Areas of Law
Consolidated Notice to the Profession Regarding the Operations of the Superior Court of Justice, Effective May 19, 2020
On May 13th, Chief Justice Morawetz issued a Consolidated Notice to the Profession regarding the operations of the Superior Court of Justice, expanding Court operations. The Consolidated Notice is effective May 19, 2020. The Consolidated Notice consolidates previous Court Notices, supersedes notices issued between March 15, 2020 to May 5, 2020, except for the May… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Criminal LawNavigating the Planning Act amid COVID-19 Emergency Orders
The Planning Act is a particularly complex piece of legislation, and navigating it has become more difficult given the introduction of COVID-19 related emergency orders, which have impacted Planning Act matters. For lawyers with clients undertaking activities, which fall under the umbrella of the Planning Act, it is essential to check the legislation and government… Read More »
Categories: Real Estate“Zombie” transfers can come back to haunt you
[Updated July 29, 2020] The bottom line: A dead person cannot convey an interest in land A “zombie” deed/transfer refers to a land transfer registered after the death of the transferor as if the transferor is still alive. There has been much debate around the use of “zombie” deeds. The recent decision in Thompson v…. Read More »
Categories: Real EstateThe dangers of renting out your signature as a virtual witness on a will or POA
[Updated January 10, 2025] The virtual execution of wills and powers of attorney has changed the landscape for Ontario lawyers, even those practising outside the wills and estates bar. Where a will or power of attorney is witnessed virtually, the law requires that one of the two witnesses be a Law Society licensee. Thus you… Read More »
Categories: Technology, Wills & EstatesDirector of Titles Responds to Inquiries
We have been advised that the Director of Titles has issued several clarifications regarding procedural matters (fast tracking splits; expropriation best practices; registered mail for LTA apps; original signatures of paper documents) which might be of interest to lawyers dealing with development of land. In short, the rules have not been changed notwithstanding the present… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateHow to lessen your risk of a malpractice claim when virtually witnessing wills and powers of attorney
[Updated April 24, 2020] As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on April 7, 2020 the Government of Ontario released an emergency Order temporarily allowing the virtual execution of wills and powers of attorney by means of “audio-visual communication technology” as of that date. On April 22, 2020, a new emergency order was… Read More »
Categories: Wills & EstatesCivil Matters the Superior Court of Justice Will Hear Effective April 6, 2020
On April 2, 2020, Chief Justice Morawetz issued an updated Notice regarding the operations of the Superior Court of Justice. On March 17th, due to COVID-19 the Court had suspended its operations except for the hearing of “urgent” matters. Starting on April 6th, matters in addition to “urgent” matters will begin to be heard in… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationManaging Litigation Matters During COVID-19
In this unprecedented time of change, you and your clients may be experiencing significant disruptions to normal business. As individuals and businesses adopt physical distancing and certain courts and tribunals have suspended all or certain operations, it is important to discuss the fluid situation with clients and develop strategies to adapt where possible. At the… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation