Under this section, we share with you some legal issues, advice and quick tips that, we hope, will help you or let you learn more about your rights and obligations.
The articles are general information. In each situation, the application and interpretation of a law, a regulation or a factual situation may differ. It is preferable to consult our team for more information.
Municipal Law | New Posts
Short-term tourist rentals like Airbnb are offers to tourists to rent accommodation for less than 31 days. The practice is all the rage and has grown in popularity in recent years, due to the variety of rental accommodation on offer at competitive prices. The...
Generally, when you need a lawyer, it is because you find yourself in a problematic and/or conflictual situation. In order to obtain the help and legal advice you need to resolve this situation, you will have to talk about sensitive subjects and expose details of your...
The floods of 2017 and 2019 left their mark on all of Quebec, and these events were very costly for municipalities, the government and also many citizens. This is what sounded the alarm: our system clearly has several shortcomings when it comes to preventing natural...
A mandate, also known as power of attorney, is a contract by which one person (the principal) gives another person (the agent) the power to enter one or more legal transactions with a third party in their name and on their behalf. When you engage the services of a...
First, it's important to note that obtaining damages is only one way of obtaining reparation in the event of prejudice caused. Indeed, when the debtor, without justification, fails to perform his obligation, the creditor can also: to force performance in kind of the...
In the last article, we presented the concept of servitude and the different means of establishing one. But when it no longer has any reason to exist, how can we put an end to a servitude?
A servitude is defined as a charge imposed on an immovable (the servient land), in favor of another immovable (the dominant land), which belongs to a different owner (article 1177 of the Civil Code of Québec). For example, certain public services (electricity, gas,...
If there is one thing we cannot choose in our lives, it is our neighbours. As much as they can become good friends, they can also become a real hell. In fact, it happens that the habits and behaviours of certain neighbours can lead to conflicts, especially in the case...
Justice must respond to the needs of citizens and it offers different services, including the settlement conference. An alternative dispute resolution method to consider or not? The settlement conference is similar to mediation, the only difference being that a judge...
At the end of your home construction project, upon acceptance of the work, be careful not to accept unreservedly the work, or make the final payment, if some defects are apparent. I have a general contractor A client who accepts the works from a contractor without...
Building a brand new house is such an exciting project! Earlier this month we covered the planning required, as well as the licenses and permits to obtain before construction can begin. Now, with your plans, licenses and permits in hand, comes the time to (finally!)...
When building a new house, many people choose to deal directly with a contractor, while others may decide to take matters into their own hands and manage their own building site. Note that in either case, you need to be careful, follow the rules and have an informed...
When a dispute arises, a legal process can be long and costly. It can also cause anxiety to some people. It is important to know that there are alternatives to settle a conflict, going to court is not the only option. Great solutions are the dispute prevention and...
Has the municipality caused you damage? Whether it is for material damage, bodily injury or other, you have the right to claim compensation and take recourse against the municipality. But be careful, special rules apply to obtain compensation. Indeed, it is important...
With the snow, the ice and the cold weather in winter, the risk of a fall and injury to yourself while moving around or participating in winter activities is increased. While these incidents may be accidental, the municipality may in fact be held liable when an injury...
Sometimes, the habits and behaviour of neighbours can lead to conflicts. Therefore the Civil Code of Quebec provides for rights and obligations between neighbours, as well as the municipalities that modify or complete these provisions with by-laws. Although the law...
A question we get often asked relates to the reimbursement of legal fees. Indeed, at the end of a trial, can one be reimbursed by the opposing party for the legal fees that one had to pay? First, it is important to distinguish between legal fees and extrajudicial...
In principle, in civil matters, the plaintiff or defendant may represent themselves before the courts in Quebec. However, there are exceptions to this rule and being represented by a lawyer may be mandatory under certain circumstances. Legal persons A company or...
The formal notice is often the first step in a dispute. But how useful is it? Why is it so important? This article explains what you need to know about the formal notice. Distinction to be made A formal notice is a written notice sent by the creditor to the debtor,...
The following is a brief summary of what there is to know in the Civil Justice Department, Gatineau District, during the COVID-19 pandemic: The extinctive prescription and lapse of time periods in civil matters, as well as the civil deadlines are suspended until the...
Several myths exist regarding hidden defects. Many people mistakenly believe that these are essentially vices that have been hidden in order to get a better price. Others will say that hiring the services of an inspector or expert protects you from any problems....
The law provides that real estate transfer fees must be paid whenever a transfer of immovable property occurs, with certain exceptions. This is commonly known as the welcome tax and it is collected by the municipality. Many exceptions exist in the law and...
Any legal remedy begins with the filing in court of a document called the statement of claim. In principle, this document must then be served by bailiff on the other party, or on each of them if there are more than one. However, you can be properly sued...
