Mills & Mills LLP

09/03/2026

Mills & Mills LLP is proud to announce that Managing Partner David Mills has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for his work in Trusts and Estates. We are also pleased to share that Senior Associate Lauren A. Kason was included in the 2027 edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™ in Canada for her work in Trusts and Estates.

Congratulations to David and Lauren on this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to serving clients continue to make a meaningful impact.

08/14/2026

Registering a trademark is an important milestone, but it's not the finish line. In his latest blog, Egor Dubinin explains the key steps trademark owners should take after registration, from enforcing rights and monitoring infringement to maintaining registrations and preserving brand value.

Read the full blog here: https://www.millsandmills.ca/blog/i-registered-a-trademark-now-what/

Registered your trademark? Learn how to maintain, monitor, enforce, and protect your trademark rights in Canada to preserve your brand's value.

08/05/2026

No deal. No damages.

The Ontario Court of Appeal's decision in Shiralian v. Wyldewood Creek Inc. confirms that well-drafted limitation of liability clauses in pre-construction agreements will generally be enforced, even where purchasers lose the benefit of a rising market.

Dylan Horenfeldt examines what the ruling means for developers, purchasers, and anyone involved in pre-construction transactions.

Read the full blog: https://www.millsandmills.ca/blog/no-deal-no-damages-court-of-appeal-confirms-deposit-only-remedies-in-pre-construction-sales/

The Ontario Court of Appeal confirms that purchasers in failed pre-construction sales may be limited to deposit refunds where contracts clearly restrict remedies.

07/20/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Taras’ participation in a series of impactful international discussions addressing law, journalism, humanitarian work, and trauma-informed care.

On June 30, 2026, Taras presented on “Canadian Charitable Projects in Sanctuary Cities in the United States,” examining the sanctuary city concept and key Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) compliance considerations for Canadian charities undertaking projects and activities in the United States.

Also on June 30, Taras moderated a thought-provoking panel on journalism and PTSD, featuring distinguished speakers Vasilisa Stepanenko, Independent Journalist (Kharkiv, Ukraine), and Professor Anthony Feinstein of the University of Toronto. The discussion explored the psychological impact of reporting from conflict zones and the importance of supporting journalists exposed to trauma.

On July 3, 2026, Taras Kulish participated in “Trauma Therapy for Children of War – The Ukrainian Experience,” alongside Nataliia Podolyak, HOPE Worldwide Ukraine (Kyiv), Ira Suhova, HOPE Worldwide Ukraine (Kyiv), Sergiy Bogdanov, Head of the Center for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA), and Orest Suvalo, Executive Director of the Institute of Mental Health of UCU, Lecturer at the Department of Clinical Psychology of Ukrainian Catholic University (Lviv). The session highlighted the challenges facing children affected by war and the innovative approaches being used to support healing and recovery. Taras spoke about legal support requirements of humanitarian programs in Ukraine funded by Canadian charities.

We congratulate Taras on the success of these engagements and on the opportunity to contribute to important international conversations at the intersection of law, mental health, journalism, humanitarian initiatives, and trauma-informed care.

07/20/2026

This week, we're proud to feature Areesha Zubair in our Lawyer Spotlight. As a Senior Associate in our Family Law Group, Areesha is known for her compassionate approach, practical guidance, and dedication to helping clients navigate complex family law matters. We're pleased to recognize Areesha and celebrate her contributions to our firm and the families she serves.

https://www.millsandmills.ca/our-lawyers/areesha-zubair/

07/08/2026

Our pets are family, but have you considered who would care for them if you no longer could?

In her latest blog, Claudia Mak discusses why pet owners should include their beloved companions in their estate planning. From naming a caregiver in your Will to establishing a trust for ongoing care, there are important steps you can take to help protect your pet’s future.

A little planning today can provide peace of mind that your furry, feathered, or scaled family members will continue to receive the care they deserve.

Read the full blog here: https://www.millsandmills.ca/blog/estate-planning-for-pet-owners-protecting-your-pets-future/

Pets are family too. Learn how estate planning, wills and trusts can help ensure your pet receives proper care if you can no longer look after them.

07/03/2026

In this short video, Dylan Horenfeldt discusses the Ontario Superior Court's decision in Stribling v. Starbucks Coffee Canada Inc., a case that highlights how a settlement agreement can become legally binding before a formal release is signed.

The decision serves as an important reminder that written communications during settlement negotiations—including email acceptances—can carry significant legal consequences for both employers and employees.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/VOl4bLDm4rE

For a more detailed analysis, read the full blog co-authored by Dylan Horenfeldt and Zachary Silverberg: https://www.millsandmills.ca/blog/no-signature-required-when-a-settlement-agreement-is-already-binding/

In this short video, Dylan Horenfeldt discusses the Ontario Superio...

06/30/2026

Closing day is often seen as the finish line—but for many buyers and sellers, it can also feel like one of the most uncertain parts of the journey.

What actually happens behind the scenes? When do funds move? When do you get the keys? And what could cause delays?

In this guide, Elizabeth Beattie breaks down the closing process step-by-step—from lawyer preparation and electronic registration to mortgage payouts and key release—so you can approach closing day with clarity and confidence.

Whether you're buying or selling, understanding the process helps reduce stress and ensures a smoother transition into your next chapter.

Read more to know exactly what to expect on closing day. https://www.millsandmills.ca/blog/what-happens-on-closing-day-in-ontario/

A clear, practical guide to what buyers and sellers can expect on closing day in Ontario—from fund transfers and title registration to key release and potential delays.

06/24/2026

Is common-law really the same as marriage—at least in the eyes of estate law?

In this insightful piece, Tsvetomira Niklin breaks down the legal realities many couples overlook. From intestacy rules to limited protections for common-law partners, the gap is real —and it can be costly if ignored.

Key takeaway: testamentary intentions don’t carry much legal weight unless they’re properly documented. A well-structured estate plan can mean the difference between clarity and litigation.
Whether married or not, understanding your rights and planning ahead is essential.

Read more: https://www.millsandmills.ca/blog/put-a-ring-on-it-or-plan-carefully-estate-law-for-modern-couples/

Do common-law partners have the same estate rights as spouses in Ontario? Learn the key differences and why proper planning is critical.

06/12/2026

Drowning incidents are often sudden, unexpected, and legally complex. In his latest blog, Michael von Keitz explores the Swim to Survive program, the realities of water safety, and how Canadian courts assess liability in tragic drowning cases—highlighting the important Sto. Domingo decision.

A thoughtful read on prevention, accountability, and the legal burden in negligence claims.

Read full blog here: https://www.millsandmills.ca/blog/accidental-drowning-prevention-and-liability-in-negligence/

Explore the Swim to Survive program and key Canadian drowning liability cases, including Sto. Domingo, and what courts require to prove negligence.