Capacity Law

Total 143 Posts

Capacity Evaluation – the Role of Corroborative Information at CCB Hearings

In my last blog, I described the Court’s expectation for confirming a finding of incapacity: namely, that compelling evidence is required to override the presumption of capacity. Such evidence may include corroborative information. However, the Court has warned assessors to be alive to the presence of improper motives of informants who seek to have another found to be without mental capacity.[i] The Consent and Capacity Board (the “Board”) in Ontario….

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Appeals, Capacity Law, Credibility, Family Conflict, Guardianship, Healthcare

Striking a Balance With Temporary Guardianship Orders

Conflicting opinions about what is in the best interest of an incapable adult is at the core of many guardianship disputes. For example, adult siblings may disagree about the level of care their parent should be receiving or where their parent should live. Although rare, sometimes the conflicting views are between family members and the Public Guardian and Trustee (“PGT”). This was the situation in the recent decision of Public….

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Capacity Law, Guardianship

Costs in Capacity Litigation

The question of who will bear the costs of a proceeding at the end of the day is often hotly debated, but the matter may be more complex in cases where the litigation concerns the guardianship of, or issues relating to, an incapable individual. The court in Fiacco v. Lombardi (“Fiacco”) makes clear that “The exercise of the court’s discretion in respect of cost claims in capacity litigation should reflect….

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Capacity Law, Costs, Estate Litigation, Family Conflict, Guardianship

Suggested Instructions for Attorneys for Personal Care: Limitations of Authority

It is just as important to know the limitations of a power of attorney for personal care as it is to know your responsibilities…..

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Capacity Law, Elder Care, Elder Law, Elder Management, Family Conflict, Fiduciary Professions, Geriatric Care Management, Guardianship, Healthcare, Power of Attorney, Powers Of Attorney and Guardianship Disputes

The SDA and Parens Patriae Jurisdiction

Power of attorney and guardianship disputes are fairly common in the estate litigation world. Oftentimes, siblings proceed to court as a result of allegations of financial abuse or a failure to look after the health and care of an incapable parent, in accordance with what is required of an attorney for property and/or personal care. Families therefore fight over who should be appointed by the court as the incapable person’s….

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Capacity Law, Elder Care, Elder Management, Estate Litigation, Family Conflict, Geriatric Care Management, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Powers Of Attorney and Guardianship Disputes

“Hypothetical and Premature”: Challenge of Will, POAs, and Trust While Grantor Alive and Capable

A few months ago the Ontario Court of Appeal released its decision in Palichuk v. Palichuk, 2023 ONCA 116 (CanLII) (“Palichuk”) which upheld the decision of the applications judge. The applications judge dismissed a guardianship application and awarded costs against the appellant. The appellant sought guardianship of her mom and alleged that her mom lacked capacity to execute a will, powers of attorney for property and personal care, and transfer….

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Capacity Law, Powers Of Attorney and Guardianship Disputes
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