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what we do

Estate Litigation:
Protecting Your Legacy,
Resolving Disputes

Navigating Estate Litigation

Estate litigation can be an emotionally charged and complex process, particularly when disputes arise over wills, trusts, or the distribution of assets. For families and individuals, these conflicts can be overwhelming, often involving deep personal ties and significant financial stakes. We work diligently to protect your rights and ensure that the intentions of the deceased are respected, while also striving to resolve disputes efficiently and with as little stress as possible.

Estate Litigation That Protects Your Legacy

Estate litigation involves a range of complex legal issues, from disputes over wills and trusts to concerns about the actions of executors and trustees. Navigating these matters requires not only a deep understanding of the law but also a compassionate approach to the sensitive nature of these disputes. Our estate litigation services are designed to protect your rights and interests, whether you're challenging a will, seeking to address potential fraud, or ensuring that a loved one's wishes are respected. Below, we explore the key areas of estate litigation we specialize in.

Will Challenges - Will challenges involve disputing the validity of a will, which requires careful legal examination and evidence to prove that the will does not accurately reflect the true intention of the deceased.

Passing of Accounts - Estate accounting ensures that the financial management of an estate is conducted transparently and accurately. This process involves reviewing the actions of executors or trustees to verify that they have managed the estate's assets appropriately.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty- This arises when a personal representative or trustee - who must uphold fiduciary duties of honesty, prudence, and loyalty to the beneficiaries - breaches their fiduciary duty.

Estate and Trustee Removal - When an executor or trustee fails in their duties, whether through misconduct, negligence, or mismanagement, the removal of that individual may be necessary. Estate and trustee removal litigation seeks to protect the estate and its beneficiaries by appointing a more suitable individual to manage the estate's affairs, thereby safeguarding the assets and ensuring proper administration.

  • icon10 + years of Legal Experience
  • iconExpert Legal Team
  • iconTailored Solutions
  • iconClient-Centered Approach
  • iconProven Track Record
  • iconTransparent Communication
  • iconComprehensive Services
  • iconInnovative Problem-Solving
  • iconEfficient Resolution
  • iconCost-Effective Representation
  • iconCommitment to Integrity
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Reach out to us today

Let's talk about your case

  • (416) 923-0003
  • +1 (800) 891-2897
  • intake@melaw.ca
  • referral@melaw.ca
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Compassionate Guidance

Estate disputes often involve sensitive family dynamics and significant emotional stress. Our approach to estate litigation is rooted in empathy and understanding, ensuring that you receive the compassionate guidance needed during difficult times. We work closely with you to navigate these complexities with care, always prioritizing your peace of mind and the preservation of family relationships where possible.

Transparent Communication

Clear and transparent communication is essential in estate litigation. We keep you informed at every step of the process, explaining the legal options available and the potential outcomes. By maintaining open lines of communication, we ensure that you fully understand your case, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence. Our goal is to provide you with clarity and support throughout the legal process.

Protecting Your Loved Ones' Legacy
  • We work diligently to ensure that the wishes expressed in your loved one's will are honored, preserving their legacy as intended.
Personalized Estate Planning Solutions
  • We understand that each estate litigation case is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. Our firm is dedicated to offering personalized legal strategies that cater specifically to your needs. Whether you're dealing with complex inheritance disputes, trustee issues, or questions surrounding will validity, we tailor our approach to ensure that your rights are protected and your interests are fully represented. We work diligently to craft solutions that reflect your individual concerns and the nuances of your case.
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Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

FIND OUT ABOUT BECOMING A ME LAW CLIENT

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Can I contest a will?

Yes. If you were excluded or treated unfairly, and there’s evidence of undue influence or capacity issues, you may be able to challenge it.

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What Are the Grounds to Contest a Will?

In Ontario, there are several recognized legal grounds to contest a will...

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What Is the Most Common Grounds for Contesting a Will?

The most common legal grounds for contesting a will include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, improper execution, and fraud...

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What Is Undue Influence?

This occurs when someone manipulates the deceased into changing their will—often in secret or under pressure.

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How Do You Prove Undue Influence When Contesting a Will?

Proving undue influence can be challenging because it usually happens behind closed doors...

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What Evidence Do You Need to Contest a Will?

Successfully contesting a will requires gathering strong and persuasive evidence to support your claim...

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Under What Circumstances Can a Will Be Contested?

A will can be contested under specific legal circumstances that raise doubts about its validity or fairness...

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What Are the Chances of Contesting a Will and Winning?

The chances of successfully contesting a will depend on several key factors...

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What Is the Statute of Limitations on Contesting a Will in Ontario?

In Ontario, the statute of limitations for contesting a will varies depending on the type of legal claim...

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How Long After Probate Can Someone Contest a Will in Ontario?

In Ontario, you typically have two years to contest a will from the date you knew or ought to have known there was a legal issue...

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How Long Can You Contest a Will After Death in Canada?

In most provinces, including Ontario, the general limitations period for contesting a will is two years...

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How Long Do I Have to File an Estate Claim?

