Blogs, Updates and Articles
GFW lawyers regularly publish articles, updates and attend speaking engagements on a variety of current topics. Check this page regularly for updates as we post them here.
The Ins and Outs of Civil Litigation in Ontario
When someone wrongs you in Ontario, you do not have to just accept it, you can choose to pursue either monetary or non-monetary remedies through civil litigation. The civil justice system provides a formal way to adjudicate disputes between people, businesses, or organizations.. To help you better understand this area of litigation, we have outlined a brief explanation of how civil litigation works in Ontario. Though keep in mind if you have questions or a case to discuss, our experienced legal team is always here to help.
Beyond The Cost of Commercial Litigation, How Disputes Can Impact Your Business
Disagreements are part of doing business and so is commercial litigation. Whether it is a dispute over a contract, unpaid invoices, or business practices, conflicts need to be resolved. Sometimes, that means going to court. As commercial litigation lawyers in Simcoe County, we see firsthand how disputes can affect businesses, beyond the legal costs. Lawsuits can have serious long-term consequences beyond the initial issue, so before you enter into litigation, be sure you know what those consequences are.
Wrongful Dismissal Disputes and Legal Ways to Avoid Them
Letting an employee go is never easy but doing it the right way is essential to avoid wrongful dismissal disputes. If a termination is not carried out according to employment laws, an employer could face costly, time-consuming, and stressful legal claims. Therefore, it is imperative for employers to follow proper procedures when ending a working relationship with an employee. This also extends to situations involving an “independent contractor” who may, in fact, be a “dependent contractor” or perhaps even an employee under certain circumstances.
How to Prevent and Resolve Property Easement Disputes In Ontario
Easement disputes are a common issue for property owners in Ontario. An easement is a legal right that allows someone to use another person’s land for a specific purpose. A good example would be on a property where a driveway is made a legal easement to access a property that is landlocked or further inland away from the main roads. Unlike a simple permission that can be revoked at any time, an easement remains in place even if the property is sold to a new owner. Because easements affect how land can be used, they can influence property values and lead to disputes between neighbours when they aren’t clearly outlined or the boundaries understood.
Common Construction Disputes That Lead To Litigation and How To Avoid Them
When builders and contractors find themselves in legal construction disputes, the underlying causes are often familiar. At Gionet Fairley Wood LLP, we frequently assist clients facing construction litigation issues and offer practical strategies to prevent conflicts from escalating. Let’s take a look at the most common issues that lead to litigation.
5 Warning Signs of a Contract Dispute (And How to Prevent Them)
Contract disputes are a common challenge in construction and engineering projects, where multiple parties have distinct interests, responsibilities, and contractual obligations. Even with meticulous planning, conflicts can arise, resulting in costly delays, budget overruns, and legal complications. Recognizing the warning signs of a dispute early can help mitigate risks and prevent litigation that may strain business relationships and reputations. As experienced construction lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand the red flags that signal an impending dispute which is why we have outlined them here to keep you informed and ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting your business.
What You Need to Know About Title Insurance and Property Claims
Title insurance is an essential tool for safeguarding property ownership, protecting both residential homeowners and investment property owners from financial losses caused by title disputes or defects. Whether you're purchasing a family home or expanding your real estate portfolio, understanding title insurance and its benefits is crucial to protecting your assets.
Common Pitfalls That Lead to Commercial Lease Disputes & How To Avoid Them
Commercial lease disputes can arise from agreements that are unclear or misunderstood, making it crucial to understand the fine print whether you are a landlord or a tenant. A commercial lease isn’t just another document—it’s a legally binding contract that sets the foundation for renting a business property.
5 Keys To Avoiding Construction Litigation
Construction litigation often arises from poorly drafted or misunderstood contracts, so a solid construction contract is the cornerstone of a successful project. As a contractor, having clear, compliant, and comprehensive agreements is essential to avoid costly disputes and safeguard your business. Whether you're tackling a home renovation or a large-scale infrastructure build, understanding and addressing common contract pitfalls is key to protecting your reputation and bottom line.
2024 Amendments to the Construction Act
This article details the recent amendments made to the Construction Act; including changes to liens and holdbacks, invoicing and prompt payment and easier processes for lien claims.
Construction Liens: Substantial Performance and Holdbacks
Knowing when the ‘timeline’ for preserving and perfecting liens begins to run, which in many circumstances may be upon the substantial performance of a contract, is important for contractors and subcontractors who wish to preserve their lien rights. It is equally important knowledge for homeowners who must make holdback payments (discussed below) to their contractors and subcontractors.
Construction Liens 101
This article discusses what a construction lien is, the process of a registering a construction lien, and important deadlines those who supply services and materials should keep in mind.