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Ontario questions, explained.

Plain-language questions and answers about Ontario law.

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

Buying Shares of an Ontario Corporation: What Happens to Its Tax Losses?

After you buy an Ontario corporation's shares, its tax year ends and net capital losses are lost, while some business losses may survive.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can a beneficiary ask an executor for information about the estate in Ontario?

A person with a financial interest can go to court to make an executor pass accounts or file a statement of assets, though no fixed schedule applies.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can a Beneficiary Be Paid Before the Estate Is Fully Settled in Ontario?

Beneficiaries can sometimes be paid early, but an executor who distributes without a clearance certificate can be personally liable for unpaid tax.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can a Beneficiary Have an Executor Removed in Ontario?

Yes. A beneficiary can apply to the Superior Court of Justice to remove an executor, but the court decides and takes removal of an executor seriously.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can a beneficiary who lives outside Canada inherit from an Ontario estate?

A beneficiary outside Canada can be paid, but estate or trust income paid to them is generally subject to 25% Part XIII tax unless a treaty reduces…

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can a Buyer Walk Away From My House Sale Before Closing in Ontario?

A buyer who fails to close can face damages and loss of the deposit, and you can generally re-list the home; forcing the sale is much harder.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can a Buyer Walk Away if the Property Condition Differs From What Was Disclosed in Ontario?

Not automatically: Ontario follows buyer beware, so your options depend on whether the defect is patent or latent and whether the seller concealed it.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can a Court Order an Unequal Equalization Payment in Ontario?

Yes, but only if equalizing would be unconscionable under the factors in s. 5(6) of the Family Law Act, in very special situations.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can a Creditor Take a Deceased Person's House to Pay Their Debts in Ontario?

Yes, a house is liable for the deceased's debts, but secured creditors, priority rules and good-faith buyers affect what happens.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can a Joint Account Holder Be Forced to Share the Money With the Estate in Ontario?

Possibly: an adult child added to a parent's account is presumed to hold it in trust for the estate unless they can show a gift was intended.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can a lender start power of sale if I am only a few payments behind in Ontario?

A lender cannot give a notice of sale until a default has lasted 15 days, and the sale cannot happen until 35 days after the notice.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can a minor be named as a beneficiary in Ontario, and who manages the money?

Yes, a child can be named, but money for a minor is managed by a trustee, a guardian of property or the court generally until the child turns 18.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can a Neighbour Cut Tree Roots or Branches That Cross the Property Line in Ontario?

You may be able to trim what crosses your line, but boundary trees and municipal tree by-laws can limit you, and damage may support a claim.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can a probate application in Ontario be rejected or sent back by the court?

Yes. An Ontario court can refuse or return a probate application and sends Form 74O with the reason; missing documents can often be fixed by sending…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can a Same-Sex Couple Both Be Legal Parents in Ontario Without Adopting?

In many cases, yes: Ontario's Children's Law Reform Act can make both spouses legal parents after donor conception or surrogacy without adoption.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can a Seller Accept Another Offer While I Am Considering Their Counter-Offer in Ontario?

A seller can often deal with other buyers, but whether they can accept another offer during your counter-offer depends on the wording and timing.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can a Separation Agreement Waive Spousal Support in Ontario?

Yes, you can waive spousal support in an Ontario separation agreement, but a court can set the waiver aside if it is unconscionable.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can a Tenant File an Application at the LTB Online and Attend the Hearing by Phone or Video in Ontario?

Yes. Many LTB applications can be filed through the Tribunals Ontario Portal, and hearings can be virtual, written, or in person if approved.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can an Executor Be Paid Back for Lawyer and Accountant Costs in Ontario?

Often yes: an executor can pay properly incurred estate expenses from the estate, and the executor's own compensation is a separate allowance.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can an executor be paid for handling probate in Ontario?

Yes. An Ontario executor may claim a fair and reasonable allowance, unless the will fixes it, and the fees are generally taxable income.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can an Executor Close a Deceased Person's Bank Account in Ontario?

An executor generally needs a Certificate of Appointment to manage a deceased person's sole bank accounts in Ontario; other relatives cannot withdraw.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can an Executor Pay Estate Administration Tax From the Estate's Bank Account Before Probate in Ontario?

The estate pays the tax as a deposit when probate is filed, by cheque, draft, cash or debit; whether frozen funds can be used depends on the facts.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can an Executor Renounce or Resign in Ontario?

Yes. You can renounce before acting, but once you have started administering the estate you generally need a court order to step aside.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can an executor resign or refuse the job in Ontario?

