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Impact of Statutory Accident Benefits Changes on Lawyers
As of July 1, 2026, Ontario’s accident benefits coverage is changing significantly, and some injured persons may have little or no accident benefits coverage even if they are not at fault. Certain accident benefits that were previously mandatory as part of the auto insurance policy will become optional in Ontario. Even if the auto policy… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Online OnlyBank wires: How to find the PCRN and ensure you have irrevocable funds
Although our Canadian banking system is robust it lacks transparency. Payments Canada sets the rules for payments in Canada that all financial institutions must follow. Payments Canada manages two payments systems – ACSS and Lynx. 99% of all amounts you see in your account are via ACSS and revocable, meaning the bank can reverse the… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Real EstateCity of Toronto Vacancy Tax and Forced Sales Information Gap
The Vacant Home Tax (VHT) (Bylaw 97-2022) requires homeowners in Toronto to let the City know if their property is occupied or vacant by making a declaration every year. Did you know that if the purchase happens between January 1 and May each year, there is no notice of vacant home tax that may be… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Real EstateOntario Small Claims Court limits increased to $50,000
As of October 1, 2025, the Small Claims Court claim limit increased to $50,000, up from $35,000 set in 2020 ($25,000 previously). The change is intended to provide the public with quicker and more affordable Court based dispute resolution for claims up to the new $50,000 limit. The government has also indicated that claims commenced… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Online OnlyNotice to the Real Estate Bar re iPro Realty Ltd. transactions
What are lawyers to do when closing a transaction that involves iPro Realty Ltd? The regulator, Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), closed the brokerage, iPro Realty Ltd. (iPro), effective August 19, 2025. iPro had 17 offices and 2,400 agents. There was a regulator approved sale of iPro’s assets to a new brokerage, iCloud Realty… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Real EstateA real estate cautionary tale – Tribulations of tax check boxes
The client was buying a multi-million-dollar property, located geographically outside of the lawyer’s usual jurisdiction. Fully doable with province-wide Teraview access and today’s technology. The law office prepared the transfer and land transfer affidavit. The box indicating the transaction was subject to other taxes was checked. However, the lawyer practices in a jurisdiction where there… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Real EstateIntellectual Property Law Claims: Key Insights and Practical Risk Management Tips
Working in IP law requires meticulous attention to detail and proactive management of deadlines, documentation, and communication. In Ontario, the average IP claim costs about $45,000, and some claims can arise as late as 14 years after the original work was performed. With around 45 claims reported to LAWPRO annually, it is vital for IP… Read More »
Categories: Intellectual Property, Online OnlyWhen a Law Firm Gets Hacked: A Case Study in Cybersecurity Risks and Recovery
As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, law firms are emerging as targets due to the highly sensitive nature of their data and pools of money. Law firms can hold a wealth of confidential data, including client identities, case details, and proprietary legal strategies, making them prime candidates for cybercriminals seeking to exploit this valuable… Read More »
Categories: Cyber dangers, Disaster Planning, Fraud, Online OnlyVerify the withdrawals from your accounts
LAWPRO has received claims from lawyers who fell victim to fraudsters diverting and depositing cheques meant for their clients. In two cases to date, lawyers issued cheques to their clients as part of their professional services. However, in both cases, an identical amount was withdrawn from the lawyer’s trust account but payable to a third… Read More »
Categories: Fraud, Online OnlySeparated but Not Divorced: Key Considerations for Wills
Amendments to the Succession Law Reform Act in 2021 (specifically to section 17 and 43.1) mean that, as of January 1, 2025, spouses who have been living separately and apart due to a breakdown in marriage for three years will be treated the same as divorced spouses. In practical terms: Gifts left to the separated… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Wills & Estates