COURT OF APPEAL FOR ONTARIO
Weiler, Sharpe and Blair JJ.A.
BETWEEN
Cari Segat
Applicant (Appellant)
and
Stephen Segat
Respondent (Respondent)
Counsel:
John J. Cardill, for the appellant
No one appearing for the respondent
Heard and released orally: January 9, 2015
On appeal from the judgment of Justice Martin S. James of the Superior Court of Justice, dated December 4, 2013.
ENDORSEMENT
1The respondent refused to disclose his net worth and did not pay any child support. His pleadings were struck. The respondent has outstanding criminal charges against him and he disappeared prior to trial.
2The trial judge declined to make an order for lump sum child support for the three children of the marriage and awarded ongoing monthly child support. The basis for the lump sum support claim was an actuarial report that calculated payments for each child to age 23 and made other assumptions that the trial judge declined to accept.
3The trial judge also ordered the appellant to pay the respondent an equalization payment of approximately $4000.
4The appellant appealed and submitted that no equalization payment should have been ordered having regard to the respondent’s refusal to disclose his net worth. We agree that the trial judge erred in this regard.
5With respect to child support, counsel for the appellant filed fresh evidence from an actuary as to the current value of the respondent’s child support obligations to age 18. Further there are outstanding costs awards. In addition, the record indicates that the appellant has paid the respondent’s share of the mortgage and other expenses relating to the house in their joint names and this is ongoing. The value of the respondent’s equity in the matrimonial home is approximately $160,000. In view of the fresh evidence, we assess the current value of the respondent’s support and other obligations at $156,000.
6We are satisfied that having regard to the non-payment of child support, the respondent’s refusal to disclose his net worth, the restraining order against him respecting the appellant and the children and the fact he has disappeared, this is an appropriate case in which to make a lump sum award of support. In addition, having regard to the respondent’s child support and other obligations, including his non-payment of his share of the mortgage and related costs respecting the house, a vesting order transferring his equity in the house to the appellant is the only way to satisfy the respondent’s obligations to the appellant and for child support. So ordered.
7To give effect to our order, paragraphs 4-8 and 10 of the trial judge’s order are set aside and an order transferring the respondent’s equity in the matrimonial home and vesting it in the appellant will issue.
8Costs of the appeal fixed in the amount of $5000 all inclusive are awarded to the appellant. Those costs may be deducted from the respondent’s equity in the matrimonial home prior to it being transferred and vested in the appellant.
“K.M. Weiler J.A.”
“Robert J. Sharpe J.A.”
“R.A. Blair J.A.”