A named executor does not have to act and can renounce, but one who has already started acting generally needs a court order to step down in Ontario.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can an executor use estate money to pay for their own expenses in Ontario?

Yes, an executor in Ontario can pay or be repaid for expenses properly incurred in carrying out the estate, but a court can later disallow them.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can an Unmarried Partner Claim Spousal Support in Ontario?

Yes, an unmarried partner can claim spousal support in Ontario after three years of living together, or sooner if you share a child.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can Child Support Arrears Be Forgiven or Reduced in Ontario?

In Ontario, a court can relieve a payor of part or all child support arrears and interest if circumstances changed or new evidence exists.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can Common-Law Partners Be Added to a Partner's Health or Dental Benefits in Ontario?

Whether a common-law partner can join your health or dental plan in Ontario depends on how that plan defines spouse, not on one set legal test.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can Creditors Go After Beneficiaries for an Estate's Debts in Ontario?

Estate debts are paid before beneficiaries receive their share, and an estate trustee can be personally liable for some early distributions.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can Estate Administration Tax Be Reduced by Valuing Assets Lower in Ontario?

No. Assets must be valued at fair market value at death, backed by documents, and understating value can lead to fines, imprisonment or reassessment.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can I apply for probate in Ontario if I live outside Canada?

A named executor living abroad can apply, but the court may require a bond unless a judge waives or reduces it, and some originals must be filed on…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I Be Kicked Out of the Home After a Common-Law Breakup in Ontario?

Unmarried partners have no statutory right to stay in a home the other owns, though a restraining order may be possible if you fear for your safety.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can I build on rural land in Ontario without a building permit?

You generally need a municipal building permit for new structures over 10 square metres, but a small detached shed of 15 m² or less can be exempt.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can I Challenge a Will for Lack of Testamentary Capacity in Ontario?

Yes, you can challenge a will for lack of testamentary capacity; the will's defender must prove capacity, but you need some evidence first.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can I Change Joint Tenancy to Tenants in Common in Ontario Without the Other Owner's Consent?

A joint tenant can generally end the joint tenancy alone by registering a transfer to themselves, which ends survivorship for that share in Ontario.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I Change or Cancel a Separation Agreement After Signing It in Ontario?

Ontario separation agreements can be changed by a signed, witnessed amendment, or set aside by a court on limited grounds, but regret alone is not…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I Change the Locks or Stop My Spouse Entering Our Home After Separating in Ontario?

A married person can ask the court for exclusive possession of the family home, even if the home is in the other spouse's name.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I File a Parenting Agreement With the Court in Ontario Without a Hearing?

Yes: parents who agree can ask a judge for an order on consent, often dealt with in writing using Form 14B, so a hearing may not be needed.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can I Force the Sale of a Co-Owned Property Under the Partition Act in Ontario?

Yes, a co-owner can generally apply to court for partition or sale under Ontario's Partition Act, and the court refuses only in limited circumstances.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I Force the Sale of the Matrimonial Home in Ontario?

Possibly: joint owners can apply to court for partition or sale, but a spouse's matrimonial home rights and other claims can affect whether a sale…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I Get a Divorce in Ontario If My Spouse Doesn't Want One?

Yes. Your spouse does not have to consent to a divorce in Ontario; the ground is marriage breakdown, usually one year of separation.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I Get Child Support in Ontario If We Were Never Married?

Yes. In Ontario, parents must support their children whether or not they were ever married, and you can apply to court to set the amount.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can I Get Money From a Deceased Person's Bank Account to Pay for the Funeral in Ontario?

Banks set their own rules on releasing funds before an estate trustee is appointed; under a will, funeral costs are normally paid before distribution.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I Get Parenting Time in Windsor if the Other Parent Lives in Michigan in Ontario?

A parenting case is usually started where the children live, and border travel without the other parent may call for a notarized consent letter.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I Pay Less Child Support Because of Undue Hardship in Ontario?

A court can set a different child support amount if you or a child would suffer undue hardship, but a standard of living test can still defeat the…

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can I port my mortgage to a new home in Ontario, and how does it work?

You may be able to port your mortgage to a new home if your mortgage is eligible, keeping your rate and terms; check with your lender first.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can I renew or refinance my mortgage if there is a lien on my Ontario property?

A construction lien can be cleared from title if the court vacates it once the amount claimed is paid into court or security is posted.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can I reopen an Ontario estate after probate if I find more assets?

If you find an asset after the certificate is issued, you file an amended Estate Information Return within 60 days and pay any extra tax.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can I Sell a House Before the Estate Has a Certificate of Appointment in Ontario?

