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Plain Language
for clients and counsel
Written to be used.
Complex legal topics explained clearly for clients, professionals, and the public, and precise enough to actually inform the decisions that follow.
Plain-language explainers, case commentaries, and practice notes across civil litigation, commercial litigation, business law, appeals, and select cross-border topics. Read, then get in touch if your situation calls for it. The Information Portal is a working archive, not marketing copy. Each post is written by counsel at the firm and drafted to the same standard of care we apply to the files we handle.
What you'll find
Each post is written by counsel at the firm and drafted to the same standard of care we apply to the files we handle. The aim is practical: explain the doctrine, note what has changed, and point to what matters next. Long-form articles, case commentary, and short practice notes on the mechanics of procedure.
Complex legal topics explained clearly for clients, professionals, and the public, and precise enough to actually inform the decisions that follow.
Recent developments, new case law, and procedural changes, written up as they happen with the practical consequences drawn out plainly.
Actionable takeaways so readers can move from reading to decision-making, whether that is on their own, with in-house counsel, or with us.
The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Content may not be comprehensive or current at the time you read it. Consult a qualified lawyer on any specific legal question or matter. Grigoras Law is not responsible for any damage or loss arising from reliance upon this information.
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Ontario’s Family Law Act (“FLA”) contains provisions under Part IV that regulate domestic contracts, including cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts, and separation agreements. These agreements primarily focus on legally enforceable matters, such as property division, spousal support, and children’s education.
In family law, spousal support is central to helping spouses who have become financially disadvantaged due to the breakdown of a marriage or common-law relationship. This post examines the legal principles and case law surrounding spousal support, discussing child support priority, general principles, and various factors that influence support amounts and duration.
Share capital plays a crucial role in the world of corporations, serving as a primary means of ownership and property rights. In Canada, share capital is regulated by the Canada Business Corporations Act (“CBCA”), which serves as a model for most Canadian jurisdictions.
Civil contempt of court is a complex legal concept that originates from the need to preserve justice and prevent obstruction. It encompasses a wide range of actions, from interfering with the due course of justice to undermining the authority of a court.
According to Section 15(2) of the Income Tax Act, a shareholder (or a person or partnership connected to the shareholder) may be deemed to have received a taxable benefit equal to the amount of a loan or debt made by a corporation. This taxable benefit is included in the shareholder’s income for the tax year in which the loan or debt arose.
Over time, Canadian provincial legislation regulating defamation has been updated to incorporate modern communication methods. However, since most of this legislation does not explicitly address the Internet, judges are often required to draw parallels between Internet communications and traditional media forms, such as newspapers and broadcasts, that are covered by the legislation.
Incorporating a company in Ontario has become more streamlined and accessible thanks to the introduction of the Ontario Business Registry on October 19, 2021. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the incorporation process, from preparing and submitting the required documentation to understanding the fees and legal obligations involved.
Liability waivers are legal agreements that can limit or exclude the duty of care owed by an occupier in certain circumstances. Although waivers can be effective tools for businesses to minimize their legal exposure, courts carefully scrutinize these agreements to ensure they are fair and reasonable.
Litigation is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the rules and procedures that govern the legal system. In this blog post, we explore the various stages of a lawsuit in Ontario, from the initial pleadings to the final trial.
In the Canadian legal landscape, class actions represent a powerful mechanism for individuals who have suffered similar harm or losses to collectively seek legal redress against a common defendant. These lawsuits serve multiple purposes, such as providing access to justice for people who might not have the means to pursue individual litigation, encouraging behavioural modification in large corporations or organizations, and promoting judicial efficiency by consolidating numerous related cases into a single legal action.
An essential contract for small non-offering corporations, shareholders’ agreements define the rights, privileges, liabilities, and responsibilities of each shareholder. These agreements, also known as “unanimous shareholders’ agreements,” offer a framework to govern various aspects of a corporation’s functioning, such as delineating shareholder roles, placing limitations on certain actions, and regulating share transfers.
Running a successful business in Ontario requires dedication, hard work, and a thorough understanding of the various types of insurance available to protect your company’s assets and interests. In this overview, we will explore the ins and outs of the eight different insurance options available to Ontario-based businesses, helping you make informed decisions about the coverage your business needs to thrive.
The tort of passing off in Canadian law is founded upon the notion that no individual should be allowed to represent their products or services as those of another. The Supreme Court of Canada has set forth three key elements that a plaintiff must establish to succeed in a passing off action: goodwill, misrepresentation, and damage.
Class action lawsuits serve as an important mechanism for plaintiffs in Canada to pursue legal remedies as a collective. This type of litigation offers a more efficient way to resolve disputes that share common issues.
