Total 411 Posts
Capacity to marry is often raised in the context of an allegation of a predatory marriage. But what about when the adult children disapprove of the union and devise a scheme to protect their inheritance from the purported “gold digger”? This was the scenario in the case of Tanti v Tanti et al., 2020 ONSC 8063. The relationship between Paul Tanti (“Paul”) and Sharon Joseph (“Sharon”) was never accepted by….
Capacity to Marry: Balancing Autonomy with Protection of the Vulnerable Continue Reading »
Capacity Law, Dependant Support, Estate Litigation, WillsWhile estate lawyers are often presented with files that impact upon the rights of an incapable person, it is important to understand when, why and how the Public Guardian and Trustee (the “PGT”) becomes involved with such disputes. As noted on its website, and in general, the PGT acts as litigation guardian of last resort for parties under legal disability involved in civil litigation (and as a legal representative of….
The Role of the PGT – When, Why and How? Continue Reading »
Estate Litigation, Family Conflict, Power of Attorney, Powers Of Attorney and Guardianship Disputes, Wills
I previously blogged about Chief Justice Morawetz’s December 29, 2020 Notice to the Profession that that all non-jury matters shall proceed virtually unless it is absolutely necessary for the matter to be conducted in person. Chief Justice Morawetz now has put forward a new Notice to the Profession dated April 20, 2021. Due to the worsening COVID-19 situation, in order to reduce the number of court staff, counsel or parties….
COVID-19 Update: Court Hearings To Be Deferred Continue Reading »
Courts, Estate LitigationThere is renewed discussion on whether Canada will become another jurisdiction where specific gift or estate taxes will be imposed on inheritances. There is speculation that the discussion will lead to something concrete as early as next week’s Federal Budget. In the meantime, there are situations where inheritances can come with a tax burden, such as the one described in a recent Tax Court of Canada case (Goldman v. the….
Inheritance and Tax Continue Reading »
Attorney Compensation, Canada Revenue Agency, Compensation, Costs, Courts, Estate Administration, Estate Administration and Probate Applications, Estate Litigation, Executors, Investments, Liability, Tax Issues, Trustee, Trustee Compensation, Trusts, Uncategorized
Can a suicide note be a valid holograph will? Maybe, and it depends upon where you live. The Ontario case of McGrath v. Joy, which decision was released at the end of 2020, dealt with whether a suicide note was a valid holograph will. My colleague, Rebecca Studin, recently blogged about the case, where it was found that the suicide note was not a valid holograph will. The judge commented,….
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way Continue Reading »
Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Wills
