Ratzlaff Law
13143 20 Ave T0K 0E0 Blairmore, AB, Canada

A Canadian law that prohibits spreading false news (s181 of the Criminal Code) may soon be taken off the books with Bill C-39...over 20 years after the law was ruled unconstitutional. The section heading is "Spreading false news": 181 Every one who wilfully publishes a statement, tale or news that he knows is false and that causes or is likely to cause injury or mischief to a public interest is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. spreading of http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx

A few good examples: "In the case of his father, who had Parkinson’s disease and dementia, a health care proxy and other instructions left no doubt as to what to do about inserting a feeding tube. The answer was no. With his mother, the will revealed that she had, in clear and legally rock-solid language, disinherited him and his siblings although she had left money to her grandchildren."

Some things that may happen if you die without a will: 1) someone must apply to the court to become guardian of your minor children; 2) your assets are distributed in accordance with the default rules decided by the government; 3) someone must apply to the court to be allowed to manage your estate; and... 4) there may be no conditions on any of your beneficiaries’ inheritances. See more

True, wills make managing your affairs easier, when you die. More important is to arrange for the management of your affairs when you are incapacitated. This is done with an enduring power of attorney and personal directive.

How do you know if you're living common-law? In short, it depends on who is asking. For purposes of Alberta law, you become common-law after living in a "relationship of interdependence" for 3 years (or if you have a child together with the partner you are living with). You can also choose to become common-law by entering into a formal agreement with your partner. To further confuse matters, Alberta laws call common-law couples "Adult Interdependent Partners". But federal tax... and pension benefit laws have different requirements. For example, the CRA considers a couple as living common-law when they have lived together for 12 months in a conjugal relationship (see a summary here). The Canada Pension Plan and Citizenship and Immigration Canada have similar requirements. Other provinces have different rules. For example, for most British Columbia laws couples are common-law after living together in a marriage-like relationship for 2 years. Everyone's situation is different, so if you have any questions about protecting your rights in a common-law relationship Ratzlaff Law can help. Our next post will discuss some of the legal benefits of remaining single, becoming common-law (aka Adult Interdependent Partners), and getting married.

As a business owner, you should consider at least three things when naming your business: 1. The difference between a corporate name, a trade name, and a trademark; 2. Whether to register a registered trade name or a trademark; and 3. Whether you might get into trouble using your preferred name.

Many people sue in small claims court without representation from a lawyer. Some questions you might ask when deciding on whether to proceed on your own include: how complex are the legal issues that you are suing about? how much is your case worth compared to your time? will the defendant hire a lawyer?... are you organized and pay attention to detail? are you intimidated by authority? are you intimidated by the defendant? See more