Kelly Santini LLP’s JP Zubec and Neelum Raja secured a decisive victory in Scharfe v. Poirier Estate. On January 24, 2025, the Honourable Justice Hackland overturned the transfer of real property by an elderly woman to her adult son, determining that the conveyance had to be set aside on the…
News & Resources
Ontario Court of Appeal Upholds Removal of Co-Estate Trustee for Obstructing Administration
Kelly Santini LLP’s JP Zubec and Neelum Raja secured a significant estate litigation victory at the Ontario Court of Appeal on behalf of their client. On January 17, 2025, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the July 28, 2023, decision of the Honourable Justice Gomery to remove a co-Estate Trustee…
Court Orders Step-Siblings to Return Funds to Estate and Pay Costs
Kelly Santini’s J.P. Zubec and Henry Bertoia achieved a successful result in a motion brought within a complicated estate dispute between step-siblings. The case arose out of the following facts: J.P. and Henry’s clients, Tracy and Virginia, were the children of a woman (Colleen) who left the vast majority of her estate to…
Unwanted Occupant of Estate Family Home Removed
As an Estate Trustee, you might find yourself in a difficult situation in which a family member of the deceased is unreasonably refusing to vacate the Estate house. Often these occupants are sons or daughters of the deceased who have been living rent free in the Deceased’s house for 30,…

Litigation Duo Joins Kelly Santini LLP
Kelly Santini is pleased to welcome the commercial and construction litigation team of John Melia and Kara Takagi to the firm. A leading commercial and construction lawyer, John Melia brings over 20 years of experience representing Canadian and international clients in the construction industry. His practice also includes advising on…

The Duties of an Estate Trustee
When a person passes away, their estate is usually administered by an executor or estate trustee. The duties of an estate trustee are numerous and varied, but can broadly be divided into two categories: administering the estate and distributing the assets. Another main duty of the trustee is to plan…

Key Amendments to the Succession Law Reform Act
For over two years, the pandemic has greatly impacted our way of life and has highlighted our modern society’s need for flexibility. The practice of law has been of no exception. Bill 245 – Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021, S.O, 2021, c.4 received royal assent on April 19, 2021,…

Kelly Santini Presents IBPoC Emerging Artist Award
Kelly Santini is honoured to be presenting this year’s Ottawa Arts Council Emerging Artist Award. The award recognizes and encourages the achievements of Ottawa artists who are in the early stages of their career in the arts and are working towards becoming recognized professional artists, while engaging with the community….