Shameless
Self Promotion

On May 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of Canada made legal history by recognizing the tort of intimate partner violence, a landmark decision that acknowledges coercive control and patterns of abuse as a standalone civil wrong. For many survivors, the harm they endured extended far beyond physical injuries. This groundbreaking ruling gives courts a new way to recognize the devastating effects of coercive control, including financial abuse, isolation, intimidation, and the erosion of personal autonomy. What does this decision mean for survivors and for family law in Ontario? Our latest blog explains why *Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia* is one of the most significant developments in Canadian family law in decades, and what it could mean for those navigating high-conflict separations.

Buying and selling on the same day may sound efficient, but in real estate, it often creates unnecessary stress. One of the best ways to make a move smoother is to stagger your closing dates — letting your purchase close before your sale. If there’s a gap, bridge financing can help by giving you temporary access to the equity in your current home before it officially sells. The real advantage is breathing room. Instead of coordinating movers, funding, keys, paperwork, and cleanouts in one frantic day, you gain valuable time and flexibility. For many buyers, bridge financing is surprisingly affordable and well worth the peace of mind it provides.

A simple change in how property is owned can have significant legal consequences—especially after a separation. Joint tenancy includes a right of survivorship, meaning ownership automatically passes to the other person on death. Severing that joint tenancy creates a tenancy in common, where each person’s share forms part of their estate instead. While this shift can help protect individual interests and align with estate planning goals, it doesn’t resolve broader family law issues—particularly when it comes to matrimonial homes and possession rights. If you’re separating and jointly own property, timing and proper legal advice are key to avoiding unintended outcomes.

It’s common to name children as life insurance beneficiaries—but without proper planning, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. This blog breaks down what actually happens and how to set things up the right way.

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.