Reunification therapy restores damaged child/parent relationships

/ Legal Services /

By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Many lawyers and judges understand the benefits of having orders for reunification therapy included in family law judgments, says Derek Woodruff, co-director of Renew Supervision Services. “Reunification therapy is a way to restore a relationship between a child and an estranged or rejected parent. It’s a form of family […]

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Fight to save Osgoode Hall grounds will take ‘strong leadership’

/ Legal Services /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Even if Metrolinx wins the right to cut down trees on the venerable Osgoode Hall property, the fight to find an alternative site for a new subway station will continue, vows the Toronto Lawyers’ Association (TLA). “The sound we are hearing is Law Society of Ontario (LSO) benchers of the past

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New legislation will be needed to deal with AI’s expanding scope

/ Intellectual Property /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • With the ever-expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process, Canada’s laws will need to be amended to define and protect intellectual property rights, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. AI has been around for decades and has developed into a formidable tool with increasing applications, says

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Be careful when splitting with a spouse with mental health issues

/ Family Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Going through a divorce is stressful. There are financial and legal issues to deal with, especially if there are children or a matrimonial home involved. There is also an emotional toll since divorce can be traumatic for everyone involved. There may be anger and resentment between the ex-partners as they come

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No clear answers as to when longer notice periods are required

/ Employment/Labour /

A recent Ontario Superior Court decision provides a clear reminder that there remains real uncertainty as to what constitutes “exceptional circumstances” that would require an employer to give a termination of employment notice greater than 24 months in length. When an employer terminates someone’s employment, they typically owe them prior “reasonable notice” of termination.  The length

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Property defence must be reasonable in the circumstances

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Many Canadians are unclear about what rights they have when it comes to self-defence. In Alberta, that has been an issue in disputes where landowners have encountered uninvited people on their property. In one recent case, two men lost their lives, with the property owners claiming they were acting in self-defence.

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TLA Awards Gala is a chance to socialize and celebrate

/ Legal Services /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • It is “full steam ahead” for the Toronto Lawyers’ Association’s (TLA) annual Awards Gala next month, says executive director/library director Joan Rataic-Lang. “People are really starting to get excited about it,” she says. “The gala has established itself as a marquee event. People know that it is a lovely time and

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Young retail workers are giving union popularity a boost

/ Employment/Labour /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Young workers could be leading the charge in a resurgence of union popularity, says Toronto employment lawyer Jeffrey M. Andrew. Some are predicting 2023 could be the year of the union comeback with employees in low-paying service sector jobs seeking the bargaining power and protection that comes in numbers. “It

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