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If you are an Ontario client who has just received a legal invoice that feels excessive — or a solicitor preparing to defend an account under challenge — there is one case you need to understand: Cohen v. Kealey & Blaney (1985), 26 C.P.C. (2d) 211 (Ont. C.A.). This Ontario Court of Appeal decision set out the nine factors that every Assessment Officer in the province must consider when deciding whether a lawyer's bill is fair and reasonable. Whether your file involves a…

Not sure if you need probate in Ontario? Z Legal PC explains when probate is required, when it can be avoided, and how to protect your estate. Free consultation available. Introduction Losing a loved one is hard enough. The last thing you want is to navigate a complicated legal process without knowing where to start. One of the first questions families in the GTA ask is: do I actually have to go through probate? The short answer is: it depends. Probate…

In Ontario, you can legally walk away from a contract under the doctrine of frustration when an unforeseen event—outside either party's control—makes performance impossible or radically different from what was agreed. Frustration is a high bar. A bad deal, rising costs, or inconvenient delays will not be enough. If you are a Toronto business owner, contractor, employer, or buyer trying to figure out whether you can exit a contract without paying damages, this guide explains how Ontario courts decide. If…

Understanding Probate in Ontario If you are dealing with a loved one’s estate, you may need a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee in Ontario before you can access assets, deal with banks, or sell property. This process is commonly known as probate. It gives legal authority to administer the estate. At Z Legal P.C., we assist clients with probate applications, estate administration, and estate trustee disputes. What Is a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee? A Certificate…

Understanding Appeal Deadlines in Ontario If you are thinking about appealing a court order in Ontario, one of the most important questions is: how much time do you have? In many civil cases, you generally have 30 days to serve a Notice of Appeal after the order is made. In some situations, deadlines can be shorter depending on the type of case or court. At Z Legal P.C., we help clients understand appeal deadlines, rights, and next steps before…

Understanding FRO Enforcement in Ontario If child support or spousal support payments are being missed in Ontario, the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) has significant enforcement powers. FRO enforces support orders and filed domestic contracts by collecting payments from payors and transferring them to recipients. It does not change support amounts or cover missed payments. At Z Legal P.C., we help clients deal with missed support payments, enforcement actions, arrears, and court processes involving support orders. What Does…

Understanding Your Right to Challenge Legal Fees in Ontario If you received a massive legal bill from your lawyer in Toronto or elsewhere in the GTA, you may be able to challenge it. In Ontario, clients can ask the court to review a lawyer’s account through a process called an assessment under the Solicitors Act. The statute sets out when a client can seek an assessment: By requisition in some cases within one month By court application…

Understanding Your Appeal Options in Ontario If you've received an unfavourable decision from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, knowing where to appeal is just as important as deciding whether to appeal. Many clients are surprised to learn that not every appeal automatically goes to the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Choosing the wrong court can delay your case, increase legal costs, and create avoidable procedural issues. At Z Legal, our Toronto litigation lawyers help clients navigate Ontario's appellate…

A practical guide for Ontario employees whose employer withheld a bonus after termination — and what the law actually says "You Weren't Employed on the Payment Date" You worked hard all year. Then, weeks or even days before the annual bonus payout, your employer terminated your employment. Now they are telling you that because you were not "actively employed" on the bonus payment date, you are not entitled to anything. This is one of the most common—and most contested—disputes in…

A practical legal guide for employees in Toronto and across Ontario who believe they were pressured to leave their jobs When "Retirement" Isn't Really a Choice If your employer has been hinting—or outright demanding—that it's time for you to step aside, you are not alone. Across Ontario, employees in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are routinely subjected to pressure campaigns designed to make them leave "voluntarily." Management reorganizations, stripped responsibilities, hostile performance reviews, and pointed retirement conversations are all tactics that,…