When someone passes away in Ontario without a will, the distribution of their estate is governed by the Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA). While this law is designed to ensure a fair distribution of assets based on presumed family relationships, it often fails to...
Blogs
Power of Sale in Ontario: What Homeowners and Lenders Need to Know
In Ontario, the power of sale is a commonly used legal remedy that allows lenders to sell a mortgaged property when a borrower defaults—without having to go through the courts. This out-of-court process is governed primarily by the Mortgages Act and provides a...
Drumonde v. Spellay Case Summary and Review
I. Introduction The Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s decision in Drumonde v. Spellay offers important guidance on the interpretation of testamentary provisions in the context of prolonged estate administration. More than twenty years after their mother’s passing,...
Green v. Gardeazabal Case Summary and Review
I. Introduction: In Green et al. v. Gardeazabal, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice examined the legal and equitable limits of co-ownership rights under the Partition Act, R.S.O. 1990. The applicants sought an order compelling the sale of a jointly owned cottage...
Understanding Non-Resident Executors in Ontario: Key Considerations and Challenges
Appointing a non-resident executor (also known as an estate trustee) in Ontario can complicate the estate administration process. While Ontario law does not require an estate trustee to be a resident of the province, there are significant issues to consider if the chosen executor lives outside of Ontario, Canada, or the Commonwealth. This blog post will explore the requirements, benefits, disadvantages, and rules surrounding non-resident executors in Ontario, and how it may impact the probate process.
Limitation Periods for Equalization and Spousal Support
Limitation Periods for Equalization and Spousal Support Limitation periods are crucial deadlines that ensure a claim does not become barred. These periods dictate when an individual must commence their claim, especially in family law cases involving separation or...
Power of Sale in Ontario: A Comprehensive Guide
When a borrower (the "mortgagor") defaults on a mortgage, the lender (the "mortgagee") has several rights and remedies available. In Ontario, one of the most common remedies is the power of sale. What is a Power of Sale? A power of sale allows the mortgagee to sell...
Significant Deficiencies in Pre-Construction Amounting to a Breach of Contract by the Vendor
The Ontario Court of Appeal recently held that the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act does not preclude home buyers from taking legal action against builders for breaches beyond the statutory warranties provided by the Act. This landmark decision has significant...
Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation After Separation
Introduction Typically, separated spouses do not intend to benefit their previous partner if they pass. Unless the separation agreement includes a requirement to maintain designations to secure support obligations, most separated spouses prefer the freedom to choose...
GST/HST New Residential Rental Property Rebate
You may be eligible for the GST/HST new residential rental property (NRRP) rebate if you are in one of the following situations: You are a landlord who purchased a newly constructed or substantially renovated residential rental property You are a landlord who built...
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