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If you are a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who has not been paid for work on a construction project in Ontario, you may have the right to register a construction lien against the property. Ontario's Construction Act provides powerful remedies for those who improve land — but the deadlines are strict and missing them can mean losing your rights entirely. What Is a Construction Lien? A construction lien is a legal claim registered against a property title. It secures t

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury in Ontario. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation — but Ontario's insurance system can be difficult to navigate. Understanding your rights early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Ontario's No-Fault Insurance System Ontario has a no-fault insurance system, which means that after a car accident, you claim accident benefits from

Child support is one of the most common issues in Ontario family law. Whether you are separating from a spouse or dealing with a change in circumstances, understanding how child support works is essential. The good news is that the Federal Child Support Guidelines provide a clear framework — but there are important nuances that can significantly affect the amount. The Child Support Guidelines Table Amount The base amount of child support is determined by the Federal Child Sup

Small Claims Court in Ontario handles civil disputes involving claims up to $35,000. It is designed to be more accessible and less formal than the Superior Court of Justice, but the process can still be confusing if you have never been involved in a court proceeding. This guide explains what you need to know before filing a claim. What Kinds of Cases Can Be Heard in Small Claims Court? Small Claims Court handles a wide range of civil disputes, including breach of contract, un

If your landlord has told you to leave, served you with a notice, or filed an application at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), you may be feeling anxious and unsure of your rights. The good news is that Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) provides strong protections for tenants. A landlord cannot simply tell you to leave — there is a legal process that must be followed, and tenants have the right to challenge an eviction at every stage. Your Landlord Cannot Evi

Losing your job is stressful. Losing it unfairly can feel devastating. If you have been terminated without proper notice or severance, you may have a wrongful dismissal claim. In Ontario, the law provides meaningful protections for employees — but many people do not realize how much they may be entitled to until they speak with a lawyer. What Is Wrongful Dismissal? Wrongful dismissal occurs when an employer terminates an employee without providing adequate notice or pay in li

A Recent Court of Appeal Decision Underscores a Critical Deadline In Elizabeth Casey Cooke Family Trust v. Dioguardi, 2026 ONCA 85, the Ontario Court of Appeal delivered a decision that every estate beneficiary should be aware of. The case involved a will that contained a drafting error — the lawyer who prepared it failed to include a proper alternative disposition for a portion of the estate. By the time the affected beneficiaries tried to do something about it, it was too l

A Case That Could Change How We Think About Online Reviews In Benchwood Builders, Inc. v. Prescott, 2025 ONCA 171, the Ontario Court of Appeal delivered a decision that has significant implications for anyone who has ever left — or been the target of — a negative online review. The case addresses a fundamental question: when someone posts a critical review of a business online, is that automatically a matter of "public interest" that is protected from defamation claims under

What Is Probate? In Ontario, probate is the process of obtaining a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee from the Superior Court of Justice. This certificate is a court order that officially confirms the executor’s authority to administer the estate. It tells banks, financial institutions, the land registry, and other third parties that the person named in the will has been validated by the court and can legally deal with the deceased’s assets. There are two types of a

Being Named Executor Is a Serious Responsibility When a loved one passes away, the person named as estate trustee (executor) in the will is suddenly responsible for managing everything the deceased left behind. This includes gathering assets, paying debts, filing tax returns, and ultimately distributing the estate to the beneficiaries. It is a role that carries legal obligations, personal liability, and often a surprising amount of complexity. Many executors are family member

One Separation, Two Different Dates When a couple separates in Ontario, one of the first questions that arises is: what is the date of separation? The answer matters enormously. It affects property division, support obligations, tax filing status, and government benefits. But here is something that catches many people off guard — the date of separation for family law purposes and the date of separation for tax purposes are not necessarily the same. Ontario family law and the

Why Good Cases Sometimes Fail Judicial review is one of the most important tools available to individuals who have been on the receiving end of an unreasonable or unfair government decision. But the process is unforgiving of mistakes. Strong cases are lost every year because of procedural errors that could have been avoided. Here are five of the most common pitfalls. 1. Missing the Filing Deadline The single most common reason judicial review applications fail before they eve

When a Government Decision Seems Wrong Government agencies and tribunals in Canada make decisions that touch virtually every area of life — immigration status, disability benefits, professional licensing, housing, employment rights, and more. These bodies are required to follow the law, act fairly, and make reasonable decisions. When they fail to do so, affected individuals have the right to ask a court to review and potentially overturn the decision. Judicial Review vs. Appe

When the Government or a Tribunal Gets It Wrong Government agencies and administrative tribunals make decisions every day that profoundly affect people's lives. A tribunal denies your disability benefits. An immigration officer refuses your application. A licensing body revokes your professional credentials. A municipal committee rejects your land use proposal. When these decision-makers get it wrong, judicial review is the legal mechanism that allows you to ask a court to st

A criminal conviction can have life-altering consequences: imprisonment, a permanent criminal record, loss of employment, and damage to your reputation. But a conviction at trial is not necessarily the final word. If your trial was tainted by legal errors, you may be able to have the conviction overturned on appeal. Where Criminal Appeals Are Heard The route of appeal depends on the court that entered the conviction. Summary conviction appeals from the Ontario Court of Justic

If you are considering an appeal in Ontario, understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and set realistic expectations. The Ontario Court of Appeal is the province's highest court, hearing appeals from the Superior Court of Justice and, in some cases, from administrative tribunals. Here is what you can expect at each stage. Step 1: Filing the Notice of Appeal The appeal process begins with filing a Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal, typically within 30 days of th

Losing a court case can be devastating, but it does not always mean the fight is over. If a judge made a legal error, misapplied the law, or reached a decision that is clearly unreasonable, you may have grounds to appeal. Understanding when an appeal is available — and when it is not — is the first step toward deciding how to move forward. What Is an Appeal? An appeal is not a new trial. It is a review of the original court's decision by a higher court. The appellate court ex

Estate planning is something most people know they should do but keep putting off. Whether you need a will, powers of attorney, or help administering a deceased person's estate, choosing the right estate lawyer is an important decision. Here is what to look for when selecting an estate lawyer in Ontario. Why You Need an Estate Lawyer Ontario estate law involves multiple statutes including the Succession Law Reform Act, the Estates Administration Act, the Substitute Decisions

One of the biggest concerns for anyone going through a divorce in Ontario is what will happen to their property. How are assets divided? Will you have to sell the family home? What about pensions and investments? Ontario has a specific legal framework for dividing property on marriage breakdown, and understanding it is crucial to protecting your financial future. Ontario Uses Equalization, Not Equal Division A common misconception is that everything gets split 50/50 in a divo

If someone has wronged you or you are being sued, you may be dealing with civil litigation. Unlike criminal law, where the government prosecutes offences, civil litigation involves disputes between private parties. This guide explains how civil litigation works in Ontario and what to expect if you find yourself involved in a lawsuit. What Is Civil Litigation? Civil litigation is the process of resolving non-criminal disputes through the court system. It covers a wide range of