20 Notable Cases of 2020

by: , April 25, 2021

It’s that time of year again. Birds are singing, trees are blossoming, and spring is just around the corner. With 2020 fully in the rear-view mirror, now is the perfect time for a review of 20 notable cases decided in that year. (Okay, it’s technically 23 cases, but who’s counting?) The Sherman Estate trilogy: Our…read more

I do not like the estate trustee/executor – can I get rid of them?

by: , August 10, 2020

Can you apply for the removal of the estate trustee? Section 37(3) of the Trustee Act provides the court with legislative authority to grant an order removing an estate trustee upon the application of: -any executor or administrator desiring to be relieved from the duties of the office, or -any executor or administrator complaining of…read more

The Costs of Litigation and the Loser Pays Principle

by: , April 14, 2020

When new clients embarks on litigation (to challenge a will or to remove an executor, for example), one of the first questions I am asked is whether they can recover their legal fees or costs from the estate or trust (as we all know, litigation can be expensive). The expectation is that the estate or…read more

To Remove or Not to Remove … That is the Question

by: , February 6, 2019

Estates tell a million stories and the case of Ford v Mazman, 2019 ONSC 542, is just one of them. Mary died on April 3, 2017. Mary’s 2004 Will named her two nieces, Laura and Carleen, as sole beneficiaries. Mary appointed her close friend, Seta, as her estate trustee/executor. Laura had travelled to Ontario from…read more

The 6ix or the 226? That is the Question

by: , April 20, 2018

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…read more

Trust In The Rules Of Civil Procedure To Protect Beneficiaries And Litigants

by: , March 10, 2014

The Ottawa case of Hawkins v Hawkins Estate provides a well articulated summary of the grounds for the removal of estate trustees. In addition, it provides an interesting discussion regarding disclosure of a solicitor’s file after the death of the testator. The late John Hawkins ran a farming business near Ottawa and owned large parcels of land….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

When Co-Estate Trustees Cannot Agree To Sell The House

by: , October 8, 2013

While administering an estate, one of the most difficult challenges an estate trustee can face is the situation where a beneficiary continues to reside in a property that is an estate asset when the estate trustee wishes to list the property for sale.  When there is disagreement on this issue amongst co-estate trustees, an estate…read more

The Paul Penna Estate: Summary Judgment Appealed

by: , December 16, 2008

Introduction In an earlier edition of Deadbeat,[1] I wrote a case comment on the decision of Greer J. granting partial summary judgment in the Estate of Paul Penna.[2]  The decision was appealed.  As recently reported in the Ontario Reports, the Court of Appeal (“C.A.”) dismissed the appeal.[3]  What follow is a consideration of the C.A.’s…read more