The respondent husband made claims against his deceased wife's estate for contributions made to a duplex owned by the wife.
The parties had an oral agreement that the husband would acquire a half interest upon paying half the purchase price through monthly installments, but the wife died before payments were completed.
The husband also performed extensive maintenance and renovations.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the estate's appeal, holding that while the Family Law Reform Act did not apply to deceased spouses, the husband was entitled to the return of his payments in quasi-contract and compensation for his services based on the doctrine of constructive trust and unjust enrichment.
