COVID-19 & the Practice of Law
The current COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone. Fortunately, Canadian society has met the challenge with the resolve and resilience we all expect. From our acceptance of social distancing to our generous contributions to local food banks, Canadians across the country have come together to mitigate the harm caused by the pandemic.…
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Applications to the Landlord Tenant Board
Though many parties to Landlord Tenant matters are self-represented, having a legal representative could save you time and money. Far too often, errors are made while drafting Applications in a Landlord Tenant Board matter. The error can be as simple as not properly describing the tenant’s unit. An error like this can lead to your…
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Common Pitfalls in Real Estate Agreements of Purchase & Sale
Chattels & Fixtures When you purchase a house, you will often find yourself purchasing a number of items on the property in addition to the house itself. Things like kitchen appliances that might be included in the agreement are considered chattels while things that can’t be easily removed from the property, like a garden shed,…
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The Importance of a Lease in the Landlord Tenant Relationship
Effective April 30, 2018, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 requires the use of a standard form of lease called the “Residential Tenancy Agreement” for most residential tenancies. The form is available online. The Agreement contains all of the details that a landlord will need to include in their lease and also provides notes throughout to…
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Changes to the Rules of the Small Claims Court
In Ontario, the Small Claims Court has jurisdiction to hear a wide range of civil matters. Currently, the maximum claim in the Small Claims Court is $25,000.00. However, changes are coming soon! Starting January 1st, 2020, the Small Claims Court’s monetary maximum will be increasing from $25,000.00 to $35,000.00. This will be of great benefit…
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Leaky Basements, Mould & Deception
As fall moves on, and summer becomes a distant memory, much of the real estate purchased throughout the summer will begin to reveal some unfortunate defects. As the autumn rains pick up, basements begin to spring leaks, mould grows and things begin to fall apart. Some of these defects are easily fixed. Many require large…
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Navigating A Settlement Conference
Whether you are a Plaintiff or a Defendant in a Small Claims Court matter, you are generally required to attend a Settlement Conference. Settlement Conference is a Court attendance where the parties to a Small Claims Court matter and their legal representatives, if retained, will meet with a Deputy Judge or referee to discuss the…
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What is a Paralegal and what can a Paralegal do for you?
In the Province of Ontario, paralegals are legal professionals who are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario to supply specific legal services including providing legal advice and representation for clients in some Courts such as small claims court, provincial offences court for traffic offences and minor criminal offences, and administrative tribunals such as the…
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Who has the power to make decisions on your behalf?
An increasingly common misconception I have been encountering as of late is the notion that spouses are entitled to make health care decisions on each other’s behalf. This entitlement supposedly arises as a result of marriage. Unfortunately, this is simply not true. The act governing who can make health care decisions on behalf of an…
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Trees, Nuisances and You
Trees are a wonderful thing. They filter our air, provide shade in the summer, and they brighten up the dreary fall. Trees are a valued and desirable element of any neighbourhood. They can also be a real nuisance. Why all this talk of trees? Because your trees or your plans for your property might be…
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