How Do I Know If I Am the Beneficiary of an Estate?
The first place to start as a potential beneficiary of an estate is to check probate records. Once a Will is probated in Ontario, it becomes a public document, meaning it can be searched at the Superior Court of Ontario. If your relative had a Will, it may or may not have been probated. Probating […]
Ahluwalia v Ahluwalia and the (Possibly) New Tort of Family Violence
The legal community, and certainly family law practitioners in Canada, continue to wait with bated breath on the impending decision from the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) in relation to the Ahluwalia v Ahluwalia matter, and specifically, the possibility of new tort of violence. Background The parties in Ahluwalia were married in India in 1999 […]
Specific Performance Remedy Now Available in Certain Commercial Lease Disputes
You have signed a commercial lease with a landlord, but the landlord will not vacate or remove its property from the leased premises. What are you to do? You could sue the landlord for monetary damages. However, a recent Ontario case, Bellwoods Brewery Inc. v. 1896841 Ontario Limited, 2023 ONSC 2845 (“Bellwoods Brewery”), that was […]
Why Should You Consider a Charitable Bequest in Your Will?
When one considers drawing up a last Will, one of the most important decisions, if not the most important, is who the beneficiaries are. In most instances, it’s their spouse, children, grandchildren and close family and friends. Charities are also considered when testators want to gift to causes close to their heart as a way […]
How Does Divorce Work in Ontario?
Navigating a divorce is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional process. If you are considering divorce in Ontario, it is important to understand the process and what the next steps may look like for you. This blog post will guide you through the key aspects of applying for divorce in Ontario. Governing Laws Divorces in Canada […]
Canada’s Final State of PFAS Report Reveals 100+ Federal Contaminated Sites—Is Your Property at Risk?
This blog post provides a high-level overview of the federal government’s recent final State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report (the “Report”) and accompanying proposed Risk Management Approach for PFAS (the “PFAS Risk Management Approach”). It highlights key findings, particularly the identification of PFAS “hot spots” and federally designated PFAS contaminated sites listed in […]
Navigating Real Estate Transactions in Ontario: A Guide for Non-Residents
Ontario’s real estate market can present a rewarding opportunity for non-residents buying or selling property, but it requires careful planning and expertise. There are a few considerations that a non-resident buyer or seller could consider to avoid costly mistakes: Non-Resident Sellers: Certificate of Compliance If you are a non-resident selling property in Ontario, obtaining a […]
Planning for Incapacity: Powers of Attorney and Living Wills
Life is unpredictable, and while it’s easy to assume that we will always be able to make our own decisions, there might come a time when we can’t. Whether due to an accident, illness, or aging, incapacity can happen to anyone regardless of age or financial situation. It is, therefore, essential to plan ahead. One […]
Managing Environmental Risk: Key Considerations for Sellers in Property and Business Transactions
Environmental liability is a critical concern for sellers involved in property and business transactions. Without the right protections in place, unexpected liabilities can surface even after the deal closes. To mitigate these risks, sellers should carefully assess key factors such as environmental due diligence, contractual representations and warranties, indemnities, and insurance coverage. A common misconception […]
