Real Estate
Should I waive my right to a home inspection?
We placed an offer on a house, which was accepted by the sellers. The agreement is conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection. The house was built only a few years ago and we are considering waiving our right to a home inspection. If we do, what rights do we have if we discover some deficiencies…
Read MoreMotor Vehicle Accidents & Limitation Periods:
I was injured in a car accident which was not my fault more than 3 years ago. I have just learned that as a result of my injuries I will need surgery and may never be able to work again. Before learning this from my doctor I had believed my injuries were not that serious…
Read MoreThe Importance of Annual Minutes
I have a corporation the shares of which are held only by me and members of my immediate family. Do I really need to have annual minutes? If your corporation is audited by the CRA and matters, such as the declaration of dividends, have not been formally documented by a written resolution of the directors…
Read MoreMotor Vehicle Accidents: Should you Report a Potential Claim to an Insurer?
I was at a party out in cottage country and I collided with a parked car while leaving. There was some damage. I thought it looked pretty serious, but the owner said if I paid $500 cash, it would be no problem. Is there any down side to this? Yes. It is risky to settle…
Read MorePartnerships: How do they work and how are they setup?
My friend and I have an idea for a business and we are considering forming a partnership. How does a partnership work and how should one be setup? Whether or not a partnership exists is a fundamentally a legal question. Ontario’s Partnerships Act says that a relationship between “persons carrying on a business in common…
Read MoreShort-Term Disability Insurance: What should you do when a claim is denied?
Question: I have been off work since May 2016 and have been trying to obtain short-term disability insurance since then. My doctor has provided me with three sick notes since then and at our last appointment she told me not to work. However, my application for short-term disability insurance has been denied. I’ve given the…
Read MoreSmall Businesses: Is it worth it to have a Lawyer review small contracts?
I run a small business and I have several small contracts that I am currently in the process of negotiating. Are these worth bringing to a lawyer for review? Depending on the type of contract, there are a number of areas a lawyer’s expertise can provide guidance, including contracts relating to employment or contractor relationships,…
Read MoreSole Proprietorship v Incorporation
I want to become an entrepreneur and start a business. Should I incorporate now, or start as a sole proprietorship and delay incorporation to a later date? The advisability of incorporation is dependent on the particular facts and personal preferences of the entrepreneur. The role of the lawyer and other professional advisors is to help…
Read MoreShareholders Agreements: What are they and why do you need one?
My business partner and I are the shareholders of our incorporated restaurant. Everything is going well between us but we’ve be told that we should have a shareholders agreement for our corporation. What is a shareholders agreement and why do we need one? A shareholders agreement is a contract between two or more shareholders of…
Read MoreSupport of Step-Children
My wife and I are separating after 7 years of marriage. Will I have to pay child support for my two step-children? The simple answer is “possibly”. In determining whether or not a step-parent will be required to pay support, there are several factors that merit consideration. The courts have determined that the test of…
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