BUSINESS LAW

Our business lawyers are an essential part of your operating team as you deal with shareholders' agreements, incorporation, suppliers' contracts, municipal regulation, and the myriad of federal and provincial acts, rules and regulations facing today's business operations. We act as your business' registered and records office and prepare and file your corporate resolutions and annual reports to the government. Our practical experience in these areas guides you in your decision making whether it be buying or selling your business, starting a new one, refinancing or dealing with regulators.

ESTATE LAW

How do you leave the most of what you have to the right people? How do you minimize probate fees and taxes? What is a family trust and is it right for you? How do you provide for your needs in the event of incompetency? There have been many changes in the law relating to these issues and many more are coming in the near future. Our estate lawyers are current in wills, trusts, estates and succession law. They provide cost-effective, advice and documentation tailored to your needs. Estate planning should begin when you have persons or organizations dependent upon you and should continue throughout your lifetime. We recommend that you review your will and estate planning documents every two years.

REAL ESTATE LAW

Buying a home or a commercial property can be a daunting adventure. For most, it is the biggest financial commitment of our lives. Our real estate group researches your title, prepares or reviews your contract, prepares your property transfer form, deals with your mortgage company and prepares your mortgage and other financing documents, and property purchase tax return. We register your documents and certify your title. For commercial properties, our real estate group works with the business group to ensure your best interests are met in completing your transaction. 

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

Many statutes require decisions to be reviewed and disputes to be resolved by procedures independent of the courts. These usually combine a number of steps concluding in a hearing before a quasi-judicial tribunal. These tribunals have their own procedures and requirements varying from tribunal to tribunal but all sharing common rules of natural justice to ensure a fair hearing. The body of law that has grown up around these tribunals is known as “administrative law” and it differs in many respects from the body of law used as precedents by the courts. The rules, forms, and procedures can be bewildering in their complexity or deceivingly simple at first glance. Time limits can often prevent a legitimate complaint from proceeding or improperly completed forms can result in a speedy dismissal of a matter. Many of the statutes establishing administrative tribunals contain so-called “privative clauses” which severely restrict appeals or overview by the courts. As each tribunal has its own rules, policies and procedures, professional guidance by an experienced administrative lawyer can greatly assist individuals in processing and successfully concluding their matters before the tribunal.

ELDER LAW

The elderly in our society have to deal with many issues: governmental and private pensions; wills, powers of attorney, health and financial representation agreements; government assistance programs; competency and the like. For many, the issues come at a time when they are least able, through illness or infirmity, to deal with the plans and programs available to them or the trials and conflicts of ageing. Our knowledgeable elder law group gives calm, compassionate and expert assistance to elders and their families.