What does the 'dependants' relief' legislation in Ontario aim to address?

The 'dependants' relief' legislation in Ontario is specifically designed to address situations where a deceased person did not adequately provide for their dependants in their will or through the distribution of their estate. This legislation acknowledges that certain individuals, such as spouses, children, or other dependants, may have a reasonable expectation of support from the deceased person.

Under this framework, dependants can come forward to claim their entitlement if they believe they have not received fair provision from the estate. The legislation serves to promote fairness and social justice by ensuring that individuals who relied on the deceased for financial support are not left in hardship due to the terms of a will or the distribution of assets. This legal mechanism underscores the importance of recognizing dependants' needs, regardless of the deceased's testamentary intentions.

This focus on ensuring that dependants who were inadequately provided for can seek an interest from the estate reflects a broader understanding of familial duty and support, distinguishing it from other options that relate to taxation, equal distribution, or age mandates.