Starting a business with someone who shares your goals and passion can be an exciting step, but when you are just beginning, you do not necessarily think about ending a business partnership. Even when things begin on the right foot, not every partnership lasts forever. Over time, partners may face disagreements, grow apart professionally, or decide to pursue different paths. When that happens, ending the partnership becomes necessary—and it is not always a straightforward process.

When entering into a construction contract as a builder hiring a contractor or tradesperson, it is essential to take a careful look at the terms before signing. This agreement outlines who is responsible for what, how much the work will cost, and what happens if things do not go as planned. But without knowing what to look for, it is easy to overlook potential risks that could lead to delays, unexpected expenses, disputes, or even legal action down the road. That is where working with a construction lawyer proves to be a huge asset to your business.

Taking on the role of an estate executor is a big responsibility and, when someone passes away, your duties will be key to settling the will. You are not just handing out inheritances — you are legally responsible for managing everything the deceased left behind, from debts to taxes to property. If things are not handled properly, executors can sometimes be held personally liable.

Change orders are one of the most common sources of conflict in construction projects. Whether it is a request for extra work, unexpected site conditions, or changes in materials, disputes often arise when the scope of work shifts—along with the cost.

When business disputes arise, choosing between mediation or litigation can have a major impact on your company’s future. Whether it is a disagreement between long-time partners or a conflict with a new vendor, how you resolve the issue can affect everything from your finances to your working relationships. Both mediation and litigation offer different paths forward—each with its own advantages and drawbacks.

A failed real estate transaction can feel like a nightmare, but it happens more often than you think. Whether you are buying or selling, an unexpected collapse can bring financial stress, legal complications, and plenty of frustration. But do not panic—there are steps you can take to recover and move forward, the first step being to contact a well seasoned real estate lawyer.

If you have put in the time and effort to complete a renovation on someone’s home but have not been paid, a construction lien is a legal option to collect what you are owed. Construction law in Ontario is complex, with strict deadlines and procedures that must be followed. Even lawyers who frequently work with construction law sometimes struggle with the details, so it is important to understand how to protect yourself and your business. To help give you a general understanding let’s review the basics of construction liens.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Business partnership break-ups can sometimes be more complicated and stressful than a personal separation. Many people start businesses with friends or family, relying on trust and good intentions rather than putting formal agreements in place. Sometimes, they skip legal documents to save money in the beginning. But when disagreements arise—especially after a business has become successful—having no clear plan makes things much harder to resolve.

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.

Challenging a will if you are unhappy with how a loved one's estate was handled is a common occurrence. Many people believe that only homemade wills can be challenged, while wills prepared by lawyers are ironclad. That is not true. Any will can be challenged in Ontario if you have the right reasons. As estate litigators, we are well versed in the legal reasons you may or may not be able to contest a will and your rights throughout the process. To help steer you in the right direction as to whether to contest a will, these are a few of the things you should consider before you go down this path.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.