Family
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April 15, 2026
Interpreting Bill C-16 to recognize coercive control of women across the lifespan
Coercive control against women does not disappear in later life. For some, patterns of abuse that have persisted for years or decades continue into old age. For others, coercive control begins for the first time through adult children and other relatives.
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April 15, 2026
Canada’s polygamy law is creating a legal grey zone for polyamorous families
A couple of times a year, someone comes to our practice with a version of the same situation: three people in a committed, consensual relationship who want to formalize their rights, divide their property fairly and protect themselves if things ever go sideways. They have done the emotional work and had the hard conversations. They just want a legal agreement.
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April 14, 2026
Manitoba top judge talks 2024-25 Appeal Court report
Since taking the judicial helm, Manitoba’s chief justice has taken pains to lower the number of active cases in front of the province’s Court of Appeal — as is demonstrated in its latest annual report. And as the court continues its digital transformation, Chief Justice Marianne Rivoalen also hopes to one day be able to include statistics on the court’s use of remote hearings.
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April 14, 2026
From ‘I do’ to ‘I plan’: Why younger Canadians are embracing the prenup
Not long ago, bringing up a prenuptial agreement before a wedding was considered taboo, a signal of distrust, a hedge against the very union you were about to celebrate. However, something has shifted.
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April 14, 2026
MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT - Child support - Spousal support
Appeal by mother from a decision issued in exceptionally protracted family law litigation. The mother sought appellate intervention regarding child support arrears, s. 7 special expenses, and spousal support. The parties’ litigation history involved over 20 motions, more than 35 court appearances, and multiple consent orders.
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April 13, 2026
Why equal shares aren’t always equal: RRIF estate tax lessons
What happens when a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is included in an estate but the will says nothing about it? The Québec Superior Court answered that question in Noël c. Birk, 2026 QCCS 187, and the answer should matter to every estate planner, liquidator and testator with registered assets.
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April 13, 2026
SCC’s new session precedes big moves as Martin J. and judges prep for departures
The Supreme Court of Canada’s spring docket presents the nine judges with a wide range of appeals, including the last cases to be heard by soon-to-retire Justice Sheilah Martin and her colleagues in their iconic 1940s-era Ottawa courthouse, which is slated for a multi-year major update. The Supreme Court’s new spring session, scheduled from April 13 to May 22, 2026, features 14 appeals, 10 of which involve criminal law issues.
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April 13, 2026
Should you make the first offer? Anchoring, aggression and strategy in settlement negotiations
Is it better to make a first offer in negotiations? And what about aggressive first offers — do they set an advantageous anchor or lead to insult and impasse?
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April 10, 2026
Osgoode Hall launches new access to justice fund
Toronto’s Osgoode Hall Law School has unveiled a new million-dollar fund to help support access to justice research and students pursuing careers in the area of public interest.
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April 10, 2026
SCC backs insurer in dispute over Quebec death declaration
In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada has clarified the degree of proof required to establish the “return” of a person declared dead under the Civil Code of Quebec. Under the Code, a court can declare a person dead if they have not been heard from in seven years. Known as a declaratory judgment of death, it allows for settlement of a person’s affairs such as permitting succession and dissolving a marriage.