Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Article | October 13, 2026
Capacity, Undue Influence and the Least Restrictive Alternative: Melcher v. Melcher
This article examines Melcher v. Melcher, which considered the capacity of an 82-year-old woman with dementia and her competing estate documents. While the Court set aside documents made under her spouse's undue influence, it appointed her children as guardians and litigation guardians, despite finding she could still grant a Power of Attorney for personal care. The article argues these orders reflect "broader intervention than the statutory findings require," at the expense of her autonomy.
Legislative Update | October 02, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 28
Ontario Judicial Appointments: The Honourable Sean Fraser, announced eight judicial appointments to the Court of Appeal of Ontario and Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. The appointments were done under the judicial application process established in 2016, emphasizing transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population.
Legislative Update | September 25, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 21
Starlink Costs: Ontario’s new Treasury Board President, Kinga Surma, declined to disclose how much the Ford government spent cancelling its $100 million agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service. When asked, Surma said, “the decision remained with the taxpayer, that was a big component of our election and the people voted to cancel the contract,” explaining that the government will “continue to move forward with [their] broadband strategy.”
Legislative Update | September 18, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 14
New Judicial Vacancies: There are currently several active priority vacancies in the Ontario Court of Justice, including Cornwall, Eliot Lake, Pembroke, Thunder Bay and Timmins. Candidates who wish to be considered for a judicial appointment are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
Legislative Update | August 10, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of August 3
Provincial By-Elections: Premier Ford has called byelections in three Ontario ridings: Scarborough Southwest, York–Simcoe and Hamilton East–Stoney Creek. The voting day will be on Sept. 3.
News | July 07, 2026
AI is Reshaping Legal Practice. Are You Ready?
Why Ontario lawyers are marking August 18 on their calendars.
Article | June 08, 2026
Vigilance Required to Protect Against AI-Facilitated Elder Abuse
While Artificial intelligence (AI) has increased productivity and innovation, it has amplified the challenges in the elder law landscape. Seniors have become the target of scams and other crimes involving AI. Older Canadians are particularly susceptible to these fraud schemes as AI becomes more sophisticated. For elder law practitioners, understanding how AI is reshaping financial abuse, undue influence, and fraud is essential, not only for litigation and estate disputes, but also for planning and client education.
Article | June 03, 2026
Why Where You Post Legal Career Opportunities Matters More Than Ever
In hiring lawyers, context, credibility, and connection can shape better outcomes for employers and candidates alike.
