My spouse has asked for a divorce. How do I handle that?

By LegalMatters Staff • Some people are caught by surprise when their spouse announces they want a divorce and may not know what to do next. Edmonton family lawyer Jaskiran Bajwa regularly deals with people in this situation and says staying calm is important. “Getting angry will not help the situation,” she says. “You both […]

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It’s time to hit the pool but remember to make safety a priority

For many, a swimming pool has the ability to turn their backyards into an oasis.  It can help bring people together for parties or family celebrations and provides a low-impact, yet effective workout. Simply sitting by a swimming pool can also  help alleviate stress and improve your mental well-being. However, a swimming pool comes with

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Large fines can be given with corporate fraud convictions

By LegalMatters Staff • Senior officers with corporations could be given a 14-year prison sentence if they were involved in corporate fraud worth more than $5,000. The same maximum penalty also applies if that fraudulent action affects the public market price of stocks, shares, merchandise or anything offered for sale to the public. “Since corporations

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AD&D insurance claim denials are common but can be appealed

By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Many people have accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance through their workplace. But often, in the event of injury or death, that coverage is denied, says Ontario disability and personal injury lawyer Joshua Goldberg. “The terms ‘accidental death and dismemberment’ seem straightforward but insurance companies often seem to find

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Mediation is more cost-efficient and quicker than going to court

By LegalMatters Staff • It is no secret that courts across Canada are grappling to deal with increasing caseloads. In Alberta, the Court of King’s Bench has implemented four mandatory pre-court requirements to speed up the pace of justice. Initially, these will only apply in Edmonton and Calgary but they will expand across the province

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Another boating season has arrived but be aware of the risks

Thousands of boaters across the province have hit the waters for another summer on the water. Boating Ontario, states that more than 15 million Canadians enjoy the sport because of the “emotional, behavioural and psychological benefits of being near, around, on, or in water.” However, like any activity, it comes with risks. The Drowning Prevention

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A term in prison almost certain for U.S. child pornography offenders

By LegalMatters Staff • Many products flow easily over the Canada/U.S. border, including child pornography, with both countries handing out harsh sentences to perpetrators. “Child pornography is illegal under federal and state laws in the United States and is punishable by up to life imprisonment and fines of up to US$250,000,” says Ottawa criminal lawyer

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Courts can benefit from limiting unworthy expert witness testimony

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • The proliferation of professional expert witnesses has become an impediment to Ontario’s justice system, says Barrie-area litigator M. Steven Rastin. However, he says he is encouraged by an increased willingness of judges to act as gatekeepers to limit unworthy expert testimony. “Trials in Ontario take longer than most other jurisdictions,”

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Time is not on the side of copyright infringers, SCOTUS rules

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A recent Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruling that found a copyright infringer was liable for damages accruing more than nearly a decade before the infringement was discovered raises interesting limitations issues, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. In Warner Chappell Music, Inc. v. Nealy, SCOTUS

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