What Not to Wear: Court Edition

by: , December 16, 2013

Effective November 18, 2013, there are some important procedural changes affecting estate, trust, and capacity matters in Toronto. For some time now, the Toronto court has maintained a separate “Estates List” to hear all matters relating to the administration of trusts and estates and substitute decision making.  As an estates litigator, I have been an…read more

When Will the Court Appoint an ETDL?

by: , November 12, 2013

The recent endorsement of Justice Greer in McColl v. McColl illustrates the broad authority of the Court to appoint an Estate Trustee During Litigation (ETDL), and where warranted, to dispense with the requirement that the ETDL post a bond. The deceased was survived by his second wife, ex-wife and son from his first marriage.  At the time…read more

If There is a Valid POA, the Court Cannot Order a Guardianship

by: , September 30, 2013

The recent decision in Lehtonen v. Neill serves as a useful reminder of the sometimes overlooked subsection 22(3) of the Substitute Decisions Act.   This provision prohibits the court from appointing a guardian where the court is satisfied that decision making for the incapable person can be met by a less intrusive means.  It says: The Court shall not…read more

Court Need Not Always Order a Fiduciary to Account

by: , September 4, 2013

In an earlier blog by fellow blogger Jasmine Sweatman, she commented on the emerging principle of proportionality in our judicial system and how it might impact on a fiduciary’s duty to pass accounts.  She queried: Where does proportionality “fit” with the right of a beneficiary of an estate or trust  to review and make inquiries of the…read more