Areas of Law
A real estate cautionary tale – Tribulations of tax check boxes
The client was buying a multi-million-dollar property, located geographically outside of the lawyer’s usual jurisdiction. Fully doable with province-wide Teraview access and today’s technology. The law office prepared the transfer and land transfer affidavit. The box indicating the transaction was subject to other taxes was checked. However, the lawyer practices in a jurisdiction where there… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateIntellectual Property Law Claims: Key Insights and Practical Risk Management Tips
Working in IP law requires meticulous attention to detail and proactive management of deadlines, documentation, and communication. In Ontario, the average IP claim costs about $45,000, and some claims can arise as late as 14 years after the original work was performed. With around 45 claims reported to LAWPRO annually, it is vital for IP… Read More »
Categories: Intellectual property lawNew Tarion Rule: Purchaser Registration Requirement
To maintain Tarion coverage, purchasers of new freehold homes will need to register their agreement of purchase and sale (APS) within 45 days of entering into the APS, or they could lose some deposit coverage. This requirement comes into effect on July 1, 2025. This new registration requirement for purchasers is meant to assist Tarion… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateNotice: Amendments to Rules of Civil Procedure (O. Reg. 50/25)
The following notice was sent out by the Operational Support Branch, Court Services Division of the Ministry of the Attorney General on May 5, 2025. On May 5, 2025, Ontario Regulation 50/25 was filed to amend the Rules of Civil Procedure, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194. This regulation makes various changes across two key areas: the… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationIgnoring the LRO: A Cautionary Tale for Real Estate Lawyers
In this real-world example, both the vendor’s and purchaser’s lawyers were advised by the Land Registry Office (LRO) that the legal description of the property did not meet registration requirements. The LRO warned that if the issue was not fixed, both the transfer and the mortgage would be withdrawn. Despite the clear warning, neither lawyer… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateSeparated but Not Divorced: Key Considerations for Wills
Amendments to the Succession Law Reform Act in 2021 (specifically to section 17 and 43.1) mean that, as of January 1, 2025, spouses who have been living separately and apart due to a breakdown in marriage for three years will be treated the same as divorced spouses. In practical terms: Gifts left to the separated… Read More »
Categories: Wills & EstatesDigital Platform Workers’ Rights Act will come into force July 1, 2025
The Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022 will come into force on July 1, 2025, and will apply to digital platform workers and operators in Ontario, regardless of their employment status under the Employment Standards Act. The Act establishes a range of obligations for operators and guarantees new rights for workers who perform digital platform… Read More »
Categories: Announcements, Employment lawNotice: Amendments to Rules of the Small Claims Court (O. Reg. 3/25)
On January 13, 2025, Ontario Regulation 3/25 was filed to amend the Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98. This regulation makes various changes across seven key areas as well as other related amendments. Specifically, O. Reg. 3/25 amends or creates 23 rules and five forms to: introduce a statement of primary… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation