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A notice arrives: a road, pipeline, or transmission line needs part of your land. Take a breath. Expropriation is legal, but it’s also tightly regulated and built around compensation. The law’s goal isn’t to strike a bargain—it’s to make owners whole for what’s taken and what’s disrupted. The key is understanding the process early and building the evidence that protects your land, your operations, and your future.
When couples separate, they usually focus on property division, parenting arrangements, and support, but tax debt is often overlooked. While income tax is generally a personal responsibility, a little-known rule in the Income Tax Act can allow the CRA to pursue one spouse for the other’s unpaid taxes after separation. Understanding this risk early can help you avoid costly surprises.
The Ross Firm is proud to announce that Rebecca Kloosterman, a senior member of our family law team, is now licensed as a Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP). As part of the Law Society of Ontario’s first cohort of FLSPs, Rebecca’s expanded scope allows her to assist clients with select family law matters, offering more efficient, accessible, and affordable legal support across Ontario. This milestone reflects TRF’s ongoing commitment to innovation and improving access to justice for the families we serve.
In Ontario, inheritances are generally excluded from division when married spouses separate—but that protection can easily be lost depending on how the inheritance is used. If inherited funds are placed into joint accounts, used on the matrimonial home, or registered jointly, they may no longer qualify as excluded property under the Family Law Act.
This article explains how Ontario’s property division rules work, what counts as a “matrimonial home,” and how to avoid unintentionally sharing your inheritance.
Before taking any steps, speak with a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
Many business owners sign personal guarantees without fully realizing the consequences. Even if your business is incorporated, a personal guarantee can put your home, savings, and future income at risk. This article breaks down what a personal guarantee really means, why lenders ask for them, and how you can negotiate to limit your liability.
Before you sign, know what you’re agreeing to—and how to protect yourself.
AI in Legal Practice: Caution from the Courts
Two 2025 decisions of the Ontario Superior Court underscore the risks of improperly using AI in legal drafting. A family lawyer who relied on ChatGPT to draft a factum unknowingly included fake case citations—prompting a show-cause order for possible contempt. Though the matter was resolved through transparency and remedial steps, the court emphasized that the duty of candour and competence cannot be outsourced.