The applicant, Julia Michelle Bolland, brought a motion seeking a declaration that Ontario has jurisdiction over her family law proceeding, including divorce, custody, access, child support, spousal support, and equalization of net family property.
The respondent, David Drew Bolland, opposed this and brought a cross-motion to dismiss Julia's application, arguing she did not meet the 12-month residency requirement for divorce in Ontario and that Florida was the appropriate forum.
The court found that Julia was ordinarily resident in Ontario, that the child Lincoln's habitual residence was Ontario, and that Ontario had a real and substantial connection to the support and property claims.
The respondent failed to demonstrate that Florida was a more appropriate forum under forum non conveniens principles.
The applicant's motion was granted, and the respondent's motion was dismissed.