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First-Time Home Buyer in Barrie & Simcoe County
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 Home in Ontario: Condos Purchasing a Condo in Ontario
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
Buying a New Build Home in Ontario: What Buyers Should Know
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.
How to Make a Valid Will in Ontario
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
Dying Without a Will in Ontario
Life changes, and your estate plan should too. Marriage, separation, or divorce can all have major consequences for your will. Many assume divorce automatically cancels a will, but Ontario law has nuances you need to understand to ensure your estate plan reflects your wishes. Marriage and Wills: Then and NowUntil recently, marriage automatically revoked any existing will in Ontario. This could cause serious issues, particularly in cases of
What Rising Home Sales But Flat Prices Mean — Ontario Market Insights
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
Latest CMHC Housing Starts Report and What It Means for Ontario Homebuyers
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
Executor Duties in Ontario
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
Family Law Disputes in Barrie: How Alternative Dispute Resolution Can Help?
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
Parental Relocation Explained: When You Need Court Approval, Essential Notice Rules & What the Court Looks For
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
Understanding Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibility in Ontario: A Guide for Separated Parents
Introduction: Why Understanding These Terms Matters If you’re going through a separation or divorce in Ontario and have children, few legal topics are as important—or as misunderstood—as decision-making responsibility and parenting time. These terms have replaced the older concepts of “custody” and “access,” yet many parents still aren’t sure what they actually mean. Getting it wrong can lead to avoidable conflict, legal delays, and decisions that may not
Do I Have to Go to Court for My Divorce in Ontario?
Starting the Divorce Process: What You Need to Know If you’re considering divorce in Ontario, it’s natural to ask: do I have to go to court? For many, the idea of going to court is daunting and intimidating. Fortunately, not all divorces require a trial—or even a court appearance. This blog explains when court is required, when it isn’t, and what options exist to keep your divorce process
Filing Taxes After Divorce: What You Need to Know in 2025
A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Tax Changes and Financial Planning During and After Divorce in Canada (2025) Divorce introduces significant changes to various aspects of life, including tax obligations. Understanding how divorce affects your taxes in Canada is crucial for financial planning and compliance. This comprehensive guide provides insights into the tax implications of divorce in 2025, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the upcoming tax season. For personalized legal
Selling the Family Home in a Divorce: Tax Implications You Should Know
Understanding the tax and legal implications of selling your family home after divorce in Canada. Divorce can be an emotionally taxing and complex process, especially when it involves significant assets like the family home. Beyond the emotional considerations, understanding the tax implications of selling a family home is critical. This guide is designed to help you navigate these complexities, especially if you are working with a Barrie divorce
The Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Modern Divorce Proceedings
Exploring the Benefits of Mediation, Collaborative Law, and Arbitration in Resolving Divorce Disputes Amicably and Efficiently Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution in Divorce Divorce is a challenging and emotionally draining process that requires careful consideration and expert legal guidance. In Canada, traditional litigation has long been the default method for resolving family law disputes, but Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is increasingly being recognized as a more effective approach.
The Impact of New Family Law Legislation on Separation Agreements
Introduction: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Canadian Family Law In Canada, family law is continuously evolving to reflect societal changes and protect the rights of all parties involved in separation and divorce. Recent amendments to the Divorce Act, which came into effect on March 1, 2021, have introduced significant modifications that impact separation agreements. Understanding these legislative changes is crucial for anyone going through a separation or divorce.
Can a Parent Keep a Child From Contacting The Other Parent?
The relationship between a parent and their child is one of the most important and complex dynamics in life. In cases of divorce or separation, the challenge of maintaining a healthy and respectful relationship between both parents can be difficult. One of the biggest questions that often arises when two parents are not together is whether or not one parent can prevent a child from contacting the other
How Do Separation Agreements Work
Separation agreements are legal documents that outline the terms and conditions of a couple’s separation. They are typically used when a couple is separating or divorcing but do not want to go through the formal court process. In a separation agreement, the couple will typically outline how they will divide their assets and debts, as well as how they will arrange for the care and support of any