Frequently Asked

We offer a brief introductory call to understand your matter and explain how we can help. Fee arrangements are discussed up front before any work begins.

It is strongly recommended. Under Ontario law, the Business Corporations Act sets default rules but does not cover key issues like how decisions get made, how profits are shared, or what happens if one partner wants to leave. A shareholders’ agreement records those terms while everyone is still on good terms, which can prevent costly disputes down the road.

Yes. Under Ontario law, only a lawyer can complete the closing and register the transfer of a property. Your lawyer searches title, arranges title insurance, handles the funds, and makes sure ownership transfers properly, which a real estate agent is not licensed to do.

Not always. In Ontario, probate is usually needed when a bank, the land registry, or another institution asks for a Certificate of Appointment before releasing assets. Smaller estates or jointly held property can sometimes pass without it. We can review the specific assets and tell you whether probate is likely required.

Under Ontario’s Limitations Act, 2002, most civil claims must be filed within two years of when you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the problem. Some claims have different deadlines. Because the clock can run quietly while you are still negotiating, it is worth getting advice early.

Immigration is federal. IRCC sets the programs, eligibility rules, and processing times nationwide. Provincial Nominee streams exist, but Ontario simply nominates candidates — final approval still comes from IRCC in Ottawa.

For a divorce based on marriage breakdown, the most common path is living separate and apart for one year. You can still sort out parenting, support, and property issues during that year, and you can begin the process before the year is up.

There is no rush. Severance offers often reflect only the ESA minimum, not what the common law may entitle you to. It is worth having the offer reviewed before you sign, because signing usually closes the door on asking for more later.

Under the Arthur Wishart Act, the franchisor must deliver a complete Franchise Disclosure Document at least 14 days before you sign any agreement or pay any money. That window exists so you can review the deal, ideally with a lawyer, before you are committed. If you are being rushed, that is a sign to slow down.

It depends on where your document is going. If it only needs to be sworn or affirmed for use inside Ontario or Canada, a commissioner of oaths is usually enough. If you need a certified true copy, or the document is for use in another country, you will need a notary public.

Under Ontario’s Limitations Act, the general deadline to begin a lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. Some claims have earlier notice requirements — for example, 60 days’ written notice for a slip on snow or ice, and short reporting deadlines for accident benefits after a car crash. Because missing a deadline can end a claim, it is best to get advice soon after an injury.

Closing costs vary by purchase price and lender. We provide a clear written breakdown of legal fees and disbursements early in the process so there are no surprises.

It depends on the deal, and both are common in Ontario. An asset purchase lets the buyer choose specific assets and often leave behind unknown liabilities, while a share purchase transfers the whole corporation, including its contracts and obligations. The right structure affects tax and risk for both sides, so it is a decision worth reviewing with a lawyer before signing.

Ontario charges land transfer tax on most property purchases, calculated on a sliding scale based on the price. Under Ontario law, eligible first-time homebuyers can claim a refund of up to $4,000, and buyers in the City of Toronto may qualify for an additional municipal rebate. To qualify, you generally must be at least 18 and never have owned a home anywhere in the world.

Under Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act, the estate is distributed by the province’s intestacy rules — a fixed formula based on who survives the person. A spouse and children receive set shares, and there is no room for personal wishes. Someone still has to apply to court to be appointed estate trustee.

In Ontario, claims up to $35,000 go to Small Claims Court, which is faster and less formal. Larger claims use the Simplified Procedure (up to $200,000) or the Superior Court of Justice. The right venue depends on the dollar amount and complexity, and we can help you choose.

IRCC publishes current processing times, which for outland spousal sponsorship have recently run in the range of 15 to 16 months, and longer for inland applications. Times change often and depend on your specific case. A complete, accurate application helps avoid added delays.

Child support follows the Federal Child Support Guidelines, based mainly on the paying parent’s gross income and the number of children. The tables set standard amounts. Special expenses, like childcare or medical costs, can be added on top.

It might be. Under Ontario law, a significant unilateral change to a fundamental term of your job — like a real pay cut, a demotion, or a forced relocation — can amount to constructive dismissal. The change has to be substantial, and timing matters, so it is best to get advice before you resign.

Possibly. Ontario’s Arthur Wishart Act gives franchisees a right to rescind within 60 days when disclosure is deficient, and up to two years where no disclosure was provided at all. A valid rescission can also trigger refunds and compensation. The deadlines are strict, so it is important to act quickly.

Bring valid, unexpired government photo ID such as a passport or driver’s licence, and for some documents a second piece of ID. Bring the original document if you need a certified copy. Do not sign your affidavit or declaration beforehand — you must sign it in our presence.

Most personal injury cases in Ontario are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees come out of any compensation recovered rather than being paid up front. The percentage and terms are set in a written agreement under the Solicitors Act, which we review with you before you sign. We will walk through how it works at your first meeting.

Timelines vary with the estate's complexity and the court's current backlog. We guide executors through each step and keep the application moving.

You can operate as a sole proprietorship in Ontario, but incorporating under the Ontario Business Corporations Act creates a separate legal entity that can offer liability protection and potential tax planning options. The right choice depends on your goals, income, and risk. A short conversation with a lawyer or accountant can help you decide.

Beyond the price, common Ontario closing costs include land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance, title search and registration charges, and adjustments for items like property taxes the seller prepaid. Your lawyer provides a statement of adjustments before closing so you can see exactly how every figure is calculated.

Costs vary with the complexity of your assets and family situation, so we give a clear quote before any work begins. A straightforward will and powers of attorney package is generally a modest, fixed fee. More complex estates with businesses, trusts, or blended families take more planning and cost more.

Most civil cases in Ontario settle before trial, often at or after mandatory mediation. That said, we prepare every matter as if it will be tried, because strong trial preparation usually leads to better settlement terms. We will discuss the costs and trade-offs of settling versus continuing at each stage.

No — and you should be cautious of anyone who does. IRCC makes the final decision. What we can do is prepare a thorough, accurate application and give you honest guidance on your prospects before you invest time and money.

Decision-making responsibility is the authority to make major decisions about your child — education, health, and religion. Parenting time is the schedule of when the child is in each parent’s care. Ontario adopted these terms to keep the focus on children’s needs.

Generally yes. Ontario’s "duty to mitigate" expects you to make reasonable efforts to find comparable work during the notice period, and income you earn can reduce what your former employer owes. You do not have to accept a job beneath your training, and keeping a record of your search helps.

A review before signing is almost always cheaper than a dispute afterward. Shareholder agreements, leases, and supplier contracts often contain renewal, exit, and liability terms that are easy to miss. Having them explained in plain English helps you sign with confidence.

Yes. As a notary public, we can confirm that a photocopy is a true and accurate copy of your original. You will need to bring the original document with you, since this comparison must be done in person and cannot be completed remotely.

You may. Under Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, property owners and occupiers must take reasonable steps to keep visitors reasonably safe. Whether you have a claim depends on the specific facts — what caused the fall, the condition of the property, and the timing. We can review your situation and explain your options.

Generally no. You are usually entitled to time to seek legal advice. A short review can confirm whether the offer is fair before you sign.

Yes. We act for clients across Ontario; many matters are handled by phone, email, and secure document exchange.