Lawyers have a responsibility to prepare witnesses for adversarial proceedings, and failure to do so is considered irresponsible and incompetent. However, codes of conduct and case law prohibit lawyers from “coaching” witnesses to attain these ends.
Summary judgment is a process in civil court proceedings that allows the court to make a decision without the need for a full trial. In Ontario, the test for granting summary judgment is when the court is satisfied that there is no genuine issue requiring a trial with respect to a claim or defence.
Statutory Civil Liability is established by legislation for misrepresentations in a prospectus, Offering Memorandum, or circulars for a take-over bid or issuer bid, including directors’ and director’s or officer’s circulars. This civil liability is covered under Part 23 of the Ontario Securities Act.
The Ontario Unconscionable Transactions Relief Act provides relief to borrowers when they have been subjected to harsh and unconscionable transactions. This legislation allows the court to grant relief where the cost of the loan is excessive or the transaction is unfair.
Cheques remain a popular payment method for many businesses and individuals today, but their use also brings with it the risk of fraud. This risk was at the heart of the legal battle between Austral Imports Inc. and the Bank of Montreal in a case that dealt with the effectiveness of contemporary account verification and related obligations.
When a plaintiff wants to discontinue an action against a defendant before the close of pleadings in Ontario, they have the right to do so by serving a Notice of Discontinuance on all parties served with a statement of claim and filing the notice with proof of service in the registrar’s office.
Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (the “Act”), unfair practices include false, misleading, or deceptive representations made by a supplier in the course of selling or promoting a product or service. The Act prohibits suppliers from engaging in unfair practices and provides consumers with various remedies for violations of the Act.
The “proper law” of a contract generally governs most issues pertaining to its validity, interpretation, performance, and breach in the context of the Anglo-Canadian conflict of laws. The “proper law” rule is based on the principle that parties to a contract are free to choose the governing law.
If you’re struggling with debt and need a way out, you may be wondering what options are available to you. In Canada, one option is to file a consumer proposal. This legal process is designed to help insolvent individuals compromise their debts with their creditors and avoid the stigma of bankruptcy.
In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (the “PIPEDA”) is a federal law regulating the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by private organizations during commercial activities. The PIPEDA is key legislation that aims to safeguard the privacy of individuals by setting out clear rules for the management of personal information by private organizations.
Constructive trusts are a legal remedy used to address unjust enrichment. This remedy is imposed on property owned by a party who has gained an unfair benefit at the expense of another party. In cases where the court finds that one party has been unjustly enriched, a constructive trust may be imposed to remedy the situation.
Promissory estoppel is a legal doctrine that may be used to prevent a party from reneging on a promise or representation they have made. It is a principle of equity that can be invoked to prevent a party from relying on their strict legal rights where it would be unfair or unjust to do so. Although originally developed by the common law, it has been modified over time by equitable principles.
Amending the articles of a corporation is a common type of fundamental change to the constitution of a corporation. Active businesses often experience a fundamental change during their lifespan. In Ontario, the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA) allows for almost any change to the corporation’s constitution.
The gambling industry is a prime target for those seeking to launder illegal funds. This includes physical casinos, online casinos, bars with poker machines, and both physical and online sports betting services. The global gambling industry generated record-breaking revenues in 2021, reaching $261 billion (USD) in the US and €87.2 billion (EUR) in Europe, making it an attractive option for criminals seeking to launder money. Relative to population size, Canada’s gambling industry made a proportional $2.64 billion (CAD) in revenue in 2021.
An affidavit is a document used in legal proceedings that comprises a witness’s statement of facts or opinion. The witness attests to the document, and the affidavit is taken by an authorized individual. This individual, known as the commissioner, confirms the witness’s identity and delivers the oath or affirmation that the document’s contents are accurate. The witness, not the commissioner, is responsible for determining the statement’s truth.
A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that outlines their respective rights and obligations. But what happens if one of the parties wants to get out of the contract? In some cases, a contract can be voided, which means that it is deemed to have never existed legally.
When it is time to move from reading to resolving, Grigoras Law handles civil, commercial, and appellate matters across Ontario, and select cross-border files. The right counsel changes the calculation. For plaintiffs, that means a practical assessment of viable causes of action, a realistic view of recovery prospects, and a clear read on urgent interim relief if the facts support it. For defendants, it means pleadings assessed, defences triaged, and a strategy that keeps the file from consuming your business while it runs.
A contract has been breached, a partner has acted against your interests, a director has crossed a line, or money is at risk of disappearing. You want to understand what can be recovered, what urgent relief is available before trial, and whether the case is worth running.
Start plaintiff intake → Defendant intakeYou have been served with a statement of claim, an oppression application, or a demand that threatens proceedings. You need the pleadings assessed, the defences triaged, and a strategy that keeps the file from consuming your business while it runs.
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