Areas of Law
Separated 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 LitigationNotice to the Public and Profession for Criminal Proceedings
1. Updates to the Consolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Criminal Proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice Effective January 6, 2025 As of January 6, 2025, Consolidated Provincial Practice Directions for Criminal Proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice will be updated with the following notable changes: a) Case Center files will now be opened… Read More »
Categories: Criminal LawVacant Home Tax program expands to new regions
Hamilton, Windsor, and Sault Ste. Marie have implemented a Vacant Home Tax (VHT), joining Toronto and Ottawa in introducing this levy on vacant residential properties. Lawyers should be familiar with the rules when advising on real estate transactions and are encouraged to review our guidance on this issue.
Categories: Real EstateNavigating NOSIs and PPSA: A practical approach for lawyers
Real estate lawyers’ due diligence requirements have changed since the Ontario ban on filing a notice of security interest (NOSI) on financed or leased consumer goods/fixtures in Ontario. This article provides guidance on avoiding unsatisfied clients and understanding secured party claims against a seller’s goods and fixtures registered under the PPSA.
Categories: Real EstateEstates and Limitation Periods – Recent case decision
Navigating limitation periods is a critical aspect of legal practice in Ontario and lawyers are often faced with the challenge of determining which legislation applies to their clients’ cases. In a recent case, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that the two-year limitation period under the Trustee Act applied to the respondent’s equitable trust claim… Read More »
Categories: Limitations Claims, Wills & EstatesIt’s Out! Personal Injury: Compendium of Damages awarded between 1999-2023
The compendium of damages awarded in personal injury actions across Ontario, from January 1999 to October 2023, is available for download on the County of Carleton Law Association website, or you may click here. Understanding both historical and current case law is vital for lawyers to effectively benchmark their client’s damages against those awarded in… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation