General Information Posts


 

Cohabitation Agreements and Why You May Need One

Written by on November 9, 2018

A cohabitation agreement is an agreement between two parties who intend to live together but are not legally married. Even if a couple is planning to get married in the future, a cohabitation agreement can still be a good idea. These agreements are particularly important if one party owns the home and the other party […]
 

 

What is the Notwithstanding Clause and What Does Using It Mean?

Written by on September 11, 2018

Ontario politics and constitutional law have been in the news recently due to the unprecedented use of the “Notwithstanding Clause” contained in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. While legal scholars and law students are no doubt debating this with great interest, what does it really mean for an average Ontario resident? First of all, […]
 

 

Why Do you Need Title Insurance?

Written by on August 28, 2018

Title insurance became commonplace for real estate transactions in Ontario in the late 1990s. It replaces some expensive and time-consuming searches like building permit and work order searches. For a one-time fee, title insurance offers coverage for a variety of title issues, and is often cheaper and always faster to obtain than searches. Title insurance […]
 

 

Probate, or “Application for Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee”

Written by on August 15, 2018

Administering the estate of a family member or loved one who has passed away is always a difficult task. This process can be made more challenging if the deceased person did not leave a will or if a process often known as “probate” is required. “Probate” is a court process now known in Ontario as […]
 

 

Notarizing and Commissioning Documents

Written by on June 14, 2018

There may come a time when you need a document commissioned or notarized, whether it is for use in court or something as simple as a travel consent letter for one of your children. There is a distinction between a “commissioner of oaths” and a Notary Public. All lawyers and paralegals in Ontario are commissioners […]
 

 

Changes to Mortgage Rules and How It Could Affect You

Written by on April 10, 2018

  January 1, 2018 ushered in new mortgage rules for those looking to purchase homes or refinance their mortgage in Canada. These rules could affect the size of the mortgage a person or couple may qualify for, or even if they can secure a mortgage at all. The rules include a new “stress test” that […]
 

 

Dealing With the Assets of a Deceased Person

Written by on February 14, 2018

Administering the estate of a family member or loved one who has passed away is always a difficult task. This process can be made more challenging if the deceased person did not leave a will or if a process often known as “probate” is required. “Probate” is a court process now known in Ontario as […]
 

 

Why is there a Notice of Security Interest on My Home?

Written by on November 6, 2017

Renting water heaters in residential properties is quite common in Ontario. Companies are now beginning to offer rentals of furnaces and air conditioners as well, sometimes with rent-to-own options. Often these companies will send door-to-door salespeople around to pitch the rental contracts at potential customers. Like any legal contract, it is important to consider an […]
 

 

Receiving Independent Legal Advice on a Mortgage Transaction

Written by on June 20, 2017

Often during a refinance transaction, the homeowners and borrowers of the funds, or a guarantor of funds, will be asked by the lender (a bank, trust company, or private lender) to seek independent legal advice or “ILA” from a lawyer. It may seem like an unnecessary extra expense to borrowers (or guarantors) who may already be paying […]
 

 

Letters of Invitation

Written by on March 16, 2017

If you are residing in Canada as a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident and have friends or family coming to visit from another country, they may ask you to write them an invitation letter. Most often a visitor will need this type of letter if they are coming on a temporary resident or tourist visa. […]