March 1, 2021: Order For Compliance: Interlocutory or Final?

“The order under appeal was made in the course of ongoing family law proceedings. The order requires that the appellant make certain payments, including monthly spousal and child support payments to the respondent.

Paragraph 7 of the order reads:

In the event that the Husband fails to comply with paragraph 5 above, the Wife may move without further notice to the Husband to strike his pleadings involving all financial issues between the parties.

The appellant appeals essentially on the ground that he genuinely cannot pay the amounts ordered and that the effect of para. 7 is to deny him any opportunity to participate any further in the ongoing proceedings. Counsel for the appellant refers to this as a “catch 22”.

The appellant’s credibility in this litigation has been the subject of adverse comment. His asserted impecuniosity is strongly challenged by the respondent. In any event, even if the appellant is impecunious, that fact does not assist in determining the appropriate appellate forum. We agree with counsel for the moving party that the terms of the order requiring payments towards spousal and child support are interlocutory. A term like para. 7, directed at the consequence of non-compliance with the order, cannot alter the nature of the order: see J.K. v. Ontario, 2017 ONCA 332, at para. 18.

The order is interlocutory. The appeal is quashed. We do not reach the motion for security for costs.”

        Benarroch v. Abitbol, 2018 ONCA 203 (CanLII) at 2-5