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Clash of the Limitation Periods

The Limitations Act, 2002, SO 2002, c 24, Sch B, brought order and clarity to limitation periods in Ontario. However, the Limitations Act did not displace all existing limitation periods established by statute. Several carve-outs which are particularly relevant to estates litigators includes the Real Property Limitations Act, RSO 1990, c L.15 and s. 38(3) […]

Advice to Executors and Trustees, Estate Litigation, Limitation Period, Other Claims & Remedies Against Estates, Will Challenges

Minimum Evidentiary Threshold for Will Challenges

What is the minimum level of evidence to be met before a court allows a will challenge to proceed? The recent Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision in Naismith v. Clarke, 2019 ONSC 5280 (“Naismith”) sets out a useful overview for the circumstances under which a court may allow a will challenge to move forward.

Estate Litigation, Forms of Relief, Other Claims & Remedies Against Estates, Will Challenges

Stuart v. Stuart: When Spouses “Separate” Due to Changing Medical Needs

Separation for medical reason affects married spouses whom are forced to live apart due to one’s changing medical needs or deteriorating health. In Stuart v. Stuart, 2019 ONSC 4328, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice was asked to assess how a physical separation due to a spouse’s admission to a long-term care facility impacts the

Estate Planning, Joint Assets, Passing of Accounts

Testamentary Freedom – A Fundamental Right?

Whether testamentary autonomy is a constitutionally protected right has not been considered by the courts … until now. The rules of testamentary succession (i.e. wills and estates) are governed by provincial law. While each province and territory has its own set of statutes, most have imposed some requirements that the deceased make “adequate provision” for

Court Applications to Interpret a Will or Trust, Dependant’s Relief Claims, Estate Planning, Forms of Relief, In The News, Legal Opinions on Estate Administration, Other Claims & Remedies Against Estates
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