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Creating a Will is an important step in ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of after your passing. While DIY Wills, including online templates or handwritten documents, can seem convenient and cost-effective, they often carry risks that may invalidate the Will or create legal disputes. Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid costly mistakes. Is It a Valid Will? In Ontario, a Will must comply with

When a person passes away, ideally they have left behind a will that outlines how their assets (such as property, investments, and personal belongings) should be distributed. In Ontario, the person legally authorized to carry out these directions is called the estate trustee.  To confirm that the will is valid and that the executor named in the will has the authority to act, the estate may need to

Understanding Child Support Obligations After Death What happens when a parent who was paying child support passes away — and leaves nothing for their children? Ontario law treats this situation carefully, but the outcome depends on the type of support order, the language used in the order or agreement, and whether the estate is bound by those obligations. When a Parent Owing Child Support Dies and Leaves Nothing

Exposure to parental conflict during separation or divorce can have long-lasting effects on children’s mental, emotional, and even physical health. Research by Dr. Vincent Felitti and other experts on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shows that chronic stress and exposure to conflict can increase the risk of mental health issues and certain physical diseases later in life. Why Conflict Affects Children Children exposed to frequent parental conflict experience heightened

Ending a marriage isn’t a single legal event, it’s a process with stages. In Ontario, that distinction matters more than people expect, particularly when one spouse dies before everything is finalized. The financial consequences can be significant, and misunderstandings often create disputes between surviving spouses and estates. This post clarifies the legal landscape in Ontario and highlights what continues, what stops, and what needs to be explicitly spelled

Separation is not the same as divorce — but as of January 1, 2022, Ontario law began treating separated spouses much more like divorced spouses when it comes to wills and estate rights. Further amendments taking effect January 1, 2025 finish that shift. Under the updated Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA), key provisions in s.17 and s.43.1 now revoke bequests and executor appointments involving a separated spouse, provided

Buying a home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make — and protecting that investment begins with understanding title insurance. Whether you’re purchasing in Barrie, Orillia, or anywhere across Simcoe County, title insurance provides essential protection against hidden risks that could impact your ownership. What Is Title Insurance? Title insurance is a one-time policy that protects homeowners and lenders against losses related to property ownership. It

Buying your first home is exciting — but it also comes with legal risks and complex steps most first-time buyers don’t see ahead of time. A lawyer knowledgeable in real estate law can help you navigate title searches, closing documents, and protect you from costly mistakes. Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer Many people don’t realize they must have a real estate lawyer to complete the purchase.

Buying a condominium is different from a freehold property. You own your unit and share ownership of common elements like hallways, lobbies, and parking. Status Certificate: Your Key to Informed Buying A status certificate provides details about the condo corporation’s: Your lawyer should review it carefully to avoid unexpected costs. Condo Fees and Special Assessments Monthly fees cover maintenance and operations, but special assessments may arise if the

Purchasing a new build home in Ontario — whether in Barrie, Innisfil, or across Simcoe County — can be an exciting experience. You get a brand-new home, modern finishes, and often the chance to customize certain features. However, buying directly from a builder comes with unique legal considerations that differ from resale transactions. Working with an experienced real estate lawyer ensures your rights are protected throughout the process.

Most people in Ontario don’t have a will. It’s easy to put off, especially if you feel healthy, young, or think you don’t have “enough” to pass on. But a will is not just about dividing property. It’s about giving your loved ones clear direction, reducing stress during estate planning, and avoiding probate disputes or intestate outcomes. What Happens When You Don’t Have a Will?Without a will, your

Recent Market Signals: Sales Up, Prices Muted These mixed signals paint a picture of a housing market in transition: more buyers are active again, but the pressure to push prices higher is limited by existing inventory and cautious market sentiment. Why Prices Aren’t Booming Even as Sales Return Several forces are at play: In short: demand is improving, but supply and affordability are keeping a lid on rapid

Understanding the CMHC Housing Starts Report The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) releases monthly data on housing starts — the number of new homes where construction officially begins. These figures help forecast future housing supply across Canada and within Ontario’s key regions, including Barrie, Simcoe County, and the Greater Golden Horseshoe. According to the October CMHC report, national housing starts rose 14% in September, reaching an annualized

Being named an executor of a will — also called an estate trustee under Ontario law — is an honour and a serious legal responsibility. It means someone trusted you to carry out their final wishes. But many people don’t realize how much work and liability come with the role until they’re already in it. If you’ve been asked to act as an executor or are considering naming

Why more families in Barrie are choosing alternative dispute resolution to resolve legal issues faster and with less conflict Going through a family breakup is never easy—and the thought of heading to court can make an already stressful situation feel even more overwhelming. On top of the emotional strain, many families face long delays, high legal fees, and a court process that can feel more like a battle

Moving with your child after a divorce or separation can be hard, especially when you have to think about the law. In Ontario, there are strict rules about parents moving, and they are based on what is best for the child. Parents need to know when they can move without asking the court for permission and when they need to. If you’re moving or trying to stop someone