WHETHER YOU PLAN TO LIVE, WORK OR PLAY IN RURAL ONTARIO
HERE'S AN HONEST, DIRECT AND UNDERSTANDABLE
GUIDE TO SOME INTERESTING LEGAL ASPECTS THAT WILL HELP
KEEP IN MIND: If parent and child owns land or a bank account or investment, you MAY have to tell the Feds about it. Please check with your tax professional about this obligation because there can be onerous penalties for not telling!!!
ALSO, in that case, the parent needs to be totally clear about whether or not the child is intended to be the sole owner of the land or bank account when the parent passes away or is intended to disburse the land or bank account according to the parent’s Will. In general, it is best for the parent to keep their stuff to themselves and let their estate deal with distribution after the parent passes.
Your tax professional is your friend. I am not a tax professional. Many land/investment/bank account ownership changes or liquidations carry a tax consequence. Please consult with your tax professional ahead of time! If you should have and did not, the responsibility is yours, not mine, sorry!
Also, please read the DISCLAIMER at the bottom of the page (isn’t CYA fun!)
Real Estate
Purchasing a piece of land, with or without a building, is quite likely the most major purchases you will make in your lifetime. Real estate lawyers will help you decipher the ins and outs of the entire transaction, which can be quite complicated .
If you are buying land that borders on a lake, river, stream, creek, spring - anything that has water - check with the local Conservation Authority BEFORE you complete your purchase. It is best to deal with this issue in the negotiation phase of your deal. If it turns out you cannot do what you wanted to do with the property you may find yourself in an unfortunate situation.
There is no such thing as a stupid question - only a stupid answer. Don't be scared to ask It is easier, and less expensive, to deal with an issue before the agreement becomes final, as opposed to afterwards.
For some assistance when buying or selling a property click on the Real Estate button to the right.
Wills & Powers of Attorney
Wills and Powers of Attorney are all about appointing someone else to handle matters for you when you can't handle your personal and financial dealings.
A Will only becomes effective when you die. Until then, it is quite interesting information, usually written on fancy paper. A Power of Attorney can be effective immediately, or if you direct it, only when you are incapable but the appointment you make in the Power of Attorney dies with you.
Litigation
Although I don’t provide litigation I am happy to assist with referrals.
Litigation is the legal process of resolving disputes through the court system. It involves presenting arguments and evidence to a judge or jury to reach a decision based on the law. It covers various issues like contracts, injuries, property, and more, following formal stages from filing a lawsuit to potential appeals.
Ask Country Lawyer
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions Country Lawyer, Brad Comeau receives . Have a look at the different categories , and click for answers provided by Country Lawyer.
Disclaimer
Here is the CYA; it may seem trite and obvious but needs to be stated…..
Use of this site/information does NOT make you ‘my client’ or me ‘your lawyer’. We DO NOT have a lawyer-client relationship. The information is gratuitous and worth what you paid for it. If you rely on the information and things do not work out to your liking, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY– NOT MINE! ! ALWAYS consult with YOUR OWN LAWYER who will provide you with options after considering all circumstances.
Lawyers make suggestions, clients make decisions! Make good decisions please. Obviously you have that ability because you are checking out this site!