When Is Probate Required in Ontario? Ontario wills and estates lawyer Ishita Chopra explains probate in Ontario and how it affects the administration of an estate. While probate is not always required, once one asset must be probated, it typically applies to the entire estate. Ishita outlines common estate planning approaches that may reduce or avoid probate. With proper planning, probate can be managed in a way that helps protect your estate and reduce the burden on your family. Ishita Chopra is a wills and estates lawyer with Devry Smith Frank LLP. She is passionate about estate planning, administration, guardianship and capacity-related litigation. She is compassionate and takes time to understand each client’s individual needs to provide strategic advice in protecting their legacies. Ishita prepares Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts. She regularly assists estate trustees, guiding them through the estate administration process, obtaining a certificate of appointment of estate trustee and advising on various estate administration issues, including assessment and distribution of the estate assets, estate accounting and executor’s compensation. To book a consultation with Ishita, feel free to email her at ishita.chopra@devrylaw.ca or call 416-446-5049. Disclaimer: This video is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your circumstances. By AlyssaJanuary 9, 2026January 9, 2026
Property Division After Separation in Ontario: Married vs. Common-Law Does your partner automatically get half of everything if you break up in Ontario? The answer depends on whether you were married or living together without marrying. Ontario family law lawyer Leslie Haddock touches on how property is treated differently under the Family Law Act, why legal ownership matters for unmarried couples, and how domestic contracts such as marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements can play a role when a relationship ends. In her family law practice, Leslie advises clients on a broad scope of family law matters, including parenting arrangements, decision-making responsibility, child and spousal support, and the division of property. She prepares domestic contracts such as cohabitation agreements and separation agreements and represents clients at various stages of the dispute resolution process, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. To contact Leslie for a consultation, reach out by email to leslie.haddock@devrylaw.ca or by phone at 249-888-6624. Disclaimer: This video is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your circumstances. By AlyssaJanuary 2, 2026
Will vs Power of Attorney in Ontario: Why You Need Both Ontario wills and estates lawyer Ishita Chopra explains why a will and a power of attorney are both necessary parts of an Ontario estate plan and why each serves a distinct purpose. Ishita also clarifies that even a spouse cannot act on your behalf without a valid power of attorney and explains how having one in place can help avoid costly court applications for guardianship. Ishita Chopra is a wills and estates lawyer with Devry Smith Frank LLP. She is passionate about estate planning, administration, guardianship and capacity-related litigation. She is compassionate and takes time to understand each client’s individual needs to provide strategic advice in protecting their legacies. Ishita prepares Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts. She regularly assists estate trustees, guiding them through the estate administration process, obtaining a certificate of appointment of estate trustee and advising on various estate administration issues, including assessment and distribution of the estate assets, estate accounting and executor’s compensation. To book a consultation with Ishita, feel free to email her at ishita.chopra@devrylaw.ca or call 416-446-5049. Disclaimer: This video is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your circumstances. By AlyssaDecember 26, 2025December 30, 2025
What Is a Fraudulent Conveyance? Fraudulent conveyance occurs when someone transfers property or assets to another person to avoid paying debts. Bankruptcy and insolvency lawyer Andrew Johnstone explains how these situations arise in Ontario, such as when a business owner moves ownership of a house or vehicle to keep it out of a creditor’s reach. He also covers how courts assess intent and their power to reverse these transfers, allowing creditors to recover what they are owed and preventing debtors from hiding assets. In Andrew’s practice, he assists secured and unsecured creditors, trustees, and debtors in matters involving bankruptcy petitions, receiverships, debt recovery, and insolvency litigation. He advises clients on their rights and obligations under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and guides them through available restructuring or enforcement remedies. To schedule a consultation with Andrew, you can contact him at andrew.johnstone@devrylaw.ca or 416-446-5092. Disclaimer: This video is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your circumstances. By AlyssaDecember 19, 2025December 18, 2025
Termination for Cause in Ontario: What You May Still Be Entitled To Learn how entitlement to compensation works when an employee is dismissed for cause in Ontario. Ontario employment lawyer Leslie Haddock clarifies that entitlement varies based on the conduct at issue. A termination that meets the threshold for just cause removes the right to common law notice, yet statutory rights under the Employment Standards Act often continue to apply. Gain clear insight into how termination pay or severance pay may still be owed, and why only conduct that rises to the level of willful misconduct, disobedience, or willful neglect of duty can remove those statutory protections. In her employment law practice, Leslie assists both employees and employers with a range of workplace issues, including wrongful and constructive dismissal claims, human rights matters, and employment standards compliance. She reviews and drafts employment contracts, workplace policies, and termination packages, and provides guidance on employee discipline, accommodations, and obligations upon termination. To contact Leslie for a consultation, feel free to reach out by email to leslie.haddock@devrylaw.ca or by phone at 249-888-6624. Disclaimer: This video is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your circumstances. By AlyssaDecember 12, 2025December 17, 2025