Timelines vary, but they are short. Some claims must be filed within 6 months of probate. Act early.

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How Do I File a Dependant’s Relief Claim?

If you were financially dependent on the deceased and were left with little or nothing, you may be entitled to support through the courts.

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What Documents You May Need?

To get started with your estate claim, we may need the following: The will and codicils Probate documents Estate accounting records Financial statements and bank records Any trust documents Medical records (for capacity claims) Property title and ownership records Written communications with the executor If you don’t have access to these yet, we can help you request or compel them.

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What to Do If You Don’t Trust the Executor of a Will?

If you’re worried that the executor is hiding information, delaying the process, or mismanaging estate assets...

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What to Do If the Executor Does Not Follow the Will?

An executor who does not carry out the instructions in the will may be in breach of fiduciary duty...

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What Happens If the Executor Refuses to Probate the Will?

If an executor refuses to initiate probate, the estate cannot be legally administered...

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What Happens If an Executor of a Will Steals the Money?

If an executor is caught stealing from the estate, it’s considered a serious breach of fiduciary duty...

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Can an Executor Be Removed?

Yes. If they breach their duties or delay distribution, the court can appoint a new trustee.

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Can You Remove an Executor from a Will?

Yes, you can apply to the court to remove an executor if there’s sufficient cause...

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How to Change the Executor of a Will in Canada After Death?

Executors cannot be casually replaced once appointed, but Canadian wills and estate law does allow changes...

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Can an Executor of a Will Evict a Beneficiary from the Property?

Yes, in some cases, an executor can evict a beneficiary from estate property...

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What Does the Estate Litigation Process Look Like?

It usually starts with document review and negotiations, but may involve court applications, mediation, or trials if unresolved.

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How Much Does Estate Litigation Cost?

Legal costs vary. We offer clarity up front and discuss cost-saving options whenever possible.

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What clients say about us

Reviews & Testimonials

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B.G.
B.G.

Entrepreneur

My experience with M E Law was nothing short of incredible. After searching, I found about 20 lawyer involved in estate litigation. They all set up appointments for over a month. Some didn't even respond. M E Law called me back the same night and was exceptional. Their fees were generally a tad less than others. While they did their best to accommodate me. From there they were extremely diligent in my case. At the end not only did they win my case. However their efficiency kept it to a cost less than I thought. They were during the whole experience caring and trustworthy. When you think about it. When have you ever had an experience like that anywhere with another lawyer. I never have. Choosing M E Law was the best thing I can ever do. If you are looking for a lawyer. Do yourself a favor call M E Law. You will not regret it. Bobby..one extremely happy client

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A.A.
A.A.

Entrepreneur

I am a passionate entrepreneur, visionary, and risk-taker. I have a number of successful businesses but, unfortunately, I got into a very serious problem with one of the creditors when things did not go according to plan. Regardless of all my good efforts to resolve it amicably, things spiraled out of my control. It could have ruined my other businesses on which my livelihood depends. I contacted another lawyer before May, and shockingly that lawyer didn’t even know what he was doing. Once litigation begins—asset freezes, etc.—even for professionals like myself, the Superior Court process can be intense and stressful. You really need a good lawyer. May did her very best and resolved it in the most effective manner possible. She works hard for her corporate clients, is candid, efficient, and always plans ahead. I will definitely use May for my future legal needs.

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D.W.
D.W.

Business Owner

May literally saved my life after I was about to lose my home. She worked very hard negotiating with other party's lawyer and also provided me with options on how to resolve my case that I didn’t even think of.

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F.S.
F.S.

Contractor

I am a very busy contractor, especially during the summer months. I also have my own real estate lawyer that I used to consult with before but, unfortunately, I came across a situation where I had to hire an actual Litigator as I got into a really weird situation with one of my former clients. To say the least it was a very unpleasant and very stressful experience for me, to the point where I almost started getting panic attacks as I never came across anything like that before. In any event, from the very first moment working with ME Law, they demonstrated a very professional approach and respect to us, in both taking us as new clients and working through the case. They thoroughly investigated what really had happened, collected all the evidence and almost built up a full scale court case to start the resolution process... so, thankfully, it is all over now! But my afterthoughts: it is always important to hire an experienced lawyer who totally acts on your side, understands how to handle such issues and really fights for you to the very end rather than creating additional risks to your business.

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S.D.N.
S.D.N.

Health professional

My case is still ongoing (as it was taken by insurance company lawyers now) but I definitely want to say big thanks to May after she started working with me regarding this totally vexatious litigation case brought against me. All in all, May has always shown me the greatest sense of respect, she would literally return your calls or emails almost within an hour or two, if not immediately, if she was available. She is a great professional and a very nice person to deal with.

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W.
W.

Writer

I knew May long before she became a lawyer but hadn’t kept in touch. My partner and I got into a legal dispute with his sister over estate property. Thankfully, May hadn’t changed—she did a terrific job helping us avoid a costly lawsuit. She told us there was no way to prevent the partition, but came up with a great strategy and negotiated the fees. We ended up buying out the property for a quarter of its total value.

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