July 30, 2026
In 2009, a mother transfers $150,000 to her eldest son so he can close on his first house. Nothing is signed. She mentions to a neighbour that he will pay her back “when he is on his feet.” She tells the son it is “his share, early.” Meanwhile, her daughter gives up an apartment and a job in another city, moves into the family home and spends 11 years caring for her mother, on the strength of an assurance repeated over many Sunday dinners: the house will be yours. The mother dies in 2024. Her will divides the estate equally among her three children.
July 29, 2026
Ontario’s top court has ruled that a woman’s interest in a family trust created during an estate freeze was not a gift from a third party after marriage, a finding that led to an $18-million equalization payment to her former husband.
July 29, 2026
Appeal by appellant from a variation order of the Court of King’s Bench (Family Division) that reduced spousal support on a graduated basis to a nominal amount following the termination of child support.
July 28, 2026
Choosing an executor is one of the most consequential decisions in estate planning. An executor is a fiduciary required to act honestly, impartially, and in the best interests of the estate over their own. Where an executor’s personal obligations, financial interests, or relationships conflict with these duties, these conflicts of interest can lead to family disputes, high legal costs, and can jeopardize proper estate administration.
July 24, 2026
This is the scenario: John and Jane each purchase a real property in Ontario in 2003, to which they take title in their names alone. John purchases a residential property for $2,000,000 (“John’s property”) and Jane purchases a cottage property for $1,000,000 (“Jane’s property”). In 2006, John and Jane become common law spouses and go back and forth between living at their respective properties — typically John’s during the fall and winter months and Jane’s during the spring and summer months. John and Jane never enter into any domestic agreement. Both were previously married and have children from prior marriages, who are their primary beneficiaries and not each other.
July 24, 2026
The law governing residential tenancies under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17 (RTA), has evolved significantly since its enactment. A recent landmark decision from the Ontario Court of Appeal has fundamentally reshaped how risk is allocated in residential tenancy litigation in Ontario.
July 23, 2026
The Northwest Territories has new legislation to better support victims of family violence, including laws that formally recognize stalking, give people greater ability to protect themselves and allow victims to sue perpetrators.
July 23, 2026
Eleanor practised family law. She was good at the technical stuff, but not so good at dealing with clients. Especially vulnerable clients, such as people getting divorced.
July 23, 2026
Is it time to acknowledge and address the gap in practical education, practical readiness and practical understanding for the public in family law matters?
July 23, 2026
Appeal by appellant from aspects of a final family law order, and application by respondent to quash or stay the appeal due to non-compliance. The appellant, who did not attend trial, sought to vary orders relating to child and spousal support arrears, mortgage credit, and findings of contempt.