Most of us learned to look both ways before crossing the street. This simple advice couldn't have been more applicable than during my recent trip to New York. Needless to say, I was somewhat surprised at the incredible speeds, and NASCAR maneuvers used by the taxicabs down the main streets of Manhattan without a care…
Read More
Personal Injury claims worth $25,000 or less should be pursued in Small Claims Court. While it can be difficult to determine the value of the claim if the injuries sustained are minor or do not last for a long time, the Small Claims Court will likely be the best choice. In some cases, even claims…
Read MoreCertain family law disputes will only be able to be resolved by going to court and asking a judge to decide, however, such issues are in the minority, and most issues can be resolved by way of an agreement between the parties achieved through negotiation. Beyond court, there are a number of other "process…
Read MoreProtecting Your Investments A common question we get from shareholders is, "You indicated in an earlier article that a shareholder in a company could protect their investment if the business went sideways, how can this be done?" The protection of a shareholder's investment in a company can be accomplished with some pre-arranged business planning. When…
Read MoreSelling Your Shares "My company has reached a critical stage of its development and I would like to raise some money, can I sell shares to anyone that is willing to buy?" Before you sell shares in your company, you would be wise to get some advice on the effects of the Securities Act (the…
Read MoreIntroduction Before we discuss the common characteristics and uses of Shareholders’ Operating Agreements, it is important to understand the reasons why they have been created. Most people that carry on business using a corporation usually fail to distinguish between the different roles and obligations that they have as shareholders, directors, officers, employees, and creditors of…
Read MoreIncorporation "I am starting a business, should I incorporate it?" This is a common question we get from new business owners. Two of the main reasons to incorporate a business is to save income tax and to reduce the operator's personal liability for the business' debts. Incorporating For Income Tax Reasons From an income tax perspective,…
Read MoreBusinesses employing contractors to perform specific tasks within their operations is not new. What is new though, is the increasingly large role that independent contractors are playing in a modern, service-based economy. These days, it is not uncommon for companies to employ contractors in a number of areas which would have previously been viewed as…
Read MoreWhile you know to be cautious on the road, you might not think about the hidden dangers lurking on sidewalks, in parking lots, or in your local grocery or department stores. Fortunately, most businesses are diligent about taking care of their premises and looking out for the safety of their customers. However, now and…
Read MoreEvery strata council is at some point placed in the unenviable position of having to chase an owner for unpaid strata fees or special levies. Too often, strata councils drag their feet in enforcing such non-payment, not wanting to play the bad guy who has to put pressure on an owner who may be in…
Read More