The issue of GST as it applies to the purchase of a home is a complex issue which should be discussed with your lawyer prior to signing an Offer to Purchase in order to determine whether it must be paid on the purchase of a home, and whether you have... Read More
Bill C-208, which was introduced by Larry Maguire, MP from Brandon-Souris, makes amendments to the Income Tax Act by aiming to lessen the tax burden on intergenerational transfers of small businesses, family farms or fishing corporations. This bill addresses a gap in the Income Tax Act that made it more... Read More
As an attorney appointed under a Power of Attorney (POA) document, you have been appointed to manage an individual’s legal and financial affairs. This is an extremely important responsibility, which requires the utmost care. The attorney has a fiduciary duty to the donor (the individual who named you) and an... Read More
Most people know that making a Will is important, but oddly enough, only about half of all Canadians (55%) have a Will and even less (40%) have a Power of Attorney.[1] While Estate Planning rarely makes it to the top of one’s priority list, having a proper estate plan in... Read More
After a person has passed away, who has the right and responsibility to arrange for the funeral and the disposition of the deceased person’s body? This question may arise when a person considers making advance funeral instructions. This question may also come up where the family or friends of a... Read More
Canada has extensive regulations regarding the use and ownership of firearms. In situations where an owner of firearms passes away this can create tricky issues for the estate to navigate. Role of the Estate’s Personal Representative When an executor or administrator deals with an estate that has a firearm, they... Read More
In the event that you are purchasing a home where a tenant is living in the property and you do not intend to terminate the lease or to have the seller terminate the lease prior to the date of possession, we would advise that a buyer proceed with extreme caution.... Read More
If you have hired a real estate agent to help you with the sale of your home, you will be required as a term of your agreement with the agent, to pay real estate commission for their services. The real estate commission is usually payable as a percentage of the... Read More
It will be a requirement of most Offers to Purchase that the seller transfers to the buyer title to the land, clear of all registered encumbrances, mortgages, liens, etc., with a few exceptions. As a result, your lawyer will conduct a search of the title upon opening their file to... Read More
Fees Lawyers fees with respect to the sale of a typical home are usually less than half a percent of the sale price, and sometimes less than a quarter of a percent of the sale price. At Smith Neufeld Jodoin LLP, our lawyers typically adhere to general policies regarding fees... Read More