Over Jimmy Buffett’s $275 Million Estate

This article delves into the estates of five legendary individuals: Bob Ross, Stan Lee, Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, and Paul Walker. These inheritance battles shed light on the significance of explicit planning for intellectual property.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Legendary Lessons: Protecting Intellectual Property

Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Lisa Marie Presley's Estate | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Estate

The ongoing legal dispute within the Rothschild family over a stunning collection of art captures the intrigue surrounding one of the world’s most powerful families. As the case unfolds, the art world watches closely.
Curated Content Infamous Feuds

Rothschild Family Feud Erupts Over ‘Mini-Louvre’ Art Collection

Estate planning becomes more complicated when assets, citizenship and tax rules extend beyond a single country. In this episode of Celebrity Estates, David Lenok speaks with Martin Behn about these challenges.
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Celebrity Estates Podcast: Cross-Border Planning Lessons

The infamous inheritance battle for Koch Industries involved the four sons of Fred Koch — William, Frederick, Charles, and David — who feuded for nearly two decades over the control and ownership of the family company. 
Generated Content Infamous Feuds

Infamous 20-Year-Long Inheritance Battle: Koch Industries

Navigating the Evolving Landscape: Val Kilmer’s Digital Legacy
Celebrity Estates Curated Content

Navigating the Evolving Landscape: Val Kilmer’s Digital Legacy

real repercussions of inheriting real estate

Property Pitfalls

Tax Considerations for Inherited Properties: What You Need to Know | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Tax Considerations for Inherited Properties: What You Need to Know

  • February 15, 2023
  • 1 minute read
Renouncing an Inheritance: an Inherent Right | Inheriting a House | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Renouncing an Inheritance: an Inherent Right

  • June 18, 2024
  • 1 minute read
Many Canadians dream of buying a property by the sea in Florida or a golf course in Arizona. But what happens at the time of death? Buying a property in the United States takes planning...
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Canadian Will & U.S. Property: Avoiding Probate Takes Planning

  • February 10, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Leaving your house to your children can be a meaningful way to pass on your legacy, but it is important to consider all aspects of it.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Factors to Consider Before Leaving Your House to Your Children

  • November 4, 2024
  • Less than a minute
While a trust can be an effective way to manage and transfer ownership of the family cottage, it requires careful planning to get it right.
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Trust Planning for The Family Cottage: Key Considerations

  • September 19, 2025
  • 1 minute read
Ontario Superior Court Removes Estate Executor to Resolve Deadlock | Property Pitfalls | Family Disputes | Case Ruling | Estates Gone Wrong
Curated Content Property Pitfalls

Ontario Superior Court Removes Estate Executor to Resolve Deadlock

  • September 3, 2024
  • 1 minute read
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Explore Topics

Dying Saskatchewan Farmer’s Will Goes Down in History | Curated Content | Strange Bequests | Estates Gone Wrong

Bizarre Bequests

30
Priscilla Presley Settles Dispute with Granddaughter over Lisa Marie Presley's Estate | Curated Content | Celebrity Estates

Celebrity Estates

56
Family Conflict Results in Long-Term Estate Litigation over Secret Trust and Mutual Wills Agreement | Family Disputes | Estates Gone Wrong

Charitable Misgivings

32
Estate Planning: 6 Big Mistakes You Might Be Making | Curated Content | Common Mistakes | Estates Gone Wrong

Common Mistakes

44
What to Do when the Executor Is Not Communicating with Beneficiaries? | Curated Content | Communication Breakdowns | Estates Gone Wrong

Communication Breakdowns

42
Top 8 Risks: The Dangers of Improper Estate Planning | Common Mistakes | Cautionary Tales | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Digital Distress

54
Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart | Curated Content | Family Disputes | Inheritance Horror Stories | Estates Gone Wrong

Family Disputes

68
Abusive Guardianships: Prevention & Taking Action

Guardian Safeguards

36
High Costs for Long-Term Care are 'Unforgivable' | Curated Content | Elder Care Nightmares | Estates Gone Wrong

Long-Term Care Crisis

36
What to Do if You Inherit a House with a Mortgage | Curated Content | Property Pitfalls | Real Estate | Inheriting Debt | Estates Gone Wrong

Property Pitfalls

52
Story Submissions

We know, this can be a very sensitive topic. If you have a personal story or a cautionary tale —a link to a specific article, blog post, or recommended resource that you found particularly helpful in your own estate planning and administration journey— anonymous submissions are welcomed and encouraged.

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