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 […]
As of December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), is officially in force. This significantly changes Canadian citizenship law, specifically for families with children born or adopted outside Canada, or families impacted by the first-generation citizenship limit. First-generation citizens are characterized as the first person born or adopted outside […]
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 […]
When most people hear the word trust, they picture a financial planning tool catered to the wealthy. However, in Canadian law, two special types of trusts are relevant among a wide array of individuals. These are known as constructive and resulting trusts. Unlike traditional trusts that are planned and prepared in advance, constructive and resulting […]
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 […]
Directors of a corporation shoulder significant responsibilities in managing a corporation. The corporate veil will generally shield a director from personal liability by recognizing the corporation as a separate legal entity. However, under both the Income Tax Act and the Excise Tax Act, directors can still be held personally liable for unremitted source deductions or […]
As of October 1, 2025, the monetary limit for claims brought before the Ontario Small Claims Court will see a substantial increase, a change that will directly affect future litigants. Currently, claims can be commenced in Small Claims Court for amounts up to $35,000.00. Appeals from Small Claims Court to the Divisional Court are permitted only […]
TORONTO COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAWYER Unwana Udo joined Devry Smith Frank LLP as an associate lawyer in our commercial litigation department in 2025. In his commercial litigation practice, Unwana represents corporations and individuals in a broad spectrum of commercial disputes involving contracts for sale of goods, services contracts, shareholder and partnership agreements, post-transaction M&A issues, corporate governance, […]
Unwana Udo is an associate lawyer in the commercial litigation department at Devry Smith Frank LLP. In his commercial litigation practice, Unwana represents corporations and individuals in a broad spectrum of commercial disputes involving contracts for sale of goods, services contracts, shareholder and partnership agreements, post-transaction M&A issues, corporate governance, real estate, commercial leases, employment, […]
When a marriage or common-law relationship comes to an end, many people assume that a separation agreement or equalization payment resolves all outstanding issues. However, this is not always true, and certain complications can resurface after one party passes away. If the deceased party has life insurance, this can amplify already existing contention. Life insurance […]