News & Resources
Negotiating Commercial Leases is an Important Aspect of Operating a Business
Negotiating commercial leases is an important aspect of operating a business. Factors to consider include: Location: What spaces are available? Can you create competition for your tenancy? Are competitors able to rent nearby? Rent: What does rent include? Gross leases involve one monthly payment for rent and shared costs…
Don't Miss The Deadline To Resolve Your Family Law Issues
Couples who have lived in a marriage-like relationship for at least 2 years (referred to as “common law couples” for this article only) and married couples are both considered spouses under family law legislation in BC. Upon separation, both categories of spouses have the same rights. If the spouses…
Joint Tenancy and the Right of Survivorship
Many people register ownership of homes as joint tenants because of the estate planning advantages. With its right of survivorship, a surviving owner can assume the deceased’s interest upon the death of a joint tenant. Surviving owners thinking of selling often overlook that title must be transferred to them…
Do I need a consent letter to travel with my child?
As parents plan for trips this summer, especially trips outside of Canada, an important consideration is the preparation of a consent letter. A consent letter states: who may travel with a child, where the specified person may travel with the child, and the dates in which travel with the…
Personal Planning Documents: Powers of Attorney
While people recognize the importance of estate planning many fail to consider the importance of personal planning documents that are in effect during their lifetime. A power of attorney is a document that appoints a person, called an attorney, to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf. The…
The Societies Act
The Societies Act comes into force November 28, 2016. While many provisions include a grace period during which existing societies can adapt, some changes take effect immediately, among them: New procedures related to meetings, such as proxy voting, written consent to resolutions, and voting thresholds, unless contradicted by existing…
Joint Account Survivorship
Considering making or updating your will? Don’t forget to review your banking arrangements. Although a commonly used device between spouses or relatives, a joint account doesn’t always include survivorship rights. Mere deposit of funds into a joint account has, in some cases, been insufficient to show the primary depositor’s intent…
Incorporation Advantages
Thinking of going into business? Maybe your side hustle has really started to take off? Many entrepreneurs are surprised by how inexpensive incorporation is. This is especially true given the benefits it can afford. Some key advantages to consider: Liability Protection: Canadian companies are separate legal people. They can buy,…
Building Or Buying A New Home?
Building or buying a new home? Confused about your obligations related to builders liens? Here's the key points: A buyer of a newly built home is an 'owner' under the Builders Lien Act (BLA). He holds back 10% (7% for strata property) of the gross purchase price for 55 days…
Travel Advice For Entry Into the USA
If you have a criminal record or have been "red flagged" at any USA border crossing you may not be allowed entry into the US. The Immigration and Nationality Act stipulates a number of crimes involving moral turpitude which may deem you inadmissible to enter. To avoid any surprises…