As William Shakespeare once wrote "The course of true love never did run smooth." What happens when relationships turn sour and questions arise about property that a couple may have acquired together prior to marriage or given as gifts to one another? If diamonds are forever, does the bride-to-be … [Read more...]
No Trespassers Allowed
At law, the term "trespass" encompasses much more than individuals creeping onto their neighbour's property without permission. The act of "trespassing" is often conceptualized as one person setting foot on another person's land without their consent. "Get off my property, you're TRESPASSING!" is a … [Read more...]
Top 5 Legal Mistakes in Starting a Small Business (Part 5)
Mistake #5: Not Getting a Lawyer for your Business As the owner of a business, you would likely never try to do all of your own accounting, computer support, and cleaning – you would probably hire someone. After all, you are there to run the business part of your endeavour – that is what you … [Read more...]
Top 5 Legal Mistakes in Starting a Small Business (Part 2)
Mistake #2: Not Having an Operating Agreement (Partnerships and Corporations) An “Operating Agreement” is a contract between the founders of the business. This includes people involved in the management, people who provide capital, and people who do both. This agreement sets out operative issues … [Read more...]
Top 5 Legal Mistakes in Starting a Small Business (Part 4)
Mistake #4: Not Being Adequately Insured New businesses often have insufficient insurance. In deciding what kind and how much insurance to secure, a new business owner should carefully examine the needs of the business. Here is a summary of the most common forms of insurance coverage. Property … [Read more...]
Top 5 Legal Mistakes in Starting a Small Business (Part 3)
Mistake #3: The Contents of Leases When you start a small business, you will need to consider where that business will be located. If your business is not a home-based one, this may be the first time you have had to deal with a commercial lease. Although such leases generally favour the landlord, … [Read more...]
Top 5 Legal Mistakes in Starting a Small Business (Part 1)
So you want to start a small business? You have your business plan at the ready, you can get a start-up loan with an interest rate that is at an all-time low, and your determination is at an all-time high. You are ready to go. Ironically, now – during this flurry of energy, excitement, and … [Read more...]