Questions?
FAQ
As legal experts, we understand that navigating the legal world can be complex and intimidating. Whether you're dealing with injury claims, business partnerships, or other legal questions, we're here to help.
What are the exceptions to ICBC's "no fault" model?
If the other driver is convicted of certain Criminal Code offences, you may be able to bring a legal claim against them. In addition, if your crash was before May 1, 2021 and it has not been more than 2 years since your 19th birthday, you may be able to bring a claim. Please feel free to contact us if you think this may apply to you.
Can I still bring a lawsuit for an ICBC claim?
No, with very few exceptions, you cannot bring a legal claim for your ICBC injury in BC. Recent changes to the law have eliminated the ability to file personal injury lawsuits. Instead, the ICBC will assess and provide benefits based on a no-fault insurance model.
What do I need when starting a business in BC?
You should consider licensing requirements (e.g. business license, liquor license) and the structure of your business (e.g. proprietorship, partnership, incorporation) and your business name.
Can a lawyer assist with my commercial real estate transaction?
We can assist with reviewing legal aspects of ownership and charges on title and closing the transaction and financing.
What are the main things to know for estate planning?
Each estate plan is unique depending on your circumstances. You should consider your estate plan as a whole including a will but also joint ownership and beneficiary designations. You should also consider appointing an attorney to handle finances while alive, a representative for health care decisions and an advance directive to die with dignity.
Can a will be changed after a loved one’s passing?
A spouse or child can apply to vary a will through they generally must bring a claim to vary the will within 180 days after probate is granted.
Can the executor of a will be removed and changed to another person?
Yes. A court can remove an executor and appoint a new executor.
What do my business partner and I need in our agreement?
The factors will depend on the structure of the business (e.g. corporation), nature of the business and the partners. Generally you will want to consider the scope and nature of partners’ relationship, the conduct of the affairs of the business, financing, restrictions on transfer/right of first refusal, dispute resolution/compulsory buy-out, obligation to join in a sale and piggy-back rights, obligation to purchase/obligation to sell, indemnification and discharge of guarantees, insurance policies, sale on death, wills/alter ego trust, remedies on default and family law considerations.
I’ve been wrongfully dismissed, what can be done?
You may be entitled to compensation under the Employment Standards Act and may be entitled to additional compensation under common law principles. The amount depends on many factors including the years of employment, age and position.
How can I properly remove a troublesome employee?
You will have to comply with any agreement, the provisions of the Employment Standards Act and common law rules. So the procedure will depend on which of those factors apply.
How do I transfer my business to a family member?
That depends on the nature of your business, its structure (if it is incorporated), if you are getting paid and what the potential taxes. How to transfer the business will depend on what your goals are.
What should my employment contract have in it?
Your employment contract should have terms specifying how you will be paid and any benefits you may be entitled to, hours of work, the notice that employer and employee have to give to terminate the agreement and expectations of the employee’s conduct.
What is the difference between disbursements, other charges and legal fees?
Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses for things like filing fees with the court or land title office. Other charges include costs for things like photocopying. Legal fees are the costs you are paying the lawyer for their time.
