Inheritance Wars: The High Cost of Estate Planning Mistakes

Let me tell you about ‘John’.

John was a hardworking business owner. He built a life he was proud of—married a second time, raised a family, and put years of effort into his company. But, like so many of us, life got busy. His will, written over a decade ago, sat untouched in a drawer.

That will still list his ex-wife as a beneficiary, exclude his youngest child, and leave his second wife with far less than they had planned together. But John didn’t see updating his will as urgent. He told himself he’d get to it someday.

That someday never came.

The Aftermath of Procrastination

When John passed away unexpectedly, his family’s world was turned upside down. Instead of grieving together, they found themselves entangled in a bitter court battle.

• His second wife had to fight for the financial security they had planned for her.

• Unaware of his outdated will, his eldest child resented the unequal distribution.

• His youngest child, entirely left out, felt forgotten and betrayed.

Meanwhile, the lawyers and tax collectors lined up to take their share. By the time the dust settled, much of John’s hard-earned wealth was gone—not to his family, but to legal fees, taxes, and unnecessary disputes.

Why Estate Disputes Happen

John’s story isn’t unique. In fact, 70-80% of estate disputes stem from outdated or incomplete wills. Families are left to guess at intentions, interpret vague language, or fight over assets.

Here’s why these disputes happen so often:

1. Outdated or Incomplete Wills
   Over 40% of wills are outdated or incomplete. Major life events—marriages, divorces, births, or deaths—often aren’t reflected, leaving some family members excluded unintentionally.

2. Sibling Rivalries
   Nearly 44% of disputes involve siblings. Unequal distributions or perceived favouritism can create resentment and conflict, especially when instructions are unclear.

3. Blended Family Complexities
   Second marriages and blended families account for 25-30% of disputes. Balancing the needs of a surviving spouse with those of biological children or stepchildren often leads to misunderstandings and tension.

4. Ambiguous Wills
   Poorly drafted or vague language leaves too much room for interpretation. Around 20-30% of disputes arise because beneficiaries are left guessing what was indeed intended.

5. Lack of Communication
   Nearly 50% of disputes could be avoided with clear communication. When family members are surprised by the contents of a will, feelings of betrayal or suspicion often follow.

A Preventable Tragedy

John’s family didn’t have to go through this. His second wife didn’t have to scramble to secure her future. His children didn’t have to fight over assets. And his legacy didn’t have to be diminished by legal fees and taxes.

All of it was preventable—with a simple update to his will.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Family

Estate planning isn’t just about writing a will—it’s about keeping it updated, clear, and aligned with your intentions. It’s about showing love and care for your family, even when you’re no longer here.

Here’s how to avoid becoming another cautionary tale:

1. Update Your Will Regularly
   Review your will after major life events—marriages, divorces, births, or deaths. Make sure it reflects your current relationships and intentions.

2. Communicate Openly
   Don’t let your will be a surprise. Have honest conversations with your family about your plans. Clear communication now can prevent misunderstandings later.

3. Plan for Blended Families
   If you’ve remarried or have stepchildren, ensure your will addresses their needs. Work with an estate lawyer to create a fair and specific plan.

4. Be Specific
   Avoid vague or ambiguous language. Detail who gets what, why, and when. If your instructions are clear, there’s less room for disputes.

5. Work With Professionals
   A lawyer specializing in estate planning can help ensure your will is airtight. They’ll guide you through complex situations and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Don’t Make the CRA and Lawyers Your Primary Beneficiaries

Families lose millions of dollars to estate disputes, legal fees, and taxes every year. The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) and teams of lawyers shouldn’t walk away with what you’ve worked so hard to build.

Updating your will isn’t just about avoiding conflict—it’s about protecting your family, business, and legacy. It’s about ensuring that your loved ones can grieve in peace without the added burden of court battles and financial uncertainty.

A Final Thought

John’s story is a reminder of what’s at stake when we put off the tough conversations. None of us want to think about our mortality, but failing to plan doesn’t change the inevitable.

If you haven’t updated your will—or if you’ve been putting off writing one—let this be your sign to act. Your family deserves clarity, not chaos.

Take the first step today. Speak with a professional, review your plans, and make sure your intentions are crystal clear. Because the greatest gift you can leave behind is peace of mind.