O’Connor Richardson Professional Corporation Legal Blog

Judge adds buyer’s realtor to lawsuit over aborted real estate deal

Plaintiffs typically feel they have a good idea of how they have been wronged by a defendant when they file a statement of claim with the court. However, as time passes and more details emerge, key aspects of the originating document may no longer line up with the known facts. Luckily, Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure recognize that possibility, allowing parties — in the right circumstances — to amend the pleadings to match their evolving understanding of the case. 

Saskatchewan court enforces contract signed via thumbs-up emoji

In the recent case of South West Terminal Ltd. v. Achter Land, a Swift Current farmer was ordered to pay an agricultural business more than $82,000 for failing to deliver 87 metric tonnes of flax after Court of King’s Bench Justice Timothy Keene concluded that his thumb-up response to a texted contract was enough to constitute valid signature and acceptance of the agreement.

Court orders sale of co-owned home, leaves details for later

Although recent interest rate hikes have taken the edge off Toronto’s notoriously wild housing market, prices are still high enough that co-ownership with family or friends remains an increasingly conventional choice for prospective buyers who see no other route onto the property ladder. When co-owners fall out over a house, emotions run high and it’s often hard for them to agree on anything again. And while Ontario’s Partition Act provides a mechanism for the division and sale of a property, litigants (and their counsel) are often wary of pushing for a court-ordered sale until they have worked out some of the other details in dispute — such as the list price, the listing agent, or liability for outstanding property taxes and other bills associated with the home.

Anton Piller Orders enter the digital realm

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice appears ready to give old-fashioned legal remedies a role to play in the most modern of litigation after a judge granted an Anton Piller Order (APO) in an alleged cryptocurrency hack that is currently gripping the province’s tech...

Co-ownership Agreements and Litigation

Entering into a legal agreement with your co-owner(s) to put everything in writing is strongly encouraged.  It will assist with resolving disputes with the property later.  Even if you don’t have an agreement in writing, a lawyer experienced in handling property disputes can negotiate a settlement without having to litigate.