Jacob Kaufman

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Jacob Kaufman is a lawyer with de VRIES LITIGATION LLP. Jacob assists clients with will challenges, dependant support claims, guardianship applications, power of attorney disputes and other estate and trust litigation matters. He has appeared before various levels of court, including the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Jacob obtained his law degree from the University of Western Ontario (with distinction) after completing an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University in history (with distinction). He has written articles for the International Law Office, Legal Alert and the OBA’s Deadbeat. Email: jkaufman@devrieslitigation.com

To Boldly Go Where No Estate Litigation Has Gone Before

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Even if you have never seen an episode of Star Trek you are probably familiar with “Beam me up, Scotty”[1] or Mr. Spock’s ears. The judges of our Superior Court frequently mine the show for metaphors.[2] Gene Roddenberry is widely known as the mind behind Star Trek but less well known is his ugly estate litigation fight that centered around the definition of “Star Trek.” Mr. Roddenberry and his first….

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Estate Litigation

Incapable People and Limitation Periods

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When does the limitation period start running regarding an incapable person who does not have a formal litigation guardian? Despite the language of the Limitations Act, 2002, a court found in Rekowski v. Renfrew (County), 2019 ONSC 2852 that the answer to this question is not clear. In 2009, Kenneth was injured in a car accident, suffering a catastrophic brain injury. The driver of the other car sued Kenneth in 2011….

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Capacity Law, Power of Attorney

Finally, A Nice Passing of Accounts

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Passings of accounts can often be bitter and vicious. However, the case of Daniel Estate (Re), 2019 ONSC 2790 was a welcome “good news” alternative to the standard slugfest. Linda and Ted cared for their elderly neighbours Isabel and Wayne for over two decades. The court noted that their relationship was akin to that of “loyal and dutiful family members.” Isabel and Wayne’s daughter had passed away and they had….

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Attorney Compensation, Compensation, Estate Administration, POA Compensation, Power of Attorney, Powers Of Attorney and Guardianship Disputes

ETDL Appeal is to the Divisional Court – not the Court of Appeal

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What appellate court is the proper forum for an appeal regarding the payment of an estate trustee during litigation’s fees (an “ETDL”)? In Gefen v. Gaertner, 2019 ONCA 233, the Court of Appeal held it was the Divisional Court and not the Court of Appeal. The Gefen Estate (the “Estate”) was embroiled in litigation. The deceased and others had a beneficial interest in various properties which were legally owned by….

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Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Trusts, Wills

Supreme Court Blesses Henson Trusts

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The Supreme Court of Canada has given its blessing to Henson Trusts (fully discretionary trusts set up to not impact the beneficiary’s social assistance benefits) in S.A. v. Metro Vancouver Housing Corp., 2019 SCC 4. I previously blogged about this case when it was before the Court of Appeal. The Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation (the “Landlord”) provides affordable rental housing in Vancouver.   The Landlord requires prospective tenants to provide evidence….

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Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Trusts

Changes in the Estates World in 2019

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All of us at AllAboutEstates hope you had a happy new year and will have an equally happy 2019. As we start the new year, here are some changes estate litigators should be aware about as well as some upcoming developments. The Rules of Civil Procedure have been amended (the changes are not yet on CanLII) that if no confirmation form is provided, the motion will be deemed to have been….

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Estate Litigation
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