Ontario guidance says to get the certificate before signing an agreement of purchase and sale, though some exceptions can apply.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can I Sell My House in Ontario If I Owe Money on a Lien or Unpaid Property Taxes?

Tax arrears, CRA debts, writs of execution and construction liens can all affect your home; a title search shows what is registered.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can I Sell My Share of a Tenants in Common Property in Ontario Without the Co-Owner's Approval?

Whether you can sell or mortgage your tenants in common share alone depends on the facts, but co-owners who disagree can face partition or sale in…

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can I sever a lot from my farmland in Ontario?

Severing farmland in Ontario needs a Planning Act consent, and new residential lots in prime agricultural areas are allowed only in narrow cases.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can I Stop Paying Spousal Support Because My Ex Is Working Again in Ontario?

A new job does not automatically end spousal support in Ontario; a court decides whether to reduce or end it once your ex is truly self-sufficient.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can I Use the FHSA and the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan Together to Buy a House in Ontario?

Yes, you can use an FHSA and the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan for the same qualifying home, if you meet every condition at the time of each withdrawal.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can My Neighbour Dig Up or Change the Grade Next to My Property and Flood My Yard in Ontario?

A neighbour who re-grades and sends collected water onto your lot can face liability, and the municipality may regulate grade changes.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Can my Ontario condo board charge a special assessment and how much notice must I get?

A condo board can generally levy a special assessment through common expense fees without owner approval, but your governing documents may add rules.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can someone who lives outside Ontario or Canada be an executor of an Ontario estate?

An executor living outside Ontario may still act, but a bond may be needed unless they live in another province, territory or a Commonwealth country.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can someone with power of attorney change a life insurance beneficiary in Ontario?

Whether an attorney under a power of attorney can change a life insurance beneficiary in Ontario is not settled by statute, so get advice before…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Can the Court Remove a Guardian of Property Who Is Misusing Money in Ontario?

Yes, the court can replace a guardian of property or end the guardianship, and it can order a guardian to pass their accounts.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can We Make a Cohabitation Agreement After Living Together for Years in Ontario?

Yes, a cohabitation agreement can be signed in Ontario after you have already moved in together, and it can set how property and support are handled.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can You Appeal a Family Court Decision in Ontario?

You can appeal an Ontario family court order, but the court and deadline depend on who made it and whether it is final or temporary.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can You Be Told to Leave Your Home or Have a Partner Leave During a CAS Investigation in Ontario?

Conditions about who may live with a child can be made enforceable through terms in a court order, and a restraining order can bar contact in Ontario.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can You Get a Divorce in Ontario Without Going to Court?

Yes, in many cases. An uncontested divorce in Ontario is decided on paper, and the rules do not require anyone to attend court in person.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Can You Get Custody of a Relative's Child After CAS Placement in Ontario?

The court can grant custody to a consenting person other than a foster parent under section 102, which ends the child protection case in Ontario.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Do Beneficiaries Pay Tax on an Inheritance in Ontario?

Most inheritances are not reported as income by the person who receives them, but tax can arise on the deceased's final return or when you later sell.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Do Both Spouses Have Equal Rights to the Matrimonial Home in Ontario?

Yes: both spouses have an equal right to possess a matrimonial home whoever holds title, and one spouse generally cannot sell or mortgage it alone.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Do Both Spouses Have to Attend the Divorce Hearing in Ontario?

Often not: an uncontested Ontario divorce is decided on paper, but parties attend the conferences if the divorce is contested.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Do Common-Law Couples Have the Same Separation Rights in Ontario?

Common-law partners in Ontario have no legal duty to split property, but they may claim spousal support in some cases after separating.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Do I have to file a T1135 if I own a vacation property outside Canada in Ontario?

You file Form T1135 only if specified foreign property cost more than $100,000, and a personal-use vacation home is excluded.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Do I Have to Go to Mediation Before Court in an Ontario Family Case?

No, Ontario does not make mediation mandatory before a family case, but you must attend a Mandatory Information Program unless an exception applies.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Do I have to pay probate tax on a house that passes to my spouse in Ontario?

A house you held jointly with your spouse and that passes by survivorship is not counted for Ontario probate tax; one in the deceased's name alone is.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Do I Have to Pay Spousal Support if I Was the One Who Cheated or Left in Ontario?

Blame for the breakup, such as an affair or who left, is generally not considered when a court decides spousal support under the Divorce Act in…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Do I Need Probate to Sell a House After Someone Dies in Ontario?

Probate is normally needed to sell a house the deceased owned alone, but joint tenants and small estates have other routes.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Do I owe U.S. tax on a U.S. property I own while living in Ontario?

