How to have a Productive meeting with your Estate Lawyer – Part 2
Last month we commented on how to have a productive meeting with your estate lawyer. We advise our estate clients to come to the appointment with as much information about their loved one’s affairs as possible including information about assets and debts. The lawyer will need information regarding bank accounts, vehicles, real estate, life insurance…
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How to have a Productive meeting with your Estate Lawyer – Part 1
Your first appointment with a lawyer after the passing of a loved one can be difficult and overwhelming because of the grief that you will feel. At our office, our first advice is always to bring a trusted friend or family member to the meeting with you. It is difficult for anyone grieving to absorb,…
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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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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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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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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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The Importance of Updating Your Wills
Wills can become out of date for any number of reasons. Perhaps your familial situation has changed so that the terms of the will no longer reflect your wishes. Sometimes the law changes, rendering parts of your will contradictory or confusing. Perhaps someone close to you has passed away, leaving a hole in your will.…
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