<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Wards Lawyers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wards Lawyers]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 14:08:55 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.wardlegal.ca/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Building in the Kawarthas – What you need to know about liens and holdbacks]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.

Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/building-in-the-kawarthas-what-you-need-to-know-about-liens-and-holdbacks</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d93abd4750526d40bd2762</guid><category><![CDATA[Litigation]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:07:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_5def64eacbb642f991377c3812b44c97~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Calvin Chan</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The backyard egg debate: are laying chickens legal in Kawartha Lakes?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever dreamed of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard, you’re not alone. As spring approaches and the days grow longer, many homeowners start thinking about gardening, outdoor projects – and perhaps even keeping backyard chickens.

In the City of Kawartha Lakes, backyard chickens have been permitted for a few years now. However, while the idea of keeping a small flock may sound simple, there are several municipal rules and zoning requirements that residents must follow.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/the-backyard-egg-debate-are-laying-chickens-legal-in-kawartha-lakes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d93d3b4750526d40bd2cac</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_17a7a0848d4a40fcbb50841faac566d6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Hamid Asrar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building in the Kawarthas – prompt payment and adjudication]]></title><description><![CDATA[Continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules, we’re here to summarize some key concepts that affect when contractors get paid, and how payment problems are sorted out.

Here’s what you need to know, simplified.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/building-in-the-kawarthas-prompt-payment-and-adjudication</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e28d266df221f3f2cd71db</guid><category><![CDATA[Litigation]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/57b1a3a1c5c844299f5a99f16a62149b.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Calvin Chan</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Big changes are coming to your car insurance on july 1, 2026 – It’s time to review your policy!]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you or someone in your family drives in Ontario, mark July 1, 2026 in your calendar.  Why?  Because the way your car insurance pays for accident benefits is changing significantly.

Many benefits that are currently automatic may no longer be included.  Instead, Ontario is moving to a pick-and-pay model, giving you more control to tailor your coverage and potentially lower premiums.  However, declining optional benefits could leave you or your family with limited support.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/big-changes-are-coming-to-your-car-insurance-on-july-1-2026-it-s-time-to-review-your-policy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d93c68515c02011a0c37cb</guid><category><![CDATA[Personal Injury]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_fb6416eb8a294b9eaa28082ee2f0036f~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Monique Meloche</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building in the Kawarthas – understanding Ontario’s new Construction Act in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re involved in construction in the Kawarthas, whether you’re an owner, contractor, subcontractor, engineer, architect or someone in between, it can be hard to keep up with all the complex rules that govern your construction project.  

It might shock you to know that the same rules that govern a big infrastructure project also apply to your custom home build. ]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/copy-of-building-in-the-kawarthas-what-you-need-to-know-about-liens-and-holdbacks</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e28deca96d49e56ebdd115</guid><category><![CDATA[Litigation]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_bcb4dee641a142c58b9f1972cd2725b1~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Calvin Chan</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New mortgage rules – making it easier for 1st time buyers]]></title><description><![CDATA[It has been a difficult few years for aspiring homeowners with the increased mortgage interest rates, lower appraisals, and a more stringent mortgage stress test by financial institutions in reviewing mortgage applications. As a result of these changes, there has been a significant decline in the real estate market across Canada and especially, Ontario.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/new-mortgage-rules-making-it-easier-for-1st-time-buyers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f10d877475e016cb94d89f</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:44:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/776b737fa088de33bd4aeeb6cb330849.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_859,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Hamid Asrar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[(Legal) Myth Busters part 2: Common misconceptions about the law]]></title><description><![CDATA[This week, we continue our blog series on busting legal myths that are commonly believed to be true. We explore further misconceptions that are often held regarding Canada’s legal system and the corresponding realities, to provide you with a better understanding of the laws that may affect your everyday life. You can find part 1 of the blog series here.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/legal-myth-busters-part-2-common-misconceptions-about-the-law</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e28e70a96d49e56ebdd26d</guid><category><![CDATA[Litigation]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_2d60145a58214f47a9115d8391c12c77~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Victoria Smith</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Expanding your Ontario business? What you need to know about extra-provincial registration]]></title><description><![CDATA[So, you’ve incorporated, and business is booming in your home province. Time to look at expansion? Building a customer base in another province? What’s next?

Incorporating as an Ontario Corporation under the Ontario Business Corporations Act provides the right to carry on business in Ontario, but what happens when that business expands into other Provinces or Territories?]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/expanding-your-ontario-business-what-you-need-to-know-about-extra-provincial-registration</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d92c7df6703ec22bea7b54</guid><category><![CDATA[Business & Corporate]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:03:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_0f10d1a3bc8e4fb1ba089c42056efe9b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Justin Broomfield</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mental health community resources]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mental health challenges and addiction can affect anyone – friends, family, colleagues, or ourselves. In recent years, our community has seen a growing need for support and services in these areas. Knowing where to find help is a crucial first step in navigating difficult times.

Whether you are seeking information for yourself or looking to support someone you care about, the Kawartha Lakes area offers a range of trusted resources. Below is a list of local organizations that provide assistance.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/mental-health-community-resources</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d93e75515c02011a0c3cfc</guid><category><![CDATA[General Interest]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:39:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_818237924db240b1a6eb30ac2a350c36~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Taylor McVie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Navigating easements – Why are you on my property?]]></title><description><![CDATA[First, what is an easement, and what is the meaning of an easement?An easement is a legal right that allows someone (other than the property owner) to use a portion of the property for a specific purpose. This doesn’t give ownership of the land in any way, but it does grant them the right to access or use the piece of land in a certain way. ]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/navigating-easements-why-are-you-on-my-property</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f10e197cb0726b2dab4d48</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4b6a43d859d31fd9ec83c9d534f0bcfa.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Claire Atchison</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are we like, over, over? Determining the date of separation in family law proceedings]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.

Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/are-we-like-over-over-determining-the-date-of-separation-in-family-law-proceedings</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d943f875afb0779a6fa61b</guid><category><![CDATA[Dispute Resolution]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:41:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e2a95a81bd67d6d59f9fc086239d1be.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_852,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Golda Greenspoon</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Keeping the legal field from getting spooky]]></title><description><![CDATA[October is the season of ghosts, goblins, and evil spirits that wander in the night. While haunted houses and horror movies can be thrilling, there is nothing fun about real-life legal situations creeping up when you least expect them. The good news? Most legal “frights” can be avoided with a little planning, a clear strategy, and some trusted legal advice.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/keeping-the-legal-field-from-getting-spooky</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f3776f6ab422d828750028</guid><category><![CDATA[General Interest]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:20:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_0f3ad627b5ff4ddabf9f50958fea61fd~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Desiree Tomaselli</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top true crime podcasts you need to listen to right now]]></title><description><![CDATA[Are you a true crime podcast junkie? Don’t worry, we can plead guilty together. I am fascinated by these real-life mysteries and deep dives into chilling criminal cases. 

The True Crime genre has soared in popularity. Whether you are a seasoned true crime fan or a newbie starting out here are a few captivating true crime podcasts you might want to check out:]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/top-true-crime-podcasts-you-need-to-listen-to-right-now</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69de82b0698fcbe5d29f8e19</guid><category><![CDATA[General Interest]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06e36fe7ffc44ea2ab5a31754293367d.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Melissa Carnegie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Estate trustee responsibilities in Ontario: key duties after a loved one’s passing]]></title><description><![CDATA[The role of an estate trustee is to administer the assets of an estate according to the wishes of the deceased individual, while following the laws governing the administration of estates and trusts in Ontario. Here are some key (but not all) of the responsibilities of an estate trustee.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/estate-trustee-responsibilities-in-ontario-key-duties-after-a-loved-one-s-passing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d92e04f6703ec22bea7e90</guid><category><![CDATA[Estates]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2025 16:08:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ec9843575814a96a9191e950a8b8f9a.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Amina Shabeen</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Challenging a family member’s will: what Ontario law says]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.

Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/challenging-a-family-member-s-will-what-ontario-law-says</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e12560c4c584cedb051fb1</guid><category><![CDATA[Estates]]></category><category><![CDATA[Litigation]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2025 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_168c6920be2d4c129f50f3df02413247~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shannon Nippard</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tax sales – What’s the catch?]]></title><description><![CDATA[You may have been told by a friend or come across an advertisement for a property for sale significantly under market value by the municipality. You learn that the property is under a tax sale and you want to bid on it, but like a well-informed investor, you want to learn what you are getting yourself into exactly.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/tax-sales-what-s-the-catch</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f10f1a24f9d3e5cd711bd0</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_7c9359e1c03b44e8bfec3ddc7470a136~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Hamid Asrar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Estate planning and medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Ontario: what you need to know]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Power of Attorney for Personal Care is a crucial legal document that allows you to appoint someone—known as your Attorney—to make personal care decisions on your behalf if you become incapable of doing so. This includes decisions related to your healthcare, medical treatment, housing, hygiene, and daily needs.

This document only comes into effect if you are deemed incapable of managing your personal care. At that point, your appointed Attorney can make important medical and personal decisions]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/estate-planning-and-medical-assistance-in-dying-maid-in-ontario-what-you-need-to-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e124c59e117b67ff82825d</guid><category><![CDATA[Estates]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b1055ee9e268458c930ba30ac2c02731~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Karissa Ward</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[(Legal) Myth busters: common misconceptions about the law]]></title><description><![CDATA[While busting legal myths may not be as exciting as watching Jamie and Adam conduct explosive science experiments on the show MythBusters, busting legal myths and being informed of the law can save metaphorical legal “explosions” in your personal and professional life, which could be caused by often spread misinformation. This blog explores some common misconceptions and the corresponding realities of Canada’s legal system.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/legal-myth-busters-common-misconceptions-about-the-law</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e28f31a96d49e56ebdd428</guid><category><![CDATA[Litigation]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_15202cd6e1074b55ae32bd92a9c45628~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Victoria Smith</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Objection! – Challenging a will and what you need to know]]></title><description><![CDATA[The death of a loved one is always a difficult period. In addition to the grief and mourning process, some may be shocked to discover that the Last Will and Testament (if any exists at all) did not include what they had believed it would.

When these questions arise, often the first question asked of a lawyer is what will need to be done in order to overturn the Will.

This might seem like a simple question, but there are various overlapping factual and legal questions that have to be considered]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/objection-challenging-a-will-and-what-you-need-to-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e1243845b641fceca0600d</guid><category><![CDATA[Estates]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_0fcef054c5ab48648b9e9e815fa2dc36~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Calvin Chan</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stop the stigma: The power of language]]></title><description><![CDATA[Language is how we come to understand others, ourselves, and the world. It is a powerful tool that provokes thought, understanding, emotions, creativity, connection, and much more. However, it can often be used as a device to promote stigma and negative stereotypes. More specifically, when we discuss social concerns in our local community like mental health, addiction, and homelessness, there are many ways in which language stigmatizes individuals experiencing problems related to these concerns.]]></description><link>https://www.wardlegal.ca/post/stop-the-stigma-the-power-of-language</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f38284c99eb1cb510b5976</guid><category><![CDATA[General Interest]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbbb5f58ec594f1ab4a9d43c82e12202.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Taylor McVie</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>