IS THERE SUPPORT AFTER DEATH? - What about Moral Obligations and the "Fair Share of Family Wealth" Analysis? - Part VII
As you know, we have dedicated a few recent blogs (see our June 30, 2006 and July 3, 2006 posts) to the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision in Cummings v. Cummings.
Perhaps, most notably, in determining the quantum of support to award in this decision, the Ontario Court of Appeal endorsed the concept of dependant's support as a re-distribution of family wealth or property.
In this regard, the Court stated (at paragraph 48):
There is another reason why the Tataryn approach fits in Ontario as well. The view of dependant's relief legislation as a vehicle to provide not only for the needs of the dependants (thus preventing them from becoming a charge on the estate) but also to ensure the spouses and children receive a fair share of family wealth, was also important to the Court's analysis in that case.
Just how awards for support under the Family Law Act will be affected by the Cummings v. Cummings decision remains to be seen. In resolving that problem, however, consideration of both the Tataryn and the Cummings cases must be given.
We hope you enjoyed our review of this important turning point in the area of dependant's relief, and we intend to continue to follow the issue and discuss further developments in future blogs.
All the best, Suzana and Ian. --------
