If a tree is straddling a property line between two neighbours’ yards, who owns it? What is the recourse if one neighbour wants to cut it down and the other doesn’t? This may seem like a silly legal question at first, but between feuding neighbors with differing degrees of arboreal affection, what to do with…
Read MoreJoint ownership is regularly used as an estate planning tool, because on your death, joint property transfers to the surviving joint owner automatically on your death with little or no delay, effort and expense. A capital asset, such as land, a bank account or an investment account, can be owned jointly with another person.…
Read MoreLet me set the scene. You are the executor of your Aunt Etna’s estate. Her only son disowned her when he was in his twenties as he wanted to open a dog tattoo business and she was not as supportive of his dreams as he would have liked. Let’s call him Waldo. You had a…
Read MoreWhat's in your medical records? Do you know? The answer to this simple question can have a significant impact on what insurance companies, like ICBC, are prepared to offer you in the settlement of your accident case or why you might be denied coverage under your long-term disability policy or worker's compensation claim. As…
Read MoreIf you've been injured in an accident, one of the questions that will likely cross your mind is "what is my case worth?" The following is a brief explanation of how the court arrives at an answer to this inevitable question. The purpose of compensation in personal injury claims is to put the injured…
Read MoreIf you have been injured on the job you may be wondering about suing your employer, co-worker, the manufacturer of the equipment involved or some other person or entity involved in causing the injury. In most cases, you will not be able to sue your employer, co-worker or any other "employer" or "worker" as…
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Most people would agree that our jobs and the work we do are among the most important aspects of our lives. Jobs provide a livelihood and allow us to support ourselves and our family. Our jobs contribute to our identity (I am a teacher, a banker, an electrician). Jobs contribute to our self-worth, giving us…
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As has been discussed in previous postings, all employee/employer relationships are defined by an employment contract. Sometimes these contracts are written out, however, many employment contracts are implied. Simply put, this means that the terms, conditions and dynamics of the employment relationship are based on experience and on the reasonable expectations of the employee and…
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As you may know, the buyer of an interest in real estate in BC must pay property transfer tax on the closing date of the purchase totaling 1% of the first $200,000.00, and 2% on the remainder of the fair market value of the property purchased (up to $2,000,000.00). Property transfer tax is payable at…
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