#694 – Ontario Superior Court of Justice – Modernizing the Justice System
Release Date: 06/18/2024
721 - Quebec’s Parental Union Reform
Hull on Estates
This week on Hull on Estates, Natalia Angelini and Geoffrey Sculthorpe discuss a major change in Quebec’s family law framework, with the introduction of the Parental Union regime, taking effect on June 30, 2025. Blogs referenced:
info_outline
720 - The History and Application of Mutual Will Agreements
Hull on Estates
This week on Hull on Estates, Jonathon Kappy and Doug Higgins discuss the history and application of mutual will agreements – as well as some considerations for individuals and solicitors considering the use of this unique estate planning mechanism.
info_outline
719 - The Robe & the Robot: The Use of AI Tools in Legal Practice
Hull on Estates
This week on Hull on Estates, Nick Esterbauer and Darien Murray explore the evolving role of AI tools in the legal industry. They discuss real-world application, risks to consider, and AI’s day-to-day impact in the legal profession. The link to the LSO resource centre on using technology and artificial intelligence is:
info_outline
718 - Exploring Collaborative Law in Estate Practice
Hull on Estates
This week on Hull on Estates, Boris Eng sits down with Sydney Osmar to explore collaborative law, a new form of alternative dispute resolution making its way into estate law. Discover how this innovative approach can help reduce costs, preserve family relationships, and avoid the adversarial nature of traditional litigation.
info_outline
717 – Panchyshyn v. Pietron: When an Estate Trustee Requires a Temporary Leave
Hull on Estates
This week on Hull on Estates, Doreen So and Aaron Chan discuss the decision of Panchyshyn v. Pietron, 2025 ONSC 2324, a case involving the Court’s exercise of its inherent jurisdiction to appoint interim executors and trustees in circumstances where an estate trustee requires a temporary leave of absence for health reasons. Panchyshyn v. Pietron, 2025 ONSC 2324
info_outline
716 - Beirat v. Khiyal: An Issue of Standing Re Claims Brought on Behalf of an Estate
Hull on Estates
This week on Hull on Estates, Stuart Clark and Aleida Prinzen discuss the Ontario Court of Appeal decision of Beirat v. Khiyal, 2024 ONCA 790, where the Court examines the issue of standing as it relates to claims being brought on behalf of an estate. See also David M. Smith’s recent blog on the case . Beirat v. Khiyal, 2024 ONCA 790 (CanLII),
info_outline
715- Balkinson v. Sandy: A Mother's Gift Gone Wrong
Hull on Estates
This week on Hull on Estates, join Natalia Angelini and Shawnee Matinnia as they explore Balkinsson v. Sandy, a case where a mother's attempt to reclaim gifted property was thwarted by her own text messages.
info_outline
714 - Digital Expressions of Testamentary Intentions: An Ontario Perspective
Hull on Estates
In this podcast, Jonathan Kappy and Ruth Aruliah discuss the Saskatchewan case of Haines v Kuffner Estate, which explored whether the proposed will was a valid testamentary document despite it not being executed in complete compliance with the formal requirements of The Wills Act and whether the same outcome would occur if this were done in Ontario.
info_outline
713 - Impact of Probate
Hull on Estates
This week on Hull on Estates, Nick Esterbauer and Megan Zanette discuss the possible legal and practical impact of probate, once granted, and the recent decision of Cooke Family Trust et al. v. Dioguardi et al., 2025 ONSC 370.
info_outline
712 - Hotner et al v. Norman - Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals
Hull on Estates
In this podcast, Doreen So and Mark Lahn discuss the case of Hotner et al v. Norman, which involves a daughter who depleted her elderly mother's estate while acting as her caregiver. Doreen and Mark examine the case and discuss the intersection of family caregiving, fiduciary duties, and the remedies available where vulnerable individuals experience financial exploitation.
info_outlineThis week on Hull on Estates, Doreen So and Margarita Grup review the key developments and modernization initiatives that were outlined in the 2019-2023 report from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, including future initiatives for further digitalization of our system in an effort to improve access to justice.