Erin O’Brien Edmonds recognized as Halifax Lawyer of the Year for Real Estate Law 2024

Arcus Legal is pleased to congratulate Erin O’Brien Edmonds, KC, TEP, on being selected by her peers as the Best Lawyers® 2024 Real Estate “Lawyer of the Year” in Halifax. Having previously won this award in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021, this year marks the fifth time Erin has received this honour. Erin is also recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada® for her work in Trusts and Estates.

 

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2023-09-12T09:21:46-03:00September 12th, 2023|Our Team, Real Estate|

Corporate Series – Part 6 – The importance of Termination Clauses in Commercial Leases

Commercial leases play a crucial role in establishing the relationship between landlords and tenants. However, many tenants in Nova Scotia may not be aware of the potential ramifications of signing a lease agreement without a termination clause. This essay serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks and liabilities commercial tenants may face if their lease agreement lacks a termination clause.

1. Understanding the Termination Clause:

A termination clause in a commercial lease provides tenants with the right to end the lease agreement prematurely, subject to specific conditions or penalties as outlined in the clause. Without a termination clause, tenants may find [read more…]

2023-09-12T08:52:42-03:00July 17th, 2023|Corporate & Commercial|

Corporate Series – Part 5 – What is a Family Trust?

A Family Trust is a legal arrangement in which a person, known as the settlor, transfers assets (such as money, real estate, or investments) to a trust that is managed by one or more trustees for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are typically family members, such as a spouse, children, or grandchildren.

In Nova Scotia, Family Trusts can be established as either an Inter Vivos Trust (created during the settlor’s lifetime) or a Testamentary Trust (created upon the settlor’s death through their Will). Family Trusts can offer various benefits, including:

1. Tax planning: A Family Trust can help minimize taxes [read more…]

2023-07-04T11:38:57-03:00July 4th, 2023|Corporate & Commercial|

Corporate Series – Part 4 – How do I sell my company in Nova Scotia?

Selling your company in Nova Scotia involves several steps, and it is highly recommended to seek the guidance of a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Here is an outline of the process:

1. Prepare your business for sale: Before putting your company on the market, make sure it is in the best possible shape. This may include improving financial records, resolving outstanding legal issues, optimizing operations, and ensuring all necessary licenses and permits are up to date.

2. Get a Valuation: Determine the fair market value of your company. This can be done by consulting [read more…]

2023-07-04T11:01:26-03:00June 26th, 2023|Corporate & Commercial|

Corporate Series – Part 3 – When do I need a company?

In Nova Scotia, you might consider forming a company for your business when:

1. Limited liability protection: You want to protect your personal assets from potential business debts and liabilities. By forming a company, the business becomes a separate legal entity, which means the owners (shareholders) are not personally liable for the company’s debts, except in cases of fraud or negligence.

2. Raising capital: If you plan to raise funds from investors or financial institutions, having a company structure can make it easier to attract investment. Investors often prefer to invest in a company because it provides a clear legal framework for [read more…]

2023-07-04T11:02:36-03:00June 19th, 2023|Corporate & Commercial|

Corporate Series – Part 2 – What are the roles within a company?

Let’s imagine a company as a big boat, and who has what roles:

Shareholders: The shareholders would be the people who put money into buying the boat. They own different parts of the boat depending on how much money they put in. They want the boat to go to places where it can make more money, like treasure islands. But, they usually don’t drive the boat, they just check on it from time to time.

Directors: Now, the boat needs someone to decide where it should go, that’s the job of the directors. They are like the ship’s captains. They use maps, [read more…]

2023-07-04T11:02:55-03:00June 12th, 2023|Corporate & Commercial|

Corporate Series – Part 1 – What is a Company?

A company is a type of business organization that is formed to carry out specific activities, such as providing goods and/or services.

A company operates as a separate legal entity, meaning it has its own rights and responsibilities, separate from the people who own or manage it. The owners of a company are called shareholders, and they invest money into the business by buying shares, which represent a portion of the company’s ownership. In exchange, shareholders may receive a share of the company’s profits, called dividends. A company is managed by a group of people called directors, who make decisions on [read more…]

2023-05-29T11:36:26-03:00May 29th, 2023|Corporate & Commercial|

“Do I Need a Will?” Article By Gregg Knudsen, TEP

With springtime upon us, and preparing for tax season, many of us may have estate planning on the mind. You may be asking yourself “Do I Need a Will?”.

In Gregg Knudsen’s, “Do I Need a Will?” you will learn about Wills and the laws under our provincial jurisdiction in Nova Scotia regarding your Estate Planning.

Do I Need a Will?

By Gregg W. Knudsen, TEP

This is a commonly asked question of any lawyer who practices in this area of law. The answer is “Yes, everybody should [read more…]

2023-03-27T12:53:29-03:00March 24th, 2023|Wills & Estates|

Buying a Rental Property: Do Your Research to Avoid Disappointment

Diving into the world of being a landlord and owning rental properties can be appealing. Online articles, YouTube videos, and television can make it out to be an easy way to earn passive income. However, it is also a significant responsibility to supply a home to a person or family. No matter the length of your rental, there are certain obligations that arise once you take on the responsibility of becoming a landlord. Prior to investing in a rental property ensure you consider the length of rental you will be providing, and know the relevant law to avoid future disappointment. [read more…]

2023-04-04T10:24:19-03:00July 22nd, 2021|Real Estate|
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