The Contested Passing of Accounts - Part 1 of 3
My blogs over the next three days will relate to certain aspects of preparation for the hearing of a contested passing of accounts. Today’s blog will touch upon the parties, the scheduling of the hearing, and the preparation of documents/productions for trial.
The issue of whether all of the parties who ought to be involved in the passing are involved, and, if so, whether any of the parties who do not have representation need representation, must be considered. In considering who the appropriate parties are, or should be, the following questions might be asked: Are there self-represented parties? Have they been notified of all matters related to the proceeding? Has any party filed a Notice of No Objection to the accounts? Has anyone filed a Statement of Submission of Rights (if so, have they been served by the applicant/plaintff with written notice of the time and place of the hearing)? Is a minor involved (Rule 7.03(2), The Office of the Children’s Lawyer)? Is there an adult party who is disabled (Rule 7, The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee)? Is a representation Order necessary (Rule 10)?
Regarding the scheduling of the hearing, an order of the Court for directions, or otherwise, at any pre-trial stage, or at the pre-trial conference might address same. It may be that the date of the trial, fixed in its length, is to be fixed by the Registrar on a date mutually convenient to the parties. If, on the other hand, the proceeding is to be set down for trial, Rule 48.01 of the Rules of Civil Procedure allows for the proceeding to be set down for trial after the close of pleadings and when a party is ready for trial. In any case, inquiries should be made with the Court office about where the trial is to take place to determine what, if any, forms need to be filed with the Court to confirm that the trial is to proceed.
Regarding the preparation of documents/productions for trial, it is critical that the documents in respect of the proceeding be organized prior to trial. If the documents necessary for the trial are not in counsel’s possession when preparing for trial, for whatever reason, they should be obtained prior to trial. Such documents include, but are not limited to, all pleadings, the estate accounts, certificate of appointment, prior Judgments for passing of accounts, all Orders regarding the passing of accounts, all Notices of Objections (and withdrawals), Statements of Submission of Rights, Consents/Releases of any party, Affidavits of Service, and the documents exchanged between the parties as a result of the Rules of Civil Procedure, any agreement of the parties, and/or Court Order.
Issues of privilege regarding the documents should also be dealt with prior to trial.
Thanks for reading.
Craig
