Franchise Agreement Red Flags — Part One
So you are considering becoming a franchisee. You have done your research and settled on a particular franchise, and now the franchisor has provided you with a disclosure package containing, among other documentation, your franchise agreement. You are excited, and with good reason. You have worked hard to get to this point and deserve to […]
No-Fault Divorce: Timelines in the UK and Canada
In Canada, the most common reason given by an Applicant seeking a divorce with or without the agreement of the other spouse is separation. That means that they have lived separate and apart for a minimum of one year prior to the court signing a Divorce Order. In parts of the UK (England and Wales), […]
Managing Marijuana at Work
The upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana has some employers afraid that their employees will soon be taking smoke breaks of a different kind, with corresponding negative impacts on productivity. Employers should rest assured that they are able to set parameters around marijuana use at work; however there are important distinctions between medical and recreational consumption. […]
You’ve been served…now what?
Being named as a defendant and served with a claim in Ontario can be overwhelming, often coming out of left field. If it is your first time involved in the litigation process, there are several important things you should be aware of. Determine which level of court you are in In Ontario, different courts govern […]
Drugs and Alcohol at Work – Addiction and Accommodation
Setting Expectations Rare is the workplace that permits consumption of alcohol during work hours, aside from special occasions or a client lunch. Indeed, most workplaces have rules that require employees to refrain from consuming alcohol or illicit drugs while working or from attending at work under the influence. The upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana means […]
Employment Expenses – Child Support Guidelines
The Federal Child Support Guidelines indicate how much child support is payable, based on the payor’s income and the number of children. The Guidelines also set out rules stating how a payor’s income for child support should be determined. The starting point, according to section 16 of the Guidelines, is the payor’s line 150 income. There are […]
Good Faith in Contractual Negotiations and Performance – Civil vs Common Law
When you are preparing your contract negotiations, be aware that obligation of good faith is different in Quebec from the rest of Canada. Under Quebec Law The duty of good faith has long being recognized and firmly rooted in the civil law tradition that governs the Province of Quebec. Such principle has been codify in […]
Improving Your Cash Flow – Tax Tip
Many people look forward to receiving an income tax refund each spring. However, a refund means the taxpayer has overpaid taxes and it may be a sign of lack of tax planning. In simplistic terms, a taxpayer who receives a refund has been “loaning” the government money. A refund means that you have had […]
Court Overturns Decision and Rules that Promissory Note is a Security
A promissory note is a signed written promise to pay a specified sum of money to another party by a certain date in accordance with terms typically set out in the note. Promissory notes are frequently used by small business owners with cash flow issues who need to borrow money and pay suppliers. Small business […]