How Has COVID-19 Affected The Legal World in Alberta?
As we enter 2021, we are becoming all too familiar with COVID-19 restrictions and how society has changed. Adherence to public health requirements in order to keep all of us safe from the pandemic has affected the legal world and the operation of court proceedings. As someone charged with a crime or who has to... Read More
COVID Response: Employer Updates to Policies & Employment Agreements
2021 has just started and with a vaccine on the horizon, employers are trying to hang on and hope for the best. Most employers’ businesses are typically slow in January as a rule and it might be a great time to consider what workplace policies, practices and employment agreements need to be updated, supplemented or... Read More
Virtual Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyer
No matter what time it is, we are here to provide advice and help defend your innocence. When you choose Ross Lutz Barristers, you benefit from our combined 98 years of criminal defence experience. We have defended high profile and complex cases at every level of court in Canada. As our team features independently practicing... Read More
[July 2020 Extension Update] COVID-19 Alberta Temporary Layoff Legislation
Previously back in April, the Government of Alberta allowed the extension of the temporary layoff provision from 60 days to 120 days. Given that the economy is just starting to move again, and that ending the temporary layoffs for 1000’s of employees and paying termination pay is not financially feasible, especially for hard-hit small businesses,... Read More
Competing Claimants: Who Has Priority to Estate Funds?
We’ve all heard stories about people “spending it all before they die”, or “racking up the credit cards before they pass away”. While these anecdotes are often given by people whose tongues are firmly planted in their cheeks, there are situations where a deceased leaves an insolvent Estate. An insolvent Estate is an Estate whose... Read More
Joint Bank Accounts: What Happens When One Account Holder Passes Away?
It’s not uncommon for people to name a loved one, friend, or family member as a joint account holder on their bank accounts in hopes of minimizing the costs of a probate application or avoiding probate altogether. Sometimes, people name a second account holder to ensure that account assets pass to their intended beneficiary in... Read More
Transferring Vehicle Ownership After Owner Passes Away in Alberta
Motor vehicles are often the forgotten puzzle piece in the estate planning process. Last year, a CBC news story from Ontario, entitled “Give me the damn car: Red tape keeps grieving widow from driving clunker” gained some traction and generated over 450 comments online. You can read the full article here if you’re interested, but... Read More
Is a Former Spouse Entitled to a Deceased’s Estate in Alberta?
Divorce or separation can complicate both Estate planning and administration matters. This article addresses the legal entitlements that former spouses and common-law partners may have to your Estate assets, and the steps that you can take to create a prudent Estate plan post-separation. My clients often wonder whether their former spouse or common-law partner will... Read More
[For Employees] Employment Agreement & Termination Clause
Getting a new job can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time. Many new employees simply sign on the dotted line and are ready to jump in. However, many employment agreements contain language which can be quite limiting on an employee’s rights, such as strict termination clauses, non-compete, or non-solicitation clauses. The Importance of Understanding... Read More