Insights

Legal Blog

Practical legal insights from the Aura LLP team — covering Ontario real estate, corporate law, and wills & estates.

Wills & EstatesSeptember 28, 2026

Navigating the Minefield - Common Probate Pitfalls in Ontario Estate Law

A will must strictly comply with statutory formalities to be validly probated. Under the Ontario Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA), a formal will requires the signature of the testator in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign in the testator's presence. Self-drafted "DIY" wills or rushed execution procedures often lead to fatal flaws, such as beneficiaries acting as witnesses. Under Section 12 of the SLRA, if a witness (or their spouse) is also a beneficiary, any gift to that witness is generally void, creating unexpected partial intestacy.

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Real EstateAugust 24, 2026

Redefining Shelter_ How a Nova Scotia Tenting Precedent Could Ripple Into Ontario Law

In a unanimous, groundbreaking decision, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal ruled that tents legally constitute a "form of accommodation." This ruling overturned lower court findings, allowing unhoused individuals living in encampments to claim the enhanced provincial income and shelter supports usually reserved for traditional renters or homeowners.

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Real EstateAugust 4, 2026

Signed, Sealed, Regretted_ How to Avoid the Costliest Commercial Lease Traps in Ontario

Commercial real estate transactions in Ontario operate under a foundational common law principle: freedom of contract. Unlike residential leases governed by the rigid consumer protection of the Residential Tenancies Act, commercial leases are predominantly governed by the Commercial Tenancies Act and general contract law.

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CorporateJuly 10, 2026

The Childcare Gold Rush: Legal Realities and CWELCC Pitfalls of Buying an Ontario Daycare

One of the most important decisions in any daycare acquisition is whether to structure the transaction as an asset purchase or a share purchase. In an asset purchase, the buyer acquires the business assets while leaving the existing corporation behind. A share purchase, by contrast, allows the licence to remain in place because the corporation itself does not change.

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Real EstateJune 24, 2026

Naked Title, Hidden Power_ Decoding Bare Trusts vs. Regular Trusts Under Ontario Law

The primary dividing line between a regular trust and a bare trust comes down to the level of control and responsibility assigned to the trustee. In a standard, regular trust, the trustee holds active duties and real decision-making power.

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Wills & EstatesJune 19, 2026

Leftover Wealth: The High Cost of a "Failed Residue" in Ontario Estate Law

Estate administrations frequently hit a costly and unexpected hurdle: the failure to dispose of the residue. When a residuary gift fails, or a residuary clause is completely left out of the will, it triggers a complex legal state known as a partial intestacy

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Wills & EstatesJune 2026

Why You’re Never Too Young for a Will in Ontario

Writing a will isn't an admission of defeat or a sign of old age; it is an act of adulthood and an act of kindness toward the people you leave behind.

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Real EstateJanuary 2025

What to Expect on Closing Day: A Step-by-Step Guide

Closing day can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and legal support, the process is straightforward. Here's what to expect when you close on a property in Ontario.

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CorporateDecember 2024

Federal vs. Provincial Incorporation: Which is Right for Your Business?

One of the first decisions when starting a business is where to incorporate. Federal and Ontario provincial incorporation each have distinct advantages — here's how to choose.

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Wills & EstatesNovember 2024

Why Every Ontario Adult Should Have a Will

Many Ontarians put off estate planning, not realizing the consequences of dying intestate. We break down why a will is essential and what happens without one.

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Real EstateOctober 2024

Builder's Closing vs. Resale Closing: Key Legal Differences

Purchasing a newly built home involves a unique two-stage closing process. Understanding interim occupancy and final closing can save you from costly surprises.

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Wills & EstatesSeptember 2024

Understanding Powers of Attorney in Ontario

A Power of Attorney allows someone to act on your behalf when you cannot. Learn the difference between property and personal care POAs and why both matter.

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CorporateAugust 2024

The Essential Elements of a Shareholders Agreement

If you're going into business with partners, a shareholders agreement is one of the most important documents you'll sign. Here's what it should cover.

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