Claire practices in our Estate Litigation group where she assists clients faced with problems arising from death of a loved one, diminished mental capacity, and financial vulnerability. She represents guardians, beneficiaries, trustees, executors, attorneys under a power of attorney, and individuals whose capacity has been challenged. Claire works with clients from Kingston and throughout eastern Ontario including Belleville, Prince Edward County, Napanee, Perth, and Brockville.
Claire provides advice to clients on the following matters:
- Power of attorney disputes
- Guardianship applications
- Will challenges
- Will interpretations and intestacies
- Passing of estate, trustee, attorney, and guardian accounts
- Elder abuse and power of attorney fraud
- Executor misconduct claims including applications to remove estate trustees
- Dependant support applications
Claire first became interested in estate and capacity law as a law student working at the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly. After finishing law school, Claire began her career as counsel at the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. She moved to Kingston and joined Cunningham Swan in 2018 where she continues to work in the areas of estate litigation and elder law. In particular, Claire represents clients contesting a will or power of attorney, seeking appointment as guardian, or disputing the validity of gifts and transfers. Claire works with clients from investigating the facts and gathering evidence, creating a strategy, and counseling clients on managing the conflict in their family, through to representing clients at court or mediation.
She knows that problems in this area of law can arise unexpectedly and when families are grieving. She explains the intricacies of the law clearly and provides creative solutions. She understands the personal nature of the legal issues; she gives dedicated advocacy for practical, principled solutions that allow you to move forward with your life.
When not working as an estate litigation lawyer, Claire enjoys playing piano, skiing, and exploring Kingston and the surrounding areas with her husband and son.
Claire can be reached at 613-546-8087.
