Ronald Neal

Ronald Neal joined de VRIES LITIGATION LLP for his articles in January 2018 and was called to the Ontario bar in June 2018. Ronald obtained his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Guelph in criminal justice and public policy. Ronald’s background in the law has been wide ranging, from working with Bay street insurance defence firms to assisting legal clinics advancing human rights in Central America. Ronald brings those experiences with him, along with his love of litigation, to the practice of estates, trusts, and capacity law at de VRIES LITIGATION LLP.

40oz. to Testamentary Freedom

Is the fact that one is a chronic alcoholic enough to deprive them of their testamentary freedom? In Dujardin v. Dujardin, 2018 ONCA 597, the Court of Appeal for Ontario explored this issue when it was tasked with determining the validity of two wills that were executed by a known drunkard. Background Jacques Henry Dujardin […]

Capacity, Estate Litigation, Will Challenges

So I Dub Thee Unforgiven

Dueling banjos might get more attention ‘round most parts, but dueling promissory notes can be just as exciting. Take the promissory notes that were at issue in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice case Lacasse v. Middleton, 2018 ONSC 3461 (CanLII). In that case, the Court was called upon to determine a winner between two

Estate Litigation

Ere the Son Rises

Ere the Son Rises What is an adult child to do when his or her parent is no longer capable of managing their property? They may, for one, consider applying to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for the appointment of a Guardian of Property. In Ballinger v. Marshall, 2018 ONSC 3020 (CanLII), a devoted

Capacity

A Touch of Modernity

In its costs decision for Campbell v. Evert (previously blogged about here), the Ontario Superior Court of Justice further distilled the rationale and policy reasons informing the “modern approach” to fixing costs in estate litigation. Background As frequent readers of this blog may recall, Dr. Ewert (the “Deceased”) passed away in 2011. She left behind

Costs, Court Applications to Interpret a Will or Trust, Court Procedure, Estate Litigation, Will Challenges

The 6ix or the 226? That is the Question

Where does one commence a legal proceeding? When can one transfer a proceeding to one’s own hometown? These are simple enough questions, but with answers that may surprise you. The recent Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision of Estate of Byung Sun Im, deceased, 2018 ONSC 2223, set out the answers clearly. Background Byung Sun

Court Applications to Remove an Executor / Estate Trustee, Court Procedure, Estate Litigation, Other Claims & Remedies Against Estates
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