WARDS OF WISDOM
A LEGAL BLOG BY WARDS LAWYERSPC
WARDS OF WISDOM
A LEGAL BLOG BY WARDS LAWYERSPC
This WARDS LAWYERS PC publication is for general information only. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be. Specific or more information may be necessary before advice could be provided for your particular circumstances.
BUSINESS & CORPORATE POSTS
WHAT’S IN A NAME? PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS NAME IN CANADA
You’ve started your business, and you’ve come up with a catchy and recognizable name. As luck would have it, the domain name was available and
BUYING OR SELLING YOUR BUSINESS? MAKE SURE IT’S A SMOOTH RIDE
You’ve decided that you want to acquire an existing business, you’ve been in discussions with the current owner and now it’s time to put it
SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT: AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT IN THE FAMILY SUCCESSION PLAN
It can feel overwhelming to a business owner, the thought of embarking on a plan for succession/transition of their business. Particularly when the transition plan
ESTATES POSTS
JOINT TENANCY IN AN ESTATE PLAN – MAKE SURE YOU AREN’T INVITING A LAWSUIT!
When planning your estate, you may consider adding a beneficiary as a co-owner of your real property to make it easier for them to inherit
WHY YOUR DIGITAL ASSETS MUST BE A PART OF YOUR ESTATE PLAN IN ONTARIO
In today’s digital world, your usernames and passwords are just as important as your physical assets when it comes to estate planning. Yet, many people
SAVE MONEY FOR YOUR FAMILY THROUGH ESTATE PLANNING
No-one wants to think about passing away, especially if we’re young or have small children. Unpredictable things happen unfortunately and taking care of your family
FAMILY LAW POSTS
WHO GETS THE DOG? UNDERSTANDING PET OWNERSHIP IN SEPARATION & DIVORCE
Who gets the dog in a separation or divorce? In Ontario, pets are considered property, but legal perspectives are evolving. Learn how courts determine pet ownership and what options couples have to protect their rights.
AM I “LEGALLY SEPARATED” ?
People frequently ask us “when am I legally separated?” or “how to I legally separate?” In Ontario there is no formal process to declare you
CO-PARENTING IN A BLENDED FAMILY
Navigating a co-parenting relationship is difficult at the best of times. It is inevitable that eventually, one or both of you will meet someone new
COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW POSTS
WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW? AND WHY SHOULD I DO THAT INSTEAD OF FAMILY COURT?
Collaborative family law has grown in popularity over the last 25 years and has been embraced by family law practitioners to varying degrees. The collaborative
DOES YOUR CHILD’S VOICE MATTER IN YOUR FAMILY LAW DISPUTE?
Decisions regarding custody and access have an immense impact on the best interests of the child. In order to ensure that the best interests of
COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW – THE BETTER WAY
Collaborative family law is a way for you to resolve your relationship breakdown issues more respectfully — without going to Family Court. It is a
LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT POSTS
NAVIGATING THE LEGAL TERRAIN: DETERMINING YOUR PROVINCE OF EMPLOYMENT WHILE WORKING FROM HOME
As the landscape of employment continues to evolve, the rise of remote work has presented unique challenges in defining the legal parameters of employment, particularly
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, EMPLOYEE, OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN?
In today’s evolving job market, companies often engage workers in various capacities, including as independent contractors and employees. While both roles can provide significant contributions
CHRISTMAS BONUSES AND HOLIDAY GIFTS BY EMPLOYERS – ENROLLMENT IN THE JELLY-OF-THE-MONTH-CLUB THIS YEAR? READ THIS BEFORE KIDNAPPING YOUR BOSS ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Holiday bonuses (and gifts) are commonly appreciated, morale-boosting and an opportunity for employers to express gratitude to employees collectively at the end of the work
LITIGATION POSTS
JOINT TENANCY IN AN ESTATE PLAN – MAKE SURE YOU AREN’T INVITING A LAWSUIT!
When planning your estate, you may consider adding a beneficiary as a co-owner of your real property to make it easier for them to inherit
THE GRAVE DUTY OF DISPOSING OF REMAINS – WHO MAKES THE FINAL CALL?
When an individual passes away, they often leave specific directions to their loved ones regarding how they would like their remains to be disposed of.
PARTING WAYS AND PARTITIONING PROPERTY – WHAT HAPPENS TO PROPERTY ON A BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP DISSOLUTION
You and another individual have come together to form a business partnership. You have each brought your own property and assets into the partnership to
PERSONAL INJURY POSTS
NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION FOR ACCIDENT BENEFITS IN ONTARIO: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
In Ontario, when you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to Accident Benefits (commonly referred to as “AB benefits”) through the
SLIPS OR FALLS ON ICE OR SNOW? REPORT THEM – FAST!
If you have been injured in a slip and fall incident on ice and snow that was caused by someone’s else’s failure to clear ice
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY ALERT
It’s the time of year when families are shopping for back-to-school supplies and thinking about bus schedules, packed lunches and after-school activities. But it is
REAL ESTATE POSTS
POWER OF SALE VS. FORECLOSURE IN ONTARIO: KEY DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED
Power of Sale vs. Foreclosure: What’s the difference in Ontario? Learn about the legal processes, costs, and rights of borrowers and lenders. Read more to understand which option lenders prefer and why.
JOINT OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY: THE BASICS
The two most common ways for two or more parties to hold title (take ownership) of a property is by joint tenancy or tenancy in
AGREEMENTS OF PURCHASE AND SALE – THE GOSPEL OF REAL ESTATE LAW
The Agreement of Purchase and Sale (the “APS”) is the most important document in any real estate transaction in Ontario. It is a legally binding
CRIMINAL POSTS
UNDERSTANDING SELF-DEFENCE LAWS IN CANADA: LEGAL FRAMEWORK, CHALLENGES, AND CONSIDERATIONS
In Canada, self-defence laws are outlined in section 34 of the Criminal Code, which sets the legal boundaries for individuals to protect themselves, others, or
CLEARING SNOW OR ROOF TOP WORKING WITHOUT TRAINING OR FALL RESTRAINT? FACE CRIMINAL LIABILITY AND BIG FINES. DON’T BE THIS EMPLOYER…
Working high without proper training or fall restraints? You can face both criminal liability and significant criminal fines, particularly the employer: Convicted: North West Lumber Co.
WHAT IS A "PEACE BOND" AND HOW DO I GET ONE AGAINST SOMEONE ELSE? PEACE BONDS – A TO Z.
What is a peace bond? A peace bond is a court order that is a signed promise, in writing, to keep the peace and be
GENERAL INTEREST POSTS
STRIDING FORWARD AND REFLECTING ON THE PAST: A TIMELINE OF WOMEN AND THE LAW
International Women’s Day falls on March 8th each year, providing an opportunity to reflect on how far women’s rights have come since the birth of
WARDS’ CORE VALUES – BLOOD PRESSURE, TARGETS AND THE HEADLESS CHICKEN!
Recently, I was opportune to visit my doctor for my usual heart check. Surprisingly, the diagnosis came out great, my blood pressure is good. Looking
JANUARY READS: BOOKS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2025!
Who doesn’t need something to look forward to in January? As a semi-regular reader, I like to browse all the book launches that are scheduled
