Days before the February 2022 Russian invasion in Ukraine, Darcy Brockbank (“Darcy” or the “Estate”, respectively) travelled to Kiev. On February 25, 2022, Darcy died unexpectedly from a heart attack. He was survived by his mother, Josephine Brockbank (“Josephine”), and two brothers: Joel Brockbank (“Joel”) and Stuart Brockbank (“Stuart”). On…
Ruth Paul
Ruth obtained her law degree from Queen’s University. Prior to law school, she completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from Western University.
During her time at Queen’s University, Ruth volunteered with Queen’s Legal Aid Clinic, Pro Bono Students Canada, and the 519 Trans ID Clinic. She also competed in the 2024 Laskin Moot Court Competition in Calgary, Alberta and won second best factum.
A notice of application marks the beginning of estate litigation proceedings. The notice of application provides an overview and outlines the precise relief sought, the grounds to be argued (including any statutory provisions or rules to be relied on) and the evidence to be relied on at the hearing of…
The recent decision in Lewicki v. Bascus et al., 2025 ONSC 6224 reiterates the duties lawyers and attorneys for property or personal care have to vulnerable persons. Attorneys have a duty to refrain from influencing vulnerable persons with their personal opinions to further their own self-interest. Lawyers have a duty…
The recent decision in Bayliss v. Burnham, 2025 ONSC 5376 provides insight into how estate issues involving the Indian Act (the “Act”) are resolved. Kenneth Ryan Hill (“Kenneth” or the “Estate”) passed away from natural causes on January 18, 2021 in Miami, Florida. Kenneth was a status Indian registered under…
Probate is the process by which the validity of a Will is determined. When executors named in a Will apply for probate, they must establish that The testator satisfied the statutory age requirement to make a Will; The Will followed statutory requirements and had not been revoked; The testator knew…