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Wills, Trusts & Estates
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April 24, 2026
Ontario FOI changes ‘one of the most serious attacks on the public’s right to know’ in years: expert
The Ontario government has fast-tracked legislation through the provincial legislature that makes significant changes to the province’s freedom of information (FOI) laws, a move observers are calling “undemocratic” and dangerous.
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April 24, 2026
The hidden stress of workload management on young lawyers
Young lawyers expect to spend their early years learning how to research, draft, negotiate and advocate in court. Those skills are difficult, but at least they are taught openly. A senior lawyer will hopefully demonstrate how to structure a factum, mark up your work and explain what “good” looks like.
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April 23, 2026
Saskatchewan introduces bill to bring in associate judges for King’s Bench
Taking its cues from a handful of other provinces, Saskatchewan has introduced legislation that would add associate judges to its Court of King’s Bench.
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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
MLT Aikins adds Steven Prysunka in Edmonton office
MLT Aikins has welcomed Steven Prysunka as an associate in its Edmonton office.
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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 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 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 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.
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April 10, 2026
ABSENTEES - Rebuttal of presumption - Existence of strong motive for disappearance - Standard of proof
Appeal by Riddle from a judgment of the Quebec Court of Appeal which allowed in part an appeal. In 2008, Riddle’s spouse, Imanpoorsaid, informed her that he was going to Toronto, which was not unusual in his line of work. However, he never returned.