What is the Purpose of a Unanimous Shareholders Agreement?
Corporations are owned by shareholders, and it is the shareholders who make the decisions for the corporation. Some examples of the decisions shareholders make are: A corporation is treated like a democracy and whatever majority of the shareholders vote, is the decision of the corporation. But what happens when a majority number of shareholders can […]
Buyer Beware: Navigating the Risks
What Does “Buyer Beware” Mean? “Buyer beware” is a principle originating from the Latin phrase caveat emptor, which translates to “let the buyer beware.” It implies that the responsibility falls on the buyer to ensure they are making an informed decision and that they fully understand the product or service they are purchasing. The phrase […]
How Does Child Support Work When I Have Almost Half of the Time With the Kids?
One of the most important considerations during a separation or divorce is the wellbeing of the children involved. To help guide families through this sensitive process, the government established the Manitoba Child Support Guidelines. They outline the basic formula for determining child support using a federal table based on the income of the payor. This […]
The Unpredictable Nature of Spousal Support
Spousal support is one of the most difficult and unpredictable issues in family law. Part of the reason for this is the contradictory nature of the law. It is both too broad and too specific. The Divorce Act has very broad rules for the Judges to follow when ordering spousal support. The Act says the […]
Does Receiving Government Assistance Change Child Support Obligations for Adult Children with Disabilities?
When an adult child living with a disability starts receiving government assistance, parents often question whether their obligation to pay child support continues. This article explores the relevant legislation, case law, and factors considered by courts in determining child support in these instances. Relevant Legislation Divorce Act Under the Divorce Act, child support may be […]
Child Support During Post-Secondary Studies
One of the most common questions family law lawyers are asked is about whether a parent has to pay (or can still receive) child support once their child turns 18 and begins their post-secondary schooling. It’s also one of the most difficult questions for family law lawyers to answer. Legally, yes, the parents are still […]
Land Transfer Tax: What is it and how much will it cost me?
In Manitoba, real property (meaning land and buildings of the land), are regulated by a Land Titles System. This system tracks ownership of the land, what is registered on the land, and how much the land is bought and sold for to name a few of its responsibilities. Guaranteeing the accuracy of land ownership takes time […]
Determining If You’ve Separated from Your Spouse
How does the Court determine if a couple has separated if they’re still living in the family home together? This is a complicated issue that can have blurred lines. The law recognizes that it may not be feasible for one partner to move out of the family home immediately following separation. There can be financial […]
Why should you understand The Homesteads Act and Homestead Rights in Manitoba?
If you own a home, or are thinking about purchasing a home in Manitoba, understanding The Homesteads Act is important so that you know what rights spouses or common law partners have. It is also important to know about the scope of these rights. Specifically, when the owner of a property wants to sell, gift, […]
The Different Forms of Land Ownerships in Manitoba
There are multiple ways a person can own property in Manitoba, with the most common being Joint Tenancy or a Tenancy in Common. These forms of ownership are fundamentally different and there are different implications for each form, depending on each person’s situation. It is important that a landowner knows what form of ownership they […]