M.v. H. (1999)

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Gay and lesbian couples have been faced with limited financial support options once their relationships ended. The courts have done little in the way of proposing property and/or financial settlement measures for same-sex couples.

The case of M. v. H involved a woman, "M," who wanted to sue her former same-sex partner, "H", for support when their relationship dissolved. Because "M" is a lesbian, she discovered that she could not use an Ontario family law to gain financial support from "H."

The Supreme Court of Canada agreed that family law must include same-sex couples. LEAF intervened in this case because of its importance both to gay persons and to the development of equality law.

Supporting documents
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Supreme Court of Canada Decision (1999)