How New Assets Are Handled in Your Will Find out how updating your will works in Ontario and why adding every new home, investment account, or unexpected inheritance isn’t required. Ontario wills and estates lawyer Ishita Chopra explains the function of a residuary clause, which acts as a catch-all for any assets not named directly in your will. Ishita also highlights why periodic reviews are still essential. Major life events, such as marriage, separation, or divorce, can shift priorities and call for adjustments. Revisiting your estate plan every three to five years helps keep your wishes current and aligned with your circumstances. Ishita Chopra is a wills and estates lawyer with Devry Smith Frank LLP. She is passionate about estate planning, administration, guardianship and capacity related litigation. She is compassionate and takes time to understand each client’s individual needs to provide strategic advice in protecting their legacies. Ishita prepares Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts. She regularly assists estate trustees, guiding them through the estate administration process, obtaining a certificate of appointment of estate trustee and advising on various estate administration issues, including assessment and distribution of the estate assets, estate accounting and executor’s compensation. To book a consultation with Ishita, feel free to email her at ishita.chopra@devrylaw.ca or call 416-446-5049. Disclaimer: This video is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your circumstances. By AlyssaDecember 5, 2025December 9, 2025
What a Personal Guarantee Means for Ontario Business Owners Ontario bankruptcy and insolvency lawyer Andrew Johnstone explains how personal guarantees function in Ontario and why they play a significant role in commercial lending. A personal guarantee makes an individual, often a business owner, personally responsible for a debt if the company cannot repay it. This gives creditors stronger protection and broader legal options, especially when dealing with newer or smaller businesses. The discussion outlines what a personal guarantee means, how it affects both parties, and why it is widely used in financing arrangements. In Andrew’s practice, he assists secured and unsecured creditors, trustees, and debtors in matters involving bankruptcy petitions, receiverships, debt recovery, and insolvency litigation. He advises clients on their rights and obligations under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and guides them through available restructuring or enforcement remedies. To schedule a consultation with Andrew, you can contact him at andrew.johnstone@devrylaw.ca or 416-446-5092. By AlyssaNovember 21, 2025November 26, 2025
How Common Law Relationships Are Defined in Ontario Ontario family lawyer Leslie Haddock explains how common law relationships are defined in Ontario under the Family Law Act, outlining when cohabitation or a shared child meets the legal threshold. She also highlights how a court may assess factors such as living arrangements, public presentation of the relationship, financial interconnection, and shared routines when the situation is unclear. This overview helps clarify what may apply to your circumstances in Ontario family matters. In her family law practice, Leslie advises clients on a broad scope of family law matters, including parenting arrangements, decision-making responsibility, child and spousal support, and the division of property. She prepares domestic contracts such as cohabitation agreements and separation agreements and represents clients at various stages of the dispute resolution process, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. To contact Leslie for a consultation, feel free to reach out by email to leslie.haddock@devrylaw.ca or by phone at 249-888-6624. By AlyssaNovember 14, 2025
Difference Between Secured and Unsecured Debt Toronto bankruptcy and insolvency lawyer Andrew Johnstone explains the key differences between secured and unsecured debt in Ontario and why those differences matter when it comes to repayment and recovery. He highlights how secured debts are backed by assets, while unsecured debts rely on court actions for collection, helping viewers grasp how each type affects lenders’ rights and borrowers’ responsibilities. In Andrew’s practice, he assists secured and unsecured creditors, trustees, and debtors in matters involving bankruptcy petitions, receiverships, debt recovery, and insolvency litigation. He advises clients on their rights and obligations under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and guides them through available restructuring or enforcement remedies. To schedule a consultation with Andrew, you can contact him at andrew.johnstone@devrylaw.ca or 416-446-5092. By AlyssaNovember 7, 2025November 11, 2025
Termination Pay vs. Severance Pay in Ontario Find out how termination and severance pay work in Ontario under the Employment Standards Act. Employment law lawyer Leslie Haddock breaks down the difference between these two types of payments employees may receive after losing their jobs. Termination pay compensates you for the time needed to secure new employment, while severance pay recognizes your years of service and commitment to the company. You’ll also learn the eligibility requirements for severance pay, including factors such as your length of employment and your employer’s payroll size. Whether you’ve recently been laid off or want to understand your rights, Leslie offers clear insights into what you may be owed when your employment ends in Ontario. In her employment law practice, Leslie assists both employees and employers with a range of workplace issues, including wrongful and constructive dismissal claims, human rights matters, and employment standards compliance. She reviews and drafts employment contracts, workplace policies, and termination packages, and provides guidance on employee discipline, accommodations, and obligations upon termination. To contact Leslie for a consultation, feel free to reach out by email to leslie.haddock@devrylaw.ca or by phone at 249-888-6624. By AlyssaOctober 24, 2025November 3, 2025
