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Construction Law, Construction Disputes Eric Gionet Construction Law, Construction Disputes Eric Gionet

Construction Holdback Disputes in Ontario: When Owners Refuse to Release Funds

Construction holdback disputes can quickly turn a successful project into a legal dispute. Under Ontario's Construction Act, holdbacks serve an important purpose. They help protect parties further down the construction chain by ensuring funds remain available to satisfy valid lien claims. However, once lien rights have expired or applicable statutory requirements have been met, those funds are not meant to remain frozen indefinitely.

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Understanding Civil Litigation in Ontario

Conflict is part of everyday life, and civil litigation in Ontario can span a wide variety of relationships.  These disputes can be between business partners, family members, neighbours, employers, contractors, or property owners. Each disagreement or dispute can have its own resolution and can come in a multitude of ways. Some disagreements can be resolved with a conversation or a compromise, while others can be  more serious and can eventually require legal intervention.

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Estate Litigation, Wills, Executor Eric Gionet Estate Litigation, Wills, Executor Eric Gionet

Estate Disputes Between Siblings: Legal Options When Emotions Take Over

Estate disputes between siblings rarely begin as purely legal disagreements. We often find that what appears on the surface to be a disagreement about money or property is often rooted in grief, long-standing family dynamics, and deeply personal views about what is fair. When a parent dies, unresolved tensions can surface quickly, turning what should be a structured legal process into a difficult and, at times, adversarial situation.

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What to Do When You Receive an Adjudication Notice in Ontario in 2026

Adjudication notice in Ontario? What construction owners and contractors need to know has changed under the 2026 amendments to the Construction Act. 

Ontario construction business owners and contractors need to know how to react when they receive a notice. Learn what to do once a legal action is in play.

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What You Need to Know About Waterfront Right Disputes in Cottage Country in Ontario 

Owning a waterfront cottage in Ontario carries the promise of fun and recreation, but in reality, it also includes a higher likelihood of waterfront rights disputes. Disagreements over shoreline boundaries, beach access, and the use of water are some of the most common issues that escalate into litigation.

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Commercial Litigation, Business Disputes Eric Gionet Commercial Litigation, Business Disputes Eric Gionet

When a Vendor Relationship Breaks Down: A Legal Perspective for Ontario Businesses

Vendor relationship problems may start small, but they rarely stay that way.

What starts as a breakdown in communication or expectations can quickly turn into a legal dispute affecting operations, revenue, and reputation. Understanding your legal options can make the difference between resolving the issue or escalating it.

Learn how vendor relationships turn into litigation and what your next step should be.

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Estate Litigation, Estate Disputes Eric Gionet Estate Litigation, Estate Disputes Eric Gionet

What the Presumption of Resulting Trust Means for Families and Estates in Ontario

If you are dealing with an estate dispute involving a parent’s finances, the presumption of resulting trust may determine whether an asset belongs to one beneficiary or must be returned to the estate.

In Ontario, it is common for parents to add an adult child to a bank account or contribute financially to a major purchase, often with the intention of helping, not gifting. However, when those intentions are not clearly documented, these arrangements can lead to serious legal disputes after death. What often starts as “lending a helping hand” to a parent, or a parent "helping out,” can quickly turn into a contentious legal dispute after death.

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Construction Law, Construction Liens Eric Gionet Construction Law, Construction Liens Eric Gionet

What Happens When a Subcontractor Does Not Get Paid in Ontario

It is an all too common problem in the construction industry – a subcontractor does not get paid, even after completing their work properly and on time.

As a subcontractor, you showed up, did the work, supplied materials, and now you are waiting to be reimbursed. Days turn into weeks, and the answers you get are vague or delayed.

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Real Estate Disputes: How Undisclosed Property Defects Lead to Litigation

Real estate disputes often occur after closing when hidden issues come to light. Latent defects such as concealed water damage, structural problems, or mould can lead to costly litigation if they were not properly disclosed. Understanding legal obligations and working with a litigation lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your interests.

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Why Legal Dispute Delays Can End a Claim Before It Begins

Legal dispute delays often feel harmless at the outset. It is common to hope that the issue will resolve on its own, that the other party will come to the table, or that there is still plenty of time to act. From a litigation perspective, that assumption is where many strong claims begin to unravel.

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Commercial Litigation, Employment Law Eric Gionet Commercial Litigation, Employment Law Eric Gionet

Messaging as Evidence in Employment Disputes – Think Before You Hit Send

In employment disputes, messages are playing an increasingly important evidentiary role in how courts assess workplace conflicts. Workplace communication has changed significantly in recent years and conversations that once happened in meetings or over the phone now take place through emails, text messages, Slack channels, and Microsoft Teams chats. While these tools make communication faster and more convenient, they can also become important evidence when an employment dispute arises.

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Construction Law, Construction Disputes Eric Gionet Construction Law, Construction Disputes Eric Gionet

Why Verbal Change Orders in Construction Often Turn into Legal Disputes

Verbal change orders in construction may feel routine on a busy job site, but they are one of the fastest ways projects turn into legal disputes. It is important to understand why verbal changes are risky, how courts look at them, and when it is time to speak with a construction lawyer before costs spiral.

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Litigation in 2026: Why More Disputes Are Escalating in Ontario

Litigation in 2026 looks different than it did just a few years ago. More disputes are moving further into the legal process instead of settling early, driven by court delays, economic pressure, and growing regulatory risk. Understanding what litigation involves and why more matters are escalating, can help businesses and individuals make informed decisions long before a courtroom is involved.

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