Canada and the U.S. may both tax income and gains from U.S. real property, and Canada gives a deduction for U.S. tax paid on U.S.-source income.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Do I pay tax if I sell my house in Ontario less than a year after buying it?

Yes, usually. If you sell an Ontario home owned under 365 days, the profit is treated as business income and the principal residence exemption is…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Do Parenting Coordinators Cost Extra and Who Pays in Ontario?

Parenting coordination is a private, usually paid service; how fees are shared depends on your agreement or order, so check it before you sign.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Do Trusts Have to File a T3 Return With the CRA in Ontario?

Many Ontario trusts must file a T3 return with the CRA, though listed trusts are generally exempt, and late filing can bring penalties.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Do You Have to Go to Court for a Contested Divorce Trial in Ontario?

A contested Ontario divorce does not go straight to trial: a judge must hold at least one conference, and trial scheduling has conditions.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Do You Need a Lawyer Before Talking to a CAS Investigator in Ontario?

Children's aid societies have the exclusive mandate to investigate in Ontario, and a lawyer can advise you before you talk or sign anything.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Does a bank in Ontario need probate before releasing a dead person's account?

Banks usually want probate when an account was in the deceased's name alone; any limit for smaller balances is the bank's own policy and varies.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Does a Cohabitation Agreement Need Independent Legal Advice to Be Valid in Ontario?

A cohabitation agreement must be written, signed and witnessed to be enforceable in Ontario; independent legal advice is not a listed formal…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Does a Deceased Person's House Go to the Estate if the Co-Owner Has Also Died in Ontario?

If both joint owners died together or the order is uncertain, each owner's share generally goes through that owner's own estate.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Does a Joint Tenant's Share Pass to the Survivor or Under the Will in Ontario?

In Ontario, a deceased joint tenant's share goes to the surviving owner, not under the will, unless an exception such as the matrimonial home applies.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Does an executor have to file the deceased's final tax return in Ontario?

The legal representative must make sure the final T1 is filed and tax paid, and should seek a CRA clearance certificate as needed.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Does Child Support Continue While a Child Is in College or University in Ontario?

Child support in Ontario can continue past 18 while a child is in full-time education, and post-secondary costs can be added to the amount.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Does Divorce Affect Life Insurance and Beneficiary Designations in Ontario?

A divorce usually revokes gifts to a former spouse in your will, but check and update life insurance and RRSP beneficiary designations yourself.

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

Does my Ontario corporation qualify as a qualified small business corporation for the capital gains exemption?

Shares generally must pass a 90% active-business test at sale, a 24-month holding period and a 50% asset test, with exceptions such as on death.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Does Ontario's Municipal Tree Bylaw Stop Me From Cutting Down a Tree on My Own Lot?

A municipal by-law can require a permit before you injure or destroy a tree, even on your own lot, and boundary trees have extra protection.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Does the principal residence exemption cover the whole gain when I sell my Ontario home?

If your Ontario home was your principal residence every year you owned it, the gain is usually tax-free; otherwise only part is exempt.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Do Common-Law Partners Divide Property in an Ontario Separation Agreement?

Equalization does not apply to unmarried couples in Ontario, so a common-law separation agreement must spell out who keeps what and any contributions.

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

How Do I Check if a Business I'm Buying Owes Unpaid CRA Source Deductions or HST in Ontario?

No CRA clearance certificate covers an ordinary Ontario business sale, so buyers rely on seller authorization, account statements and holdbacks.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

How do I end a tenancy for my own use in Ontario, and is compensation still owed in 2026?

You can end a tenancy for your own use with at least 60 days' notice, and one month's rent is generally owed unless the 120-day exception applies.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Do I Enforce a Spousal Support Order Through the Family Responsibility Office in Ontario?

Court-ordered support is filed with the Family Responsibility Office automatically, while separation agreements must be filed and registered first.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

How Do I File a Landlord Application at the Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario?

You choose the right notice and form, such as an N4 then an L1 for unpaid rent, file with the LTB, serve documents and prepare evidence for a hearing.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How do I find a missing beneficiary of an estate in Ontario?

An estate trustee who cannot find a beneficiary should not distribute that share; the court can give directions or hold the money in Ontario.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Do I Get a Prenup Drafted and Signed Properly in Ontario While Engaged?

Yes: people who intend to marry can make a marriage contract in Ontario, but it must be in writing, signed and witnessed to be enforceable.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Do I Get an Urgent Motion for Parenting Time Heard in Ontario?

Ask for an urgent hearing by filing a Form 14 notice of motion and a sworn Form 14A affidavit; without-notice orders must return to court within 14…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Do I Get Legal Guardianship of a Child Who Is Not Mine in Ontario?

