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Wards of Wisdom
Practical legal insight from Wards Lawyers
Clear, practical guidance for people and organizations across Kawartha Lakes - written by the lawyers and professionals who do the work every day.
Whether you’re running a business, planning for your family, buying property, or responding to a dispute, legal decisions are easier when you understand the “why” before you act. That’s what Wards of Wisdom is for: straightforward articles designed to help you make confident next steps - without the jargon.
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(Legal) Myth Busters part 2: Common misconceptions about the law
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.
Victoria Smith
Dec 1, 20253 min read
(Legal) Myth busters: common misconceptions about the law
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.
Victoria Smith
Sep 8, 20253 min read
Wrongful dismissal: understanding an employee’s duty to mitigate
When an employee is terminated, they have an obligation to reasonably mitigate their damages by seeking comparable employment. If an employee fails to fulfill this duty, it may disentitle them from wrongful dismissal damages.
But how can this obligation be fulfilled and what is considered “reasonable” mitigation? Two cases from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice provide clarity with regard to when the duty is and is not fulfilled.
Victoria Smith
Jul 23, 20253 min read
Wrongful dismissal: understanding an employee’s duty to mitigate
When an employee is terminated, they have an obligation to reasonably mitigate their damages by seeking comparable employment. If an employee fails to fulfill this duty, it may disentitle them from wrongful dismissal damages.
But how can this obligation be fulfilled and what is considered “reasonable” mitigation? Two cases from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice provide clarity with regard to when the duty is and is not fulfilled.
Victoria Smith
Jul 23, 20253 min read
Striding forward and reflecting on the past: A timeline of women and the law
International Women’s Day falls on March 8th each year, providing an opportunity to reflect on how far women’s rights have come since the birth of Feminist Movements. Throughout history, women have used the law as a tool to advance their positions and rights in society. The following is a timeline of some of these achievements in Canadian women’s rights – some of the years these achievements occurred may surprise you!
Victoria Smith
Mar 4, 20253 min read
The grave duty of disposing of remains – Who makes the final call?
When an individual passes away, they often leave specific directions to their loved ones regarding how they would like their remains to be disposed of. But what happens if no such directions are left? Or if the directions cannot be carried out? Are these directions binding? The law provides some guidance for how to resolve disputes relating to a deceased’s remains and whose responsibility it is to heed this guidance.
Victoria Smith
Oct 23, 20242 min read
Parting ways and partitioning property – what happens to property on a business partnership dissolution
You and another individual have come together to form a business partnership. You have each brought your own property and assets into the partnership to help build and grow the business. Now, a dispute has arisen and you are looking to dissolve the partnership. What happens to all of that property you each brought into the partnership? Do you each take out what you brought in? Or does all of that property become divisible between the partners?
Victoria Smith
May 29, 20242 min read
Business & Corporate
Expanding your Ontario business? What you need to know about extra-provincial registration
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?
Your car is spying on you: what data your vehicle collects & how it’s used
As the world becomes more and more connected, data becomes more and more valuable. Our data has become a commodity that is bought and sold by the providers of electronics, apps, social media and many others. Our smartphones gather increasing amounts of data about us with each day that passes. What about our vehicles?
What’s in a name? Protecting your business name in canada
You’ve started your business, and you’ve come up with a catchy and recognizable name. As luck would have it, the domain name was available and now you have your very own website with the name of your business. The job is done, and the name is yours now, right? Not quite.
Estates
Estate trustee responsibilities in Ontario: key duties after a loved one’s passing
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.
Challenging a family member’s will: what Ontario law says
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.
Estate planning and medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Ontario: what you need to know
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 an
Employment
Wrongful dismissal: understanding an employee’s duty to mitigate
When an employee is terminated, they have an obligation to reasonably mitigate their damages by seeking comparable employment. If an employee fails to fulfill this duty, it may disentitle them from wrongful dismissal damages.
But how can this obligation be fulfilled and what is considered “reasonable” mitigation? Two cases from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice provide clarity with regard to when the duty is and is not fulfilled.
Wrongful dismissal: understanding an employee’s duty to mitigate
When an employee is terminated, they have an obligation to reasonably mitigate their damages by seeking comparable employment. If an employee fails to fulfill this duty, it may disentitle them from wrongful dismissal damages.
But how can this obligation be fulfilled and what is considered “reasonable” mitigation? Two cases from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice provide clarity with regard to when the duty is and is not fulfilled.
Navigating the legal terrain: determining your province of employment while working from home
As the landscape of employment continues to evolve, the rise of remote work has presented unique challenges in defining the legal parameters of employment, particularly regarding the determination of an employee’s province of employment when working from home. With employees now able to work from virtually anywhere, understanding the implications of provincial jurisdiction is essential for both employers and employees.
Litigation
Building in the Kawarthas – What you need to know about liens and holdbacks
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.
Building in the Kawarthas – prompt payment and adjudication
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.
Building in the Kawarthas – understanding Ontario’s new Construction Act in 2026
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.
Personal Injury
Big changes are coming to your car insurance on july 1, 2026 – It’s time to review your policy!
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.
The role of medical records in personal injury claims: why documentation matters
In any personal injury claim, the foundation of the case includes detailed medical records of injuries, treatment and the overall impact of the incident on the injured person’s life. Records provide a factual account of injuries and rehabilitation following an accident, help establish causation (i.e. that the incident caused or contributed to the injuries) and assist with proving damages.
Navigating the application for accident benefits in Ontario: a step-by-step guide
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.
Real Estate
The backyard egg debate: are laying chickens legal in Kawartha Lakes?
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 m
New mortgage rules – making it easier for 1st time buyers
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.
Navigating easements – Why are you on my property?
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.
Dispute Resolution
Are we like, over, over? Determining the date of separation in family law proceedings
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.
Who gets the dog? Understanding pet ownership in separation & divorce
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.
Am I “legally separated”?
People frequently ask us “when am I legally separated?” or “how to I legally separate?”
In Ontario there is no formal process to declare you are separated. You can be considered legally separated as soon as you take actions to end your relationship, be it a marriage or a common law relationship. The most obvious action is for one of the parties to have moved out and for the parties to be living in different homes.
General Interest
Mental health community resources
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
Keeping the legal field from getting spooky
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.
Top true crime podcasts you need to listen to right now
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:
Want guidance that applies to your situation?
If you’re making a decision, responding to a dispute, or planning for what’s next, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Important note (please read)
The content on this blog is for general information only. It is not legal advice, and it is not intended to be. Your situation may require additional facts or documents before any advice can be given. If you need guidance for your specific circumstances, please contact our team.
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