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What is a child? In everyday life, this is an innocuous question with a simple answer – you kind of know one when you see one. Whether you’re going to the movies, dining at a buffet, or riding the subway, what most people consider to be a “child” is clear, give or take a couple of years.

In the legal realm, however, what a defines a child can have far more significant consequences than a discounted movie ticket. This seemingly straight forward question can mean the difference between a sizeable inheritance and being entitled to little or nothing at all. The reason is that children are entitled special rights in Ontario pursuant to the Succession Law Reform Act[1. R.S.O., 1990 c. S. 26.] (the “SLRA”) and the common law.

Imagine the following scenario. John and Edward open a shop together in 2009. While running the shop, John steals $1,000 out of the register. Edward finds out and confronts John who apologizes and promises not to do it again. Three years pass, the partnership breaks up and in anger Edward steals pens from the business worth $1,000. John sues Edward for the theft of merchandise. What are Edward’s options?

The bond described by s. 35 of the Estates Act is meant to secure the protection of both the beneficiaries and creditors of the estate.

This case deals with an application where the executors sought advice from the court about a painting that was alleged to be part of the estate.

A recent article in the financial post cited a CIBC Poll of 3,021 randomly selected Canadian Adults, which found that 76% of Canadian parents with a child 18 years or older would give their kids a financial boost to help them move out, get married, or move in with a partner.

We expect over 200 people for the May 30, 2018 seminar.  I wanted to publicly say thank you to our Title Sponsors Scotia Wealth Management and B’nai Brith as well as all our other sponsors.  As well, I would be remiss if I forgot to thank all the committee members, presenters and staff at myRead more

We only litigate. In our collective experience, the lawyers at our firm have witnessed a great deal of conduct by lawyers toward other lawyers that falls far short of what the Rules of Professional Conduct require. We have also witnessed individuals representing themselves who appear to feel licensed to insult and verbally abuse opposing counsel and even the court.

Some 17 years ago I approached Frank Dimant, the then CEO of B’nai Brith with an idea. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could be part of the continuing legal education process for accountants and lawyers servicing our community? At that point in time there were few programs around that brought in first-tier professionals at a kosher venue that address both issues of interest from both a Jewish and secular law prospective.

The CJN dealt with this in the context of the upcoming B’nai Brith CLE seminar on May 30, 2018, and it features Rabbi Torczyner, Archie Rabinowitz and other presenters who are participating in the vignette and panel discussion on this issue.

Howard Black, Kimberly Whaley, Sharon Shore, Charles Ticker, Caroline Abela and Raquel Goldberg are featured in this week’s Canadian Jewish Newspaper piece about the upcoming B’nai Brith seminar on May 30, 2018.