A relative or family friend in Ontario can apply to court for a parenting order on decision-making responsibility, supported by an affidavit and…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How Do I Know If My Parent Owned Their Home as Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common in Ontario?

Survivorship applies only to joint tenants. Ontario treats co-owners as tenants in common unless the deed says joint tenants, so read the parcel…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Do I Read the Ontario Child Support Table for My Income?

Find the paying parent's income in the Ontario table, then read across to the number of children; the 2025 tables took effect October 1, 2025.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

How do I remove a condo lien from my unit once I have paid in Ontario?

Once you pay what you owe, the condo corporation must discharge the lien; you can pay at any point until the unit is sold, including payout costs.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

How Do I Repay My RRSP Withdrawal Under the Home Buyers' Plan in Ontario?

You repay Home Buyers' Plan withdrawals to your RRSP on a set schedule, and a missed minimum payment is added to your income for that year.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How do I sell inherited property in Ontario?

The estate trustee, not the beneficiary, has authority to sell estate property, and the sale can have federal tax consequences.

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

How do I sell my business in Ontario, and where do I start?

To sell a business in Ontario, first decide between a share sale and an asset sale, then plan for tax, approvals and employees with legal and tax…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How Do I Transfer a House Into My Name After the Owner Dies in Ontario?

Title steps depend on how the house was owned: a surviving joint owner records survivorship, while a sole owner's house usually needs probate.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Do You Apply to Become a Kinship Caregiver for a Relative's Child Through CAS in Ontario?

A relative or community member can be assessed by the society for a kin placement, and the court must consider kin before society care in Ontario.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How Do You Wind Up and Terminate a Trust in Ontario?

A trust ends under its own terms or by an agreed change; where some beneficiaries cannot consent, the Superior Court of Justice may approve it.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How does a beneficiary prove their entitlement to an inheritance in Ontario?

You prove entitlement by showing your place in the will or, with no will, in Ontario's intestacy order; the documents an estate trustee asks for vary.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How does an inheritance affect my ODSP benefits in Ontario?

You must report an inheritance to ODSP, it is generally treated as income in the month received, and a trust may protect eligibility in Ontario.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Does Divorce Affect Taxes in Ontario?

Divorce affects your marital status with the CRA, how support is reported, and how property transfers between spouses are taxed.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

How Does Holding Property in Trust Work in Ontario?

Holding title in trust splits legal ownership from beneficial ownership, and it can trigger land transfer tax and other consequences depending on the…

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

How does the Bulk Sales Act or tax clearance protect me when buying a business in Ontario?

The Bulk Sales Act is repealed; protection now comes from checks like a WSIB purchase certificate, sales tax certificates and residency inquiries.

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

How does the lifetime capital gains exemption work when I sell my Ontario business shares?

The lifetime capital gains exemption can shelter up to $1,250,000 of gains on qualifying shares sold after June 24, 2024, a $625,000 deduction.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

How does the power of sale process work in Ontario from notice to closing?

If your mortgage has its own power of sale, the sale cannot be made until 35 days after notice; a mortgage without one needs 45 days' notice.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Is Property Divided in an Ontario Divorce Under the Family Law Act?

The spouse with the smaller net family property is entitled to half the difference between the two, with some property excluded.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Long Do You Have to Be Separated Before Property Rights Are Affected in Ontario?

In general, a court claim for an equalization payment must start within six years of separation or two years after divorce, whichever is first.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Long Does a Family Court Case Take in Ontario?

Ontario family cases have no single timeline, but the rules set fixed steps and deadlines. See what shapes the timing and what can speed it up or…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Long Does a Family Law Case Take in Ontario Courts?

No set timeline exists for most steps of an Ontario family case, but the order of steps and early deadlines are clear, and several factors affect…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Long Does an Ontario Divorce Take From Filing to Certificate?

There is no fixed timeline, but the law sets a 30 or 60-day answer period, and a divorce takes effect on the 31st day after judgment.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

How Long Does the Landlord and Tenant Board Take to Schedule a Hearing in Ontario?

Published LTB timelines say L1 and L9 applications are scheduled in about 3 months and most others in 5 to 7 months, with orders within 30 days of…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How Long Should an Executor Wait Before Paying Out an Estate in Ontario?

There is no single waiting period for every estate: an intestacy has a one-year bar, and spousal and support claims can affect timing.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How much can an executor charge in fees in Ontario?

Ontario law lets an executor take a fair and reasonable allowance for care, pains, trouble and time, set by a judge if needed, not a fixed percentage.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Much Does Equalization Change If We Have a Marriage Contract in Ontario?

