Successfully summoning counsel of record for examination is typically a difficult task, and a motion to quash will often be brought after a summons is served on counsel for one of the parties. Case law in is clear that, generally, calling a lawyer to give evidence against their client should…
This Blog was written by: Alicia Godin, Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotia Wealth Management As we approach mid-August, many students (and parents) have turned their minds to the new school year. Although this year post-secondary education may look slightly different for many students with the switch to online learning, it…
While the courts will defer to the wishes of the incapable person regarding their attorney/guardian of personal care, they will also look at the past actions of the applicants.
Counsel faced with responding to frivolous objections to an application for a certificate of appointment of estate trustee may wish to consider rule 25.11 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. Rule 25.11 allows the court to strike out (all or part of) a pleading, without leave to amend, on the…
Last week I shared that as of April 19, 2020, there were 112 long-term care homes in Ontario impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks and as of April 26, there are now 147 facilities affected with 654 confirmed resident deaths. This number is staggering. What I do understand is that many of…
It is no surprise that many people are contemplating their own mortalities during the COVID-19 pandemic and wish to make a will. However, the existing laws are particularly unsuited to making wills in a time of social distancing; it will usually be impossible or unsafe to have two people witness…
A few weeks ago, I came across a media article about elder financial abuse involving the use of a power of attorney. In my view, this issue has even greater relevance today in light of the current COVID-19 lockdown, and the resulting physical isolation of our vulnerable seniors. The Story…
This blog was written by Suzanne Singh A Power of Attorney is a document that can bestow a wide range of powers to a named party or parties (the Attorney) by an individual (the Donor). POAs may be special or limited in their scope, or enduring in nature where they…
Emerson and Marie Lewis appointed two of their six adult children, Donald and Douglas Lewis, as their attorneys for property. Their remaining four children (the “non-attorney siblings”) commenced an application pursuant to ss. 42(1) and (4) of the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c.30 (the “SDA”) for leave to…
This blog was written by Alex Fournier The Trust industry has shifted its focus towards servicing the biggest market segment yet to be seen – the Baby Boomers. With the biggest intergenerational wealth transfer coming, it is the most logical course of action to undertake. In Canada alone, reports speculate that…
