Law FAQs

Disclaimer:

The information in this website is intended as general legal information only, not as legal advice. Every situation is unique and involves individual legal issues. If you want legal advice, you should consult a lawyer.

Commercial/Corporate Law FAQs

• Does a not-for-profit organization have to incorporate in order to have charitable status?
  
• I am thinking of starting a business. Do I have to incorporate? Do I need a lawyer?
  
• What is Sole Proprietorship?
  
• What is a Partnership?
  
• What is a Corporation?
  

Consumer Protection/Small Claims FAQs

• I just bought a new car from a dealer but am having second thoughts. How much time do I have to change my mind?
  
• Someone came to my door selling aluminum siding. I signed the contract but am having second thoughts. How much time do I have to change my mind?
  
• I joined a gym and signed a one year membership. Can I change my mind?
  
• I sold my car privately and the buyer still owes me $500. How can I get my money?
  
• I loaned a friend $1,000 over a year ago and still haven't been paid back. How can I get my money back?
  
• I sued in Small Claims Court and won $2,000. How do I get my money?
  
• I co-signed a loan for my sister and she hasn't made her payments. The bank is now suing me. Can they do this?
  

Family FAQs

• My spouse and I are separating. Can we write up our own agreement?
  
• Can we share a lawyer to save money?
  
• What is the difference between a separation and a divorce?
  
• What are the grounds for a divorce?
  
• Can I apply for divorce anywhere in Canada?
  
• What is the difference between a divorce and an annulment?
  
• What are the grounds for an annulment?
  
• When parents separate, how is custody and access decided?
  
• What's the difference between sole custody and joint custody?
  
• Do grandparents have access rights to their grandchildren?
  
• Do I have to pay child support, and if so, how much?
  
• How can I change the amount of child support that I pay?
  
• Do I have to pay spousal support to my former spouse?
  
• What happens to the things we own when my married spouse and I separate?
  
• Do I have any rights to property if I live common law?
  
• Do I have to let my ex spouse see the children when she/he does not pay child support? There is a court order that gives him/her access.
  
• Can the Maintenance Enforcement Program garnish my whole paycheque when I am behind on my child support payments?
  
• Who's last name should my baby have?
  
• My baby has the father's last name. Does that give the father the right to have sole custody?
  

Landlord and Tenant FAQs

• I got an eviction notice saying I have 5 days to get out of my apartment but I can't find another place that quickly. What can I do?
  
• Is it true that I can't evict a tenant in the winter?
  
• In what situations can I evict my tenant?
  
• I'm moving and I want to get out of my lease. Can I?
  
• I lost my job and can't afford my rent. Can I get out of my lease?
  
• I am a senior and want to move into a senior's residence. Can I get out of my lease?
  
• After I move out, how long does my landlord have to return my damage (security) deposit?
  
• How do I get my landlord to make repairs to my suite?
  
• I own a home and am considering renting out a room in my house. What should I consider?
  
• My landlord is selling the house that I currently rent. How much notice am I entitled to?
  

Neighbour FAQs

• My neighbours' tree has branches hanging over onto my property. They keep breaking off and shedding leaves and fruit. What can I do?
  
• There is a fence right on the property line between me and my neighbour. The fence is falling apart. Can I remove it and put up a new fence?
  
• My neighbours throw noisy parties and have their stereo blasting. Is there anything I can do about this?
  

Wills and Estates FAQs

• Can I write up my own Will? What about using a Will form?
  
• Is a handwritten Will legal?
  
• What do I need to think about when choosing an Executor for my Will?
  
• What does an Executor have to do?
  
• Is an Executor paid to look after the estate?
  
• Do I have to leave anything to my children in my Will?
  
• Do I have to leave anything to my spouse in my Will?
  
• What happens to my estate if I die without a Will?
  
• How much can a lawyer charge for looking after an estate?
  
• Does there have to be a reading of the Will after the maker dies?
  
• What is a Power of Attorney?
  
• What is a Living Will?
  
• Does my executor have to be resident in Manitoba?
  
• Is my will from another province valid in Manitoba?
  
• Is my will valid if I become divorced?
  
• Under what circumstances might a will be challenged?
  
• Can I indicate who should be the guardian of my children in my will?
  
• Who makes the decision about funeral arrangements?
  
• When does the Public Trustee become involved in decision-making?
  
• What is a committee?
  

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