A marriage contract can exclude property from equalization in Ontario, but it cannot limit your rights in the matrimonial home.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

How much does it cost to sell a house in Ontario, and what comes out of your proceeds?

Selling in Ontario involves legal fees, commission plus 13% HST, a possible mortgage penalty and other costs, so net proceeds depend on your…

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

How Much Does Title Insurance Cost in Ontario and What Does It Cover?

Title insurance is optional in Ontario and paid as a one-time premium; it may cover title defects and fraud but excludes defects you knew about.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

How much is Ontario estate administration tax on an estate worth $500,000?

Ontario estate administration tax on a $500,000 estate is $6,750: nothing on the first $50,000, then $15 per $1,000 above that, or 1.5%.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

How Much Spousal Support Will I Pay or Receive Based on Income in Ontario?

Spousal support guidelines estimate amount and length from the income gap and years together, but they are advisory and a judge can go outside them.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

I live in Ontario and am a beneficiary of a US estate: how is my inheritance taxed and paid?

Most inheritances are not reported as income in Canada, but an Ontario resident with foreign property over $100,000 may have to file Form T1135.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Is an Estate Responsible for Income Tax After Death in Ontario?

An executor must file the deceased's final T1 return and generally needs a CRA clearance certificate before distributing property.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Is condo insurance mandatory in Ontario and what must my policy cover?

The Condominium Act does not require owners to carry insurance, but your governing documents may, and the corporation's policy leaves gaps.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Is Custody Still a Legal Term in Ontario After Separation?

Under the Divorce Act, custody is no longer used: decision-making responsibility replaced custody and parenting time replaced access since March 2021.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Is It Legal to Avoid Land Transfer Tax in Ontario?

Using a real exemption is legal, but understating the price is an offence with fines and possible jail, and the Act also has an anti-avoidance rule.

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

Should I sell the shares or the assets of my Ontario business?

A share sale may let you use the lifetime capital gains exemption, while an asset sale is taxed in the corporation; here is how the two differ in…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What are estate accounts and what must they include in Ontario?

Estate accounts record what came in, what went out and what is left; accounts filed with the court follow a set list under the Rules of Civil…

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

What are the steps to buy a business in Ontario from start to finish?

The usual order is offer or letter of intent, due diligence, purchase agreement and closing, with legal checks on tax, WSIB, the lease and employees.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What Can an Estate Trustee Do Before Getting Court Approval in an Intestate Estate in Ontario?

Before a court appoints an estate trustee on an Ontario intestacy, a relative has no legal authority over the estate, so act carefully and get advice.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What closing costs do sellers pay in Ontario when selling a home?

Sellers in Ontario usually pay legal fees, a mortgage discharge fee and often realtor commission, plus other costs that depend on your sale.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Counts as an Urgent Motion in Ontario Family Court?

Generally no motion is heard before a case conference, but the rule does not apply in urgency or hardship, and some motions can be made without…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Counts as the Matrimonial Home in Ontario?

A matrimonial home is property you and your spouse ordinarily lived in as a family residence, and an Ontario couple can have more than one.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What do my monthly condo fees actually cover in Ontario?

Condo fees pay for common element upkeep, cleaning, building maintenance, management and reserve fund contributions, split by your unit's percentage.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What documents do I need to apply for probate in Ontario?

You need the original will and codicils, proof of death, Form 74A and other court forms, plus documents that support the value of each asset.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do in an Ontario Home Purchase or Sale?

A real estate lawyer reviews your agreement, searches title, prepares documents and registers the transfer, and transfers generally need two lawyers.

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

What does a share purchase agreement in Ontario need to include?

A share purchase agreement usually covers price, closing conditions, warranties and covenants, but most protections are set by contract and tax rules.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Does the Family Law Act Say About Property Division for Married Spouses in Ontario?

In Ontario, the married spouse with the larger net family property pays the other half the difference as an equalization payment, after exclusions.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What extra steps does a non-resident executor face with an Ontario estate?

A non-resident executor may need to give security, handle Ontario filings and tax clearance, and think about where the estate is managed for tax…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Financial Disclosure Do We Need for a Prenup in Ontario?

A court can set aside a prenup in Ontario if a party failed to disclose significant assets or significant debts existing when it was made.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What Happens if an Executor Dies or Is Incapable in Ontario?

If an executor dies or is incapable, a replacement can be appointed by a court certificate, with the Public Guardian and Trustee as a last resort.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What happens if I don't get probate when it is required in Ontario?

Skipping required probate in Ontario can leave land and accounts stuck and make a representative personally liable for tax debts if they distribute…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Happens If My Ex Breaks the Separation Agreement in Ontario?

