Christopher Merrilees

This decision addresses two applications concerning the estates of Anna Wojtaszynski and Bruno Wojtaszynski.

Daniela Lis, as Anna's Estate Trustee, sought a passing of accounts for two periods.

Mary Korol, a beneficiary and Bruno's Estate Trustee, objected to several disbursements and Daniela's compensation.

The court ordered the payment of a debt from Anna's Estate to Bruno's Estate.

It disallowed certain legal fees and an early distribution to one beneficiary (Liliane Brown) from Anna's Estate, citing the "even-hand rule." The court found that GICs received by Mary Korol were a gift, not an advance on inheritance, and the claim was time-barred.

Daniela's trustee compensation was reduced, not due to misconduct, but because some administrative work was performed by legal and accounting professionals.

The court noted that both parties contributed to the protracted litigation due to animosity and distrust, ordering them to bear their own costs for Bruno's Estate application.

This endorsement addresses cross-motions brought by the plaintiff, Nicole Roach, and the defendants, Estate of Daryl Roach and Rose Roach, concerning undertakings, questions taken under advisement, and refusals from examinations for discovery.

The underlying dispute involves the plaintiff's claim to an interest in property previously owned by her deceased father and stepmother.

The court ruled on the relevance of various questions and the production of documents, including communications with a property management company and witness contact information, and considered the waiver of solicitor-client privilege regarding city directives.