Articles

An employment contract is an integral part of doing business. It sets out the expectations for the employer/employee relationship and can guide the path to resolution in the event of a dispute. Unfortunately, employers never know the strength of their contracts until faced with a challenge. A legal dispute will put that contract to the test. The contract will likely be attacked by an employee and their legal counsel, scrutinized by a judge, and ultimately be used to determine whether your business survives the dispute.

Business disputes are often a part of doing business. Not everyone will agree on every decision or business plan. It is important to carefully consider resolution options when these disputes arise. In Canada, there are generally two pathways to resolution.

There are situations when events outside of our control can make it impossible to honour the terms of an employment contract. When this happens, legislation allows for the parties to get out of that contract. One option that can apply in these situations is the Frustrated Contract Act.

One of the first and most important decisions that a person must make when kicking off a new commercial enterprise is to choose the kind of legal structure within which to operate. The choices in British Columbia are distinct mainly because of differences in taxation, personal liability, control and decision-making powers.

Entrepreneurs looking to purchase a business are wise to complete thorough due diligence before finalizing the deal. Due diligence essentially involves research done on a target company before completing a transaction to mitigate the risk of any surprises after the deal is complete. When purchasing a business, it is important to complete thorough financial and legal due diligence on the target business.

Estate planning is something that many British Columbia residents believe they will get around to at some point. Some make good on that intention, but others pass away before they have the chance to prepare even a simple will. When this happens, the province’s intestate laws guide who will receive the assets from a deceased individual’s estate and who will handle settling it.

Undoubtedly, Canada has a diverse population. People from all backgrounds and lifestyles live, work, play and die here. They bring with them vibrant cultural and religious beliefs that serve to enrich the lives of communities across the country, including those here in British Columbia.

Not every British Columbia family gets along. Some relationships degrade to the point where a person may decide not to leave someone who would legally qualify as an heir an inheritance. When an individual creates his or her estate plan, the family dynamic could affect how the testator, or creator of the will, structures it.

When a Vancouver resident passes away, his or her family members may expect to receive specific assets or a specific portion of the estate. If that doesn’t happen, they may suspect that something isn’t right about the will.

Accommodation is an equality concept that, when implemented in the workplace, can help eliminate barriers and encourage participation by employees regardless of race, colour, age, sex, physical or mental ability. For employers, the duty to accommodate may seem daunting. Understanding what’s involved and how to comply is a key part of ensuring a safe, respectful workplace that is free from human rights violations