Ontario’s New Home Purchase Agreements Are Changing in 2027: What You Need to Know
Beginning January 1, 2027, new requirements from the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) will make Ontario’s new home purchase agreements clearer for buyers and require industry professionals to update their practices. What’s Changing? Some of the changes coming include the introduction of a 10-day cooling off period, new mandatory information sheets and updated addenda that […]
A Better Way to Use AI in Your Estate Planning: Come Prepared, Save Costs
Estate planning is a crucial step in safeguarding your legacy and ensuring your wishes are protected. For many clients, the process can feel overwhelming due to the time and emotional energy required to make thoughtful decisions about distribution of assets, intended beneficiaries, and personal wishes. One of the most significant factors influencing the cost and […]
Incapacity Planning: The Importance of Preparing Powers of Attorney
Often coupled with estate planning, incapacity planning is a key component to ensuring your wishes are protected when you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. It is important to designate a substitute decision maker whom you trust to act in your best interests, and equally important to ensure this person is duly authorized […]
Planning for a Loved One on ODSP: The Tools That Can Protect Their Benefits
This is the second in a two-part blog post on estate planning for families with a loved one on ODSP. In our first post, we explained how an unplanned inheritance can unintentionally disqualify an ODSP recipient from their benefits. In this post, we walk through some of the legal tools available to prevent that from […]
My Family Member is on ODSP: Why Your Estate Plan Matters More Than You May Think
If you have a family member who receives Ontario Disability Support Program (“ODSP”) benefits, you may already be thinking carefully about their future. What happens to their housing, their care, their day-to-day support when you are no longer here? These are not easy questions, but they are exactly the right ones to be asking, and […]
Elder Abuse in Ontario: Warning Signs, Legal Remedies, and Prevention
Each year on June 15, communities around the world recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness about a deeply concerning and often underreported issue: the abuse and neglect of older adults. In Ontario, where a growing segment of the population is over the age of 65, elder abuse is an increasingly […]
The Role of An Estate Trustee in Ontario
Being named an estate trustee (commonly referred to as an executor) is often considered an honour; it reflects a high level of trust and confidence. However, many people are surprised to learn just how significant, risky and time-consuming the role can be. Acting as an estate trustee in Ontario involves legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities […]
Home Purchases: Avoiding Five Common Legal Mistakes
Calling all Ontario homebuyers! In the excitement of purchasing your first home, relocating, or downsizing, it can be easy to lose track of critical legal details. While you focus on price, location, and style, keep an eye on these five common legal mistakes made during resale home transactions, and use our tips to avoid them. […]
When Aging Parents Refuse Help: A Difficult but Common Conversation
Q: As my parents’ Attorney for Personal Care, I am worried. My 92-year-old father and my 89-year-old mother live together in a single detached home, but refuse to accept the help and support that I am trying to arrange for them. My 90-year-old aunt just fell and broke her hip, and the doctors say she […]