Blaney McMurtry is pleased to congratulate Jim Edney, Hamza Naim and Joseph Slavec on their successful representation in Zhao v, Wang, 2026 ONSC 3821, a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Justice.
The decision considered whether the Ontario courts had jurisdiction over a family law dispute involving prior proceedings in China. The Court examined important principles governing jurisdiction in cross border family law matters, providing guidance on the appropriate forum for resolving disputes where proceedings have taken place in multiple jurisdictions.
In its decision, the Court addressed the application of Ontario's jurisdictional framework and reinforced the importance of carefully assessing the connection between the parties, the issues in dispute and any existing foreign proceeding before determining whether Ontario is the appropriate forum.
This decision offers helpful guidance for lawyers and clients involved in cross border family law disputes and highlights the complexities that can arise where multiple jurisdictions are engaged.
Congratulations to Jim, Hamza and Joseph on this excellent result.
Read the decision here.