Yes. A Shareholders’ Agreement is essential for any business with more than one owner. It outlines how major decisions are made, what happens if a partner wants to leave the business, and how shares are valued. It is the best tool for preventing future legal disputes between business partners.

Incorporating creates a separate legal entity, which provides limited liability protection for the business owner. This means your personal assets (like your home) are generally protected from business debts or lawsuits. Additionally, corporations often benefit from lower tax rates on active business income.

While not strictly mandatory by law, most mortgage lenders require title insurance. It protects homeowners against losses related to title defects, survey errors, or even title fraud. It is a one-time fee paid at the time of closing that provides peace of mind for as long as you own the property.

In Ontario, only a lawyer can register the land transfer and mortgage. Beyond the paperwork, a real estate lawyer protects your interests by performing a title search to ensure there are no liens, work orders, or property tax arrears on the home before you take ownership.

A Will only takes effect after you pass away. A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that protects you while you are still alive but unable to make decisions due to illness or injury. There are two types: one for Personal Care (health decisions) and one for Property (financial and business decisions).

If you die “intestate” (without a Will), your assets are distributed according to the Succession Law Reform Act. Contrary to popular belief, your spouse does not automatically inherit everything if you have children. A court-appointed administrator will divide the estate based on a fixed legal formula, which may not align with your personal wishes.

Child support is primarily determined by the Federal Child Support Guidelines and Ontario’s provincial tables. The amount is based on the paying parent’s annual income and the number of children. However, “Special or Extraordinary Expenses” (such as extracurriculars or post-secondary costs) are usually shared proportionately between both parents.

No. Many couples successfully resolve separation and divorce issues through family mediation or collaborative law. These out-of-court processes are often faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective than litigation. Howard Nightingale provides expert mediation services to help parties reach a fair agreement without a judge.