Family
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April 22, 2026
Alberta law institute report maps out how children can be heard in court
An Alberta-based legal institute has issued a report it says will help lawyers and the public understand the ways in which the voice of the child can be heard in family court proceedings.
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April 22, 2026
When courts turn back the clock: Rethinking the return to in-person family hearings
A recent article by Steve Benmor (The Zoom paradox: When a judge’s words and his court’s actions collide) draws attention to an emerging inconsistency within Ontario’s family justice system — one that warrants closer examination.
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April 22, 2026
Relocation law is stacked against mothers — Bill C-223 can fix it
Lucy is a 10-year-old child who spends most of her time in the care of her mother but also spends significant time with her father. Lucy’s mother just got a job across the province and asks the court to authorize the relocation of the child. The father objects.
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April 20, 2026
New OBA campaign brings rule of law understanding to public
This month, the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) launched its Rule of Law campaign in which local lawyers host discussions in their communities to help the public better understand the rule of law and its everyday importance to democracy.
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April 17, 2026
No contest clauses beyond will challenges: Can estate litigation result in disinheritance?
Testators have long used no contest clauses to threaten disinheritance should a beneficiary challenge their will. Recently, it became clear that no contest clauses can also extend beyond will challenges to discourage beneficiaries from commencing other forms of estate litigation.
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April 17, 2026
The case for in-person court attendances
My friend Steve Benmor made some excellent arguments recently in favour of Zoom attendances on motions (The Zoom paradox: When a judge’s words and his court’s actions collide). He backs it up by quoting the extremely persuasive comments of Justice Fred Myers of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. I recognize and respect their arguments but let me address a couple of matters not addressed in their submissions on this issue.
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April 16, 2026
Justice Legere Sers retires from Nova Scotia Supreme Court
Justice Moira C. Legere Sers of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division) has retired following a 50-year legal career, according to the Nova Scotia Judiciary.
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April 16, 2026
The Zoom paradox: When a judge’s words and his court’s actions collide
There is something deeply ironic unfolding within Ontario’s family court system — an irony that cuts to the heart of what access to justice actually means in practice.
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April 16, 2026
Estate challenges if your children live in the U.S.
When children are growing up and living at home, most families could not foresee the challenges involved when one or even all of them end up living in the U.S. Children often decide to live permanently in the U.S. to pursue employment opportunities following post-secondary education in the U.S. Or sometimes, they meet their future spouse while attending a U.S. university, co-habit or marry, have children and settle in the U.S.
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April 15, 2026
Manitoba giving more money for child and family services
Manitoba’s government is providing millions in additional funding to child and family welfare services in the province.