Fixtures v. Chattels – What is the Difference?

Fixtures v. Chattels – This blog post explores the nebulous world of fixtures v. chattels. While there are some bright lines in the law, this remains a grey-area for many property transactions and is fraught with disagreement over interpretation. Often, the sellers’ and buyer’s realtors will lead the negotiations concerning what fixtures are excluded and […]

Estate Plan lawyer Definition With Estate Plans

Estate planning involves arranging the transfer of your assets in anticipation of death and aims to secure the maximum financial package for your intended beneficiaries. It also provides you with structured and flexible financial decision making until your death.  A strategic estate plan will take into account whether you have growth or non-growth assets in […]

Co-owners common law Joint Tenants v. Tenants-in-Common

Taking Title as Joint Tenants v. Tenants-in-Common As Co-Owners co-owners common law , Prior to purchasing any property, it is important that purchasers consult their lawyer(s) when giving thought to the manner in which they will hold ownership title to property.  Title is held either as a joint tenancy or tenant-in-common – we review those […]

Key Differences Between Co-Ops & Co-Ownership of Real Estate

Co-owning property versus taking part in a co-op housing purchase are property ownership structures which sound similar, but are very different. In a co-op purchase transaction, owners purchase shares of a private corporation which, in turn, owns and manages the property. By contrast, in a co-ownership transaction (or ‘co-buying’), owners purchase an undivided interest in […]

What is a Co-Ownership Agreement and Why Do I Need One?

A Co-Ownership Agreement governs the relationship and expectations of co-owners relating to their shared ownership in a property. It deals with items such as ownership interests, financing, maintenance of the property, and each owners’ rights and responsibilities. Co-ownership agreements may be entered into during the purchase of property, immediately following the purchase,  or at any […]

Property Purchase Lawyer & Creating a Co-Ownership Agreement

Yes – the short answer is that you can enter into a co-ownership agreement after you close on a co-owned property. But…this does not mean that you should. A co-ownership agreement gives co-owners the opportunity to organize themselves, address goals and expectations, and anticipate how to tackle or avoid points of disagreement before they emerge. […]

Dying as a Co-Owner law: What Happens For Sharing?

Following the acquisition of property by co-owners, one of the most important factors to consider is what happens to the property upon the death of a co-owner. It is critical that clear entry and exit strategies must be in place in order to account for the death or departure if a co-owner dies or leaves […]

Sale of Vacant Land in Ontario on The Applicability of HST

The Applicability of HST on the Sale of Vacant Land in Ontario Generally,  Sale of Vacant Land in Ontario , HST is applicable on the purchase of property in four instances: (a) where the property is residential property and is a new construction build or has been substantially renovated; (b) where the property is a […]

Independent Contractor vs Employee in Ontario

Independent Contractor vs Employee in Ontario, Whether a person qualifies as an employee or independent contractor is a question of law and is determined on the basis of facts of a given case.  There are few bright lines here. By virtue of Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (“ESA”), employees in Ontario enjoy certain basic protections and […]

Top 8 Benefits of Having a Will

There are many benefits attached to having a Will. In fact, it’s a true risk and bad idea not to have one! In recognition of the Ontario Bar Association’s Make a Will Month, we take a look at Wills. Some benefits of having a will include the power to allow you to: 1. Ensure that […]