Krystyne Rusek

Krystyne Rusek

Lawyer

Assertive advocate, with proven results.

Krystyne Rusek specializes in estate litigation, acting for both individuals and trust companies in disputes involving estates, trusts, and powers of attorney.

Her practice encompasses will challenges, dependant support claims, fiduciary accountings, estate trustee removal and replacement, trust claims and disputes, guardianship applications, and power of attorney disputes.

In disputes, Krystyne assists through court proceedings or alternative dispute resolution in a conscientious and cost-effective manner. Her unique approach is reflected by her out-of-the-box thinking, her vigorous defence of meritless claims, and refusal to accept unreasonable demands by opposing parties. She regularly appears before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and has appeared at the Ontario Court of Appeal.

By anticipating issues arising from legislative changes, she provides timely advice to her clients through blogs and online articles.

In addition to her experience in estate litigation, Krystyne has a comprehensive background in other areas of law, including estate planning and administration, estate conveyancing, real estate, and not-for-profit and charities law.

Expertise

B.Sc. (Hons.), University of Toronto (1997)
J.D., University of Western Ontario (2003)

Called to the Ontario Bar, 2004

  • Public Affairs Liaison, Ontario Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Law Section Executive
  • Member, Law Society of Upper Canada
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Member, Ontario Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Law Section
  • Member, Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association
  • Member, Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Toronto

  • Acting for an estate trustee in opposing the disclosure of any records of the deceased as the claimants had not established a sufficient evidentiary basis for their claim, which was dismissed at minimal cost to the estate.
  • Acted as co-counsel and successfully voided the transfer of a house in a predatory marriage case. An elderly man had been financially targeted by his caregiver, who manipulated him into marrying her and transferring his home to her son.

  • Polish (working knowledge)
  • Ukrainian (working knowledge)

  • Krystyne Rusek – Pallett Valo Women Leadership Interview
  • Guest Lecturer, Osgoode Hall Law School, Estates Law Course – September, 2020
  • Joint Accounts, Presentation to Scotia Wealth Management Advisors – July, 2020
  • Estate Litigation Involving Charities and Not-for-Profits Churches, Charities, Not-For-Profits Knowledge Hub 2020 – May 2020
  • The Application of Limitation Periods in Will Challenges, OBA Institute – February, 2020
  • Speaker, “Make a Will Month”, OBA Program, Mississauga – November, 2019
  • Family Law Issues Within the Context of Estates and Estate Litigation: Recent Changes to the Succession Law Reform Act; Peel Law Association, Continuing Professional Development – January 2018
  • Posthumous Conception: Recent Changes to the Succession Law Reform Act and their Impact on Estate Law: 2017 Estates and Trusts Summit – October 2017
  • Wills, Powers of Attorney and Litigation Involving Estates and Loss of Capacity: Presentation to University Settlement, December 2016
  • Legal Aspects of Elder Abuse: Toronto Police College, Elder Abuse Investigators Course, October 2016
  • Buying and Selling Renovated Homes: McMaster, McIntyre & Smyth Client Information Seminar, March 2016
  • Estate Issues in Common-law Relationships and Second Marriages: Presentation to the Marie Curie Sklodowska Association, April 2015
  • Responsibilities of Attorneys and Estate Trustees: McMaster, McIntyre & Smyth Client Information Seminar, January 2014
  • Wills and Powers of Attorney: Presentation to the Marie Curie Sklodowska Association, April 2013
  • Estate Issues in Common-law Relationships and Second Marriages: Presentation to Marina del Rey Condominiums, April 2013
  • Real Estate Issues for First-Time Homebuyers: Presentation to RE/MAX clients, February 2013
  • Estate Planning: McMaster, McIntyre & Smyth Client Information Seminar, January 2013
  • Wills and Powers of Attorney: Presentation to Loyola Arrupe Centre for Seniors, September 2012

Featured In

Publications

Legislative Assembly of Ontario Toronto

Link opens in new window: Ontario Amends Estate Forms, Again, to Clarify Instructions

Published on: July 2022 News Category: In The Media
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