Justin de Vries

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Justin has been consistently named as one of the Best Lawyers in Canada/Trusts & Estates. He is an accomplished litigator who has appeared before all levels of the Ontario Court & the Federal Court of Canada. Justin's areas of expertise include: estate, trust, and capacity litigation, as well as probate applications and estate administration. He regularly speaks on estate, trust and capacity issues. Email: jdevries@devrieslitigation.com

Space Oddity: Why One of the Original Moonwalkers is Having to Sue his Children

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This blog was written by Ronald Neal, student-at-law at de VRIES LITIGATION LLP. Even those with the “right stuff” are not immune to elder abuse.  Such is the apparent case with Buzz Aldrin, a retired astronaut, lunar module pilot, and engineer who is now finding himself in the midst of a legal battle that may yet bring as many challenges and difficulty to him in his twilight years as his….

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Capacity Law, Elder Care, Elder Law

The Utility (or lack thereof) of Extrinsic Evidence When Interpreting a Will

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This blog is written by Ronald Neal, student-at-law. Can one rely on extrinsic evidence (i.e. evidence that relates to a will but is not contained in it) to establish the intentions of a testator? This was a question recently considered by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Campbell v. Evert [1]. Background Dr. Ewert had two children, Monica and Peter. Dr. Ewert passed away on February 7, 2011. In 1990, Dr…..

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Estate Litigation, Uncategorized

The Litigator’s Holiday Medley

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It is that time of year again… “the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” as that well-loved refrain goes.  Lawyers and other professionals can get awfully serious about what they do when it comes to estate planning, litigation, and administration.  So in an attempt to offer some levity in this busy season, I offer a reworking of two holiday classics from a litigator’s perspective (with apologizes to songwriters of old). ….

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Estate Litigation

When is a Minor a Major or Super Minor and What Does it Mean?

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At law, a child under the age of 18 is considered a party under disability (i.e. a “minor”).  As a result, a minor is treated somewhat differently by the courts.  For example, a minor must be represented by a court appointed litigation guardian in civil court proceedings.  In addition, limitation periods do not run against a minor’s interest until such time as a litigation guardian is appointed.  But not all….

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Capacity Law, Estate Litigation

Summary Judgment Motions and Fraudulent Concealment

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Justice Newbould wrote an interesting and comprehensive decision regarding the two year limitation period under section 38 of the Ontario Trustee Act.  It seems that the two-year limitation period may not be as infallible as estate litigators think. Nancy Wagg had three children – Anita, Yvonne and John.  Nancy was a woman of modest means and limited education.  However, lady luck smiled on her and she won the lottery.  Unfortunately,….

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Uncategorized

Welcome to the new All About Estates!

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Welcome to the brand new All About Estate’s website!  With a new president and a new year, we decided we needed a new look.  We have vamped up the website with pictures and a modern aesthetic.  Our bloggers have not changed and we will continue to provide you with a variety of voices and topics of interest to the estate, trust and elder care world.  Guest bloggers will also drop….

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