The steady rise in the number of self-represented litigants, individuals who are not represented by lawyers, presents challenges in the Canadian justice system. Generally, the justice system relies on lawyers to function efficiently. Individuals without lawyers often find it difficult to … [Read more...]
Defending the Court Challenges Program
After much anticipation, the federal government has announced the reinstatement of the Court Challenges Program. Set to cost $12 million over five years, the CCP will assist Canadians with legal challenges to advance and protect their Charter rights. The decision is a welcome one. The program’s … [Read more...]
Can I Leave Someone Out Of My Will?
The short answer to the question is yes, depending on the circumstances. In this article, I will be discussing the relevant parts of the Alberta legislation that pertains to the writing of Wills: the Wills and Succession Act, SA 2010, c. W-12.2 (referred to after as “the Act”). I will be addressing … [Read more...]
What You Should Do If You Are Injured in a Car Accident
AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE Call the police (911) if anyone appears to been seriously injured or damage to all the vehicles appears to be in excess of $2000. EMS will be alerted if deemed necessary. Also call police if any of the drivers involved appears to be impaired by alcohol and or drugs. … [Read more...]
Police Record Checks – What Can They Disclose?
Police Record Checks are increasingly requested by employers and other entities, including volunteer, educational, licensing, adoption, foster care, and foreign travel organizations or authorities. It is important to understand that Police Record Checks can and do reveal information that goes far … [Read more...]
What Do I Do With My Tenancy After I’ve Lost My Job?
I just got laid off and I can’t afford my rent. Can I just move out? No. If you have a fixed-term lease, you cannot leave before the lease ends or you risk paying damages to the landlord for breaching your lease agreement. If you have a periodic tenancy (which has no fixed end date), you still … [Read more...]
Death and Taxes – When the Certainties Collide
As the cliché goes, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. When the former occurs, the Personal Representative(s) (formerly known as the Executor(s)) of the Estate must address the latter. Taxes become more complex in the year of death, and the period of Estate administration. This … [Read more...]
Round Two: Blended Families and Estate Planning
One of the main goals that people have when they are estate planning is making sure their family members are taken care of when they are gone. This can be more complicated when you have a blended family, where there can be all kinds of additional considerations. How do you balance supporting a … [Read more...]
Inheritance Issues in Bankruptcy
When someone files for bankruptcy, they surrender all non-exempt assets to the licensed insolvency trustee for the benefit of their creditors. This includes not only assets they have at the time they file for bankruptcy, but also comprises of any assets that “devolve” on the bankrupt prior to … [Read more...]
People Always Told Me, Be Careful What You Do: Wills and Dependency Legislation
It is the kind of tragic story that makes for best-selling novels and Hollywood blockbusters. A young woman, raised in a loving home by two hard-working parents, battles a severe and debilitating disease. Left penniless and alone when her parents pass, she struggles to make ends meet as her body … [Read more...]