If your ex breaks a separation agreement in Ontario, you can register support with the Family Responsibility Office or ask a court to enforce it.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What Happens If the Seller Refuses to Close an Ontario Real Estate Deal?

If a seller refuses to close in Ontario, a buyer may seek specific performance or damages and register a certificate of pending litigation on title.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What happens if there are two executors who disagree in Ontario?

Co-executors who disagree can ask the court for opinion, advice or direction without starting an action, or seek removal of an executor if needed.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What Happens If You Understate the Purchase Price to Pay Less Land Transfer Tax in Ontario?

Understating the price is an offence in Ontario, with a fine of at least the greater of $1,000 or 50% of the tax owed, plus possible penalties.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Happens If Your Spouse Does Not Respond to a Family Court Application in Ontario?

If your spouse does not answer your application, the Ontario family court case can still go ahead without them, often on affidavit evidence.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What happens in Ontario if someone dies with no will and no relatives?

In Ontario, an estate with no will and no heirs goes to the Crown, but the law searches wide through relatives first, and later claims are possible.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What Happens to a Joint Tenancy When the Last Surviving Owner Dies in Ontario?

When the last joint owner dies, no one is left to take by survivorship, so the property goes to that person's estate and an estate trustee deals with…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What Happens to a Trust When the Trustee Dies in Ontario?

If a trust's only trustee dies, their personal representatives can act for now, and a replacement is appointed in writing or by the court.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Happens to Child Support If the Paying Parent Dies in Ontario?

In Ontario, a Family Law Act support order binds the payor's estate unless it says otherwise, and a child may also claim support from the estate.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What happens to life insurance if no beneficiary is named in Ontario?

If no beneficiary is named or none is living, the insurance money is paid to the estate in Ontario, where it can face estate debts and probate tax.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What happens to me and the money if my home is sold under power of sale in Ontario?

If your home is sold under power of sale, proceeds follow a set order, but that order does not apply to a mortgage with its own power of sale.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Happens to Our Pension and RRSPs When We Separate in Ontario?

An Ontario pension counts as property in net family property, and an RRSP can move tax-free between separated spouses under an order or agreement.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What Happens to the Buyer's Deposit If the Sale of My House Falls Through in Ontario?

The brokerage normally holds the deposit and, if you and the buyer disagree, pays it out only on a signed release from both sides or a court order.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Happens to the Matrimonial Home When a Couple Separates in Ontario?

A married spouse can ask an Ontario court for exclusive possession of the matrimonial home even if it is in the other's name; unmarried partners…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What If a Parent Added a Child to the House Title Before Dying in Ontario?

An adult child added to a parent's title is presumed to hold the house on resulting trust for the estate, unless a gift is proved.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Income Counts for Child Support in Ontario: Bonuses, Overtime and Dividends?

Child support income starts from Total income on your tax return, adjusted for dividends and capital gains; a court may look at three years for…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What Is a Bare Trust and Do I Need to Report It in Ontario?

A bare trust is where someone holds property as agent for the real owner; reporting depends on the year and exceptions such as joint accounts.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What is a bond for an estate trustee in Ontario and when is one required?

An Ontario court requires a bond when there is no will, the applicant is not named in the will, or lives outside Canada and the Commonwealth.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What Is a Certificate of Pending Litigation on Estate Property in Ontario?

A certificate of pending litigation is a registered notice on land that warns buyers of a claim, and the court can discharge it on set grounds.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Is a Common-Law Spouse Entitled to When the Relationship Ends in Ontario?

A common-law spouse in Ontario may claim support and child support, but has no automatic property equalization or home possession rights.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What is a condo reserve fund and how do I know if my condo's fund is healthy in Ontario?

A condo reserve fund is an account kept only for major repairs and replacements; read the reserve fund study and funding plan to judge if it is…

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What Is a First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and How Does It Work for Buying a Home in Ontario?

An FHSA is a savings account for first-time buyers, and a qualifying withdrawal for a home is tax-free when you meet the eligibility and withdrawal…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Is a Home Study for Adoption in Ontario and How Do I Pass It?

An Ontario adoption home study is a mandatory SAFE assessment with four to six interviews over about four to six months, plus PRIDE training.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Is a Parenting Affidavit (Form 35.1) in Ontario Family Court?

Form 35.1 is a sworn parenting affidavit you file with an application, answer or motion to change that includes claims about children in Ontario.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What is a real estate closing in Ontario and how does it work?

An Ontario closing is when the transfer is registered electronically and land transfer tax is paid; the steps leading up to it depend on your…

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What Is a Real Estate Joint Venture in Ontario and How Is It Structured?

