Balance Law

⚖️ Balance Law: Corporate, Tax, Wills & Estates experts 👨‍👦
📞Your reliable legal advisors, just a call away 💼

11/06/2025

⚖️ Ever wondered what happens after a Statement of Claim is filed?

That’s where the Statement of Defence comes in 👇

🛡️ It’s the Defendant’s chance to explain why they shouldn’t have to compensate the Plaintiff.

🌍 Defendants served outside Ontario (in another province, the U.S., or abroad) get a bit more time to respond.

🔁 If the Defendant also has a claim against the Plaintiff (a Counterclaim), it’s included in the same document.

11/04/2025

📬 Received a Statement of Claim? Don’t panic—but don’t delay either.

Here’s what you need to know 👇

⏳ 20 days — That’s how long you have to serve and file your Statement of Defence in Ontario.

📝 30 days — If you file a Notice of Intent to Defend, you’ll have this extra time to prepare.

⚠️ Miss the deadline? You could be noted in default—meaning the court may assume you admit to the allegations.

Consulting a lawyer early can help protect your rights and build a stronger defence.

10/23/2025

⚖️ Drafting your Statement of Claim? A few small oversights can cost you big later in court.

🚫 Omitting a material fact or remedy — If you forget to include an important fact or a specific type of relief (like damages or an injunction), you might not be allowed to raise it at trial.

⚖️ Anticipating the defence — Keep your focus on your case. The Statement of Claim is about your story, not what you think the defendant will argue.

A clear, complete, and well-structured claim gives your case a strong foundation — and keeps you one step ahead in litigation.

10/21/2025

⚖️ Filing a lawsuit in Ontario? Your Statement of Claim sets the stage — but even small mistakes can weaken your case.

Here are two common errors to avoid 👇

🚫 Being overly detailed or emotional — Keep it professional. Avoid long backstories, emotional language, or personal attacks on the defendant.

📄 Mixing facts with evidence — Your claim should outline facts you intend to prove, not the proof itself.

A well-drafted Statement of Claim is clear, concise, and focused — giving your case the best possible start.

10/16/2025

⏳ Thinking about filing a lawsuit in Ontario? Don’t wait too long — time is not on your side!

Here’s what you need to know about filing a Statement of Claim:

📅 Strict time limits apply — Under Ontario’s Limitations Act, 2002, most claims must be filed within two years.

🕵️‍♂️ The clock starts ticking — That two-year period begins when you knew or should have known you had a claim.

⚖️ Missing the deadline COULD mean losing your right to sue entirely.

When it comes to litigation, timing is everything — don’t let your claim expire before it even starts.

10/15/2025

⚖️ Ever wondered how a civil lawsuit officially begins in Ontario?

It all starts with a Statement of Claim — the first and most important step in the litigation process.

📄 Starts the lawsuit — It’s the court document that formally begins most civil actions.

💰 Outlines your claim — It sets out the legal remedies and damages being sought.

📢 Notifies the defendant — It gives the other party official notice that they’re being sued.

10/10/2025

📝 Drafting a probationary clause for your employment contract? Make sure it’s crystal clear and legally sound!

📌 Clarity matters — Use simple, straightforward language to avoid vagueness or confusion.

📌 Follow the law — Ensure the clause meets minimum standards under the Employment Standards Act (ESA).

📌 Define the duration — Clearly state how long the probationary period lasts to prevent misunderstandings.

A well-drafted clause can make the difference between smooth onboarding and a potential legal dispute. 💼

10/09/2025

🧾 Did you know the law doesn’t actually require a probationary period in Ontario?

Here’s how it really works under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA):

📌 No mandatory probation period — The ESA doesn’t set or require any specific probationary timeframe.

📌 Three-month rule — Once an employee has been continuously employed for 3 months or more, the employer must provide notice or pay in lieu if they choose to terminate.

📌 Why this matters — Both employers and employees should ensure probation clauses are clearly written in the contract and align with ESA requirements.

10/02/2025

⚖️ Are probationary clauses in employment contracts actually enforceable?

The answer is yes—and Ontario courts have weighed in on this!

📌 Court’s stance — The Ontario Court of Appeal confirmed that probationary clauses can be valid and enforceable.

📌 Clarity matters — Even a short clause can stand, as long as it clearly sets out the probation terms.

📌 Takeaway — Employers should draft carefully, and employees should understand what they’re agreeing to before signing.

A few words in a contract can make a big difference—always review before you commit.

09/30/2025

🤔 Ever heard of a probationary clause in an employment contract?

📌 What it is — A clause that lets an employer terminate an employee during a set probationary period, usually without notice or severance pay.

📌 Why it exists — This time is meant to assess the employee’s performance, skills, and overall fit within the organization.

📌 What it means for you — While it gives employers flexibility, it also means employees have less job security during this period.

Knowing about probationary clauses can help you make more informed decisions when reviewing or negotiating an employment contract.

09/25/2025

💍 Thinking of selling your matrimonial home in Ontario? It’s not as simple as being the only registered owner.

Even if the property is in your name alone, the law provides special protection for matrimonial homes.

📌 Spousal consent is required — Under Ontario’s Family Law Act, you cannot sell or dispose of a matrimonial home without your spouse’s written consent.

📌 Why this matters — This safeguard ensures fairness and protects both spouses’ rights in the family residence.

So before listing or signing anything, make sure consent is in place to avoid delays or legal complications.

09/23/2025

🏠 Did you know a trustee can sell real estate — but with extra steps involved?

📌 Notice of a trust? — If the buyer knows the seller is holding the property in trust for someone else, that matters.

✍️ Written consent — It’s often wise to obtain written consent from the beneficial (unregistered) owner before moving ahead.

This ensures the deal is transparent, binding, and protects everyone’s interests.

Address

6959 Lundy's Lane
Niagara Falls, ON
L2G1V8

Website

https://balancelaw.ca/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Balance Law posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Balance Law:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Law Practice in Niagara Falls?