Bachand v. Leclair et al.
CLAUDE BACHAND, by his litigation guardian, GENEVIÈVE BACHAND
Law Firm / Organization
MBC Law Professional Corporation
DANIELLE LECLAIR
Law Firm / Organization
Soloway Wright LLP
Lawyer(s)

Hayley Crawhall

MARC AGOSTINI
Law Firm / Organization
David | Sauvé LLP
Lawyer(s)

Charles Daoust

Background:

  • The case involves the sale of a jointly owned property at 145 & 147 Columbus Avenue, Ottawa.
  • Both Claude Bachand and Danielle Leclair held 50% of the property in trust for Marc Agostini.
  • Dispute arose over dividing the proceeds after selling the property.
  • Consent order resolved Agostini's claim to 50% of the proceeds plus costs from Leclair.
  • Main issue: whether Bachand retained a 25% interest or held it in trust for Leclair.

Key Points:

  1. Ownership and Purchase:
    • Property bought in 2013; Bachand, Leclair, and Agostini listed as buyers.
    • Agreement between Leclair and Agostini stated equal ownership, with Agostini retaining 50%.
  2. Declaration of Trust:
    • March 27, 2013: Declaration signed by Bachand and Leclair recognizing Agostini's 50% beneficial interest.
    • No similar declaration for Leclair's beneficial interest over Bachand's 25%.
  3. Financial Contributions:
    • Down payment and expenses paid equally by Leclair and Agostini.
    • Bachand did not contribute financially beyond securing the mortgage.
  4. Legal Arguments:
    • Applicant: Bachand should retain 25% interest due to his risk in securing the mortgage.
    • Respondent Leclair: Bachand held his interest in trust for her, citing no financial contribution or intent to retain ownership.

Decision:

  • Resulting Trust: Court ruled Bachand held his 25% interest in trust for Leclair due to lack of financial contribution and intent to retain ownership.
  • Proceeds Distribution: Leclair entitled to remaining net proceeds after Agostini's share.
  • Costs: Parties encouraged to resolve costs; if not, written submissions allowed within 15 days.

Justice Labrosse concluded Bachand's interest was held in trust for Leclair, granting her the remaining net proceeds from the sale.

 

Superior Court of Justice - Ontario
CV-22-90652
Civil litigation
$ 5,500
Respondent