A real estate joint venture in Ontario is people pooling money to buy or develop property, often as co-ownership, a partnership or a corporation.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What Is a Real Estate Lawyer's Trust Account Used For During a Closing in Ontario?

A lawyer's trust account holds your closing money separately until the deal closes; the Compensation Fund is a last resort and wire fraud is the risk.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What is an executor checklist for settling an estate in Ontario?

An executor's job runs from finding the will to paying debts and taxes and distributing what remains, with returns and clearance in between.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What is an irrevocable beneficiary on a life insurance policy in Ontario, and can it be changed?

An irrevocable beneficiary cannot be changed by the insured without that beneficiary's consent while they are living, under Ontario's Insurance Act.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Is Collaborative Family Law and How Is It Different From Mediation in Ontario?

Collaborative family law uses separate lawyers and a promise not to go to court; mediation uses a neutral mediator. Here is how they differ in…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Is Equalization and How Does It Work in Ontario?

Equalization is a money payment from the spouse with the higher net family property to the other, equal to half the difference, not a split of each…

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What is the average condo fee in Ontario and why does it vary so much?

No official source gives an average Ontario condo fee; what you pay depends on your unit's share, size, amenities, building age and reserve fund…

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What Is the Deadline to File a Final Tax Return After Someone Dies in Ontario?

The final return is due April 30 of the next year for deaths from January 1 to October 31, or 6 months after the death for November and December…

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Is the Difference Between a Parenting Order and a Parenting Agreement in Ontario?

A parenting order is a court order you can enforce, while an informal plan can be hard to enforce; putting a plan in an agreement or order helps.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What is the difference between a primary and a contingent beneficiary in Ontario?

A primary beneficiary is paid first; a contingent beneficiary is named to take the share if the primary beneficiary dies first, in Ontario.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What Is the Difference Between an Opened and Unopened Shore Road Allowance in Ontario?

A shore road allowance made by Crown surveyors in a municipality is a highway owned by the municipality, opened or not, unless it has been closed.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

What Is the Difference Between Joint Tenants and Tenants in Common on an Ontario House After Death?

Joint tenants pass a share to the survivor by right of survivorship, while a tenant in common's share goes through the estate, with exceptions.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Is the Financial Statement Required in an Ontario Divorce?

You must file Form 13 for a support claim or Form 13.1 for any property claim, with exceptions such as table child support only.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

What is title insurance and is it required at closing in Ontario?

Title insurance is not required by law in Ontario; a standard owner's policy covers hidden title defects and fraud, but has exclusions.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Proof Do You Need to Show You Are a Child's Relative or Family Friend for CAS in Ontario?

Ontario's child protection law defines relatives and community members, but which documents the society wants as proof depends on your situation.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Should a Cohabitation Agreement Cover in Ontario?

A cohabitation agreement in Ontario can cover property, support, and what happens on separation or death, but not parenting time or decision-making.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

What Should I Do With Joint Social Media, Email and Phone Plans After Separating in Ontario?

Getting into an ex's email or social media without right can be a Criminal Code offence, so secure your own accounts and keep evidence instead.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Who Gets the Car, Furniture and Bank Accounts When You Separate in Ontario?

Married spouses share the value of property built up in the marriage, not each item, so the car, furniture and accounts are counted by value.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Who gets the estate if someone dies without a will and has no family in Ontario?

The estate goes to the Crown only if no relative of any qualifying degree exists, and a lawful heir found later can still claim it.

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Wills & EstatesUpdated October 2026

Who Is Personally Liable for Unpaid Estate Administration Tax in Ontario?

The estate pays the tax, but a trustee can face personal fines for not filing or misstating; liability after distributing depends on the facts.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Who owns the shoreline road allowance next to my cottage in Ontario?

Inside a municipality, a shore road allowance is under the municipality's jurisdiction unless it was legally stopped up and sold.

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Real EstateUpdated October 2026

Who Pays If a Neighbour's Tree Damages My Fence or Roof in Ontario?

Who pays for tree damage to your fence or roof depends on the cause and your insurance, and a claim generally must start within two years.

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FamilyUpdated October 2026

Who Pays the Equalization Payment if Both Spouses Have Debts in Ontario?

Debts reduce net family property, and a negative result counts as zero, so the other spouse does not take on your shortfall in an equalization.

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Business SaleUpdated October 2026

Will I be responsible for the previous owner's debts if I buy a business in Ontario?

Whether you inherit a seller's debts depends on a share or asset purchase, and on WSIB, tax and creditor searches done before closing.

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