A cohabitation agreement is an agreement signed by two unmarried individuals who are living together or intend to live together in the future. When a couple decides to live together, a cohabitation agreement can clearly set out the rights and obligations of each party, either in the event of a breakdown of the relationship or upon the passing of one of the partners. There are many benefits to entering into a cohabitation agreement, regardless of whether the parties intend to marry or remain in a common law relationship. For the purpose of support obligations, common law couples are defined in ..read more

Are you in possession of the next great idea or invention? Do you have a piece of equipment or technology that will set you apart from other competitors in your industry? Is it time for you to take steps to protect yourself and your intellectual property? If you answered YES to the first or second question above, then congratulations.  You have an exciting opportunity to distinguish yourself from others in your chosen field.  If you are looking for help to answer the third question, then you have come to the right place.  But one thing that you should be aware of is the fact th ..read more

Under Canadian copyright law, the creator , or author, of a piece of work is the owner of copyright. Image Source: Pixabay The article in this weeks blog from Copyrightlaws.com, gives examples illustrating how the definition of “author or creator” works for the following: • Correspondence • Images • Newspaper, Magazine or Periodical Contributions • Collective Works • Co-Authored Works • Translations and Adaptations • Musical Works • Commissioned Photographs and Portraits • Works Made in the Course of Employment • Works Made by Independent Contractors • Moral Rights Carson IP, a division of Ca ..read more

With new mortgage rules and fluctuating rates, this has caused people to look at their mortgage and lending options. While there appears to be an increasing number of available lending sources entering into the market, there have also been agreements that have been forced into Power of Sale situations.  So, what is Power of Sale, and how can one avoid it? The term “Power of Sale” is a clause that often gets written in to a mortgage agreement that grants the lender the right to sell the property in order to collect on the debt in the event that the borrower breaches or defaults on the agr ..read more

Handling the affairs of a loved one's estate can be a complex and overwhelming responsibility. As an estate trustee, you are entrusted with the important task of ensuring the smooth administration of the deceased's estate, adhering to the legal obligations and fulfilling the wishes of the deceased as expressed in their will. To read more on this, check out our last blog post on the Duties of an Estate Trustee. To assist you in navigating this intricate process, this checklist serves as a comprehensive guide to the duties and responsibilities that fall upon an estate trustee in Ontario. By fol ..read more

When a loved one passes away, their affairs need to be properly managed and settled. In Ontario, an estate trustee plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth administration of an individual's estate. Also known as an executor, the estate trustee is entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out the deceased person's wishes as outlined in their will. This introductory guide aims to shed light on the duties and responsibilities of an estate trustee, providing a comprehensive understanding of their role in the estate administration process. The Five Major Duties of an Estate Trustee The followi ..read more

At Carson Law, we believe in a team-based approach, so you will interact with a few key players based on where your file is in processing. There is a lot of backend work that goes into successfully closing your real estate purchase. Understand our process from owner and president, Ryan Carson, so we can all work together to achieve a smooth closing. During any point of your transaction, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call, or email Ryan Carson. When you have a firm agreement of Purchase & Sale, meaning all conditions have been met, that is when we come in. Whe ..read more

At Carson Law, we believe in a team-based approach, so you will interact with a few key players based on where your file is in processing. There is a lot of backend work that goes into successfully closing your real estate sale. Understand our process from owner and president, Ryan Carson, so we can all work together to achieve a smooth closing. During any point of your transaction, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call, or email Ryan Carson. How your real estate sale is processed at Carson Law When you have a firm agreement of Purchase & Sale, meaning all cond ..read more

A Secondary Will can be a financial planning tool, some homeowners and business owners, mostly in Ontario and British Columbia, use to help reduce the amount of Estate Administration Tax (EAT) that needs to be paid after ones passing to ensure more of their assets end up with their survived family and friends. With secondary wills, assets are transferred to the beneficiaries without the need for probate*. If your regular, or primary will, includes assets that may attract significant EAT, placing them in a secondary will could reduce, or eliminate, the EAT your estate would be required to pay ..read more

Purchasing a condominium is an exciting milestone, but amidst the anticipation, it's crucial to consider the financial responsibilities that accompany this significant investment. One aspect that potential condo buyers in Ontario must be aware of is the concept of closing costs. These expenses, separate from the purchase price, can add up significantly and should be factored into your budget. In this article, we will delve into the details of closing costs associated with buying a pre-construction condo in Ontario, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and how to ..read more