Gionet Fairley Wood LLP

10/17/2026

The family cottage is often the most emotionally significant asset in an estate and, when it is not specified in a will, it can become much more than a property dispute. Siblings may disagree about who should use it, who should pay for it, or whether it should be sold.

In Simcoe County and Muskoka, cottage ownership can bring years of family history, financial contributions and emotional attachment into a legal dispute. When there is no clear agreement, getting everyone on the same page about what happens next can be difficult.

If you are facing a dispute over a family cottage, having a legal advocate in your corner can help you understand your rights, protect your interests and work toward a resolution.

If your family cottage has caused a disagreement that has become a legal matter, contact Gionet Fairley Wood LLP.

📧 [email protected]

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

10/15/2026

Employment lawsuits can be costly, and some of the biggest risks arise from everyday workplace decisions.

From reducing employee hours and imposing temporary layoffs to calculating termination entitlements, accommodating disabilities, and updating employment contracts, employers need to understand their legal obligations before taking action.

Learn more about the five most common employment law questions and when to obtain legal advice to protect your business and reduce the risk of costly disputes.

https://www.gfwlaw.ca/blogs/avoid-employment-lawsuits

Learn how Ontario employers can reduce the risk of employment lawsuits with legal advice on layoffs, termination, disability accommodation and contracts.

10/15/2026

In Ontario, a neighbour who has used part of your property openly, without permission, exclusively, and continuously for a period of ten years may be able to make a claim to that land through adverse possession.

It does not have to be dramatic. A driveway, shed, or fence sitting over a property line for a decade can be enough to trigger an adverse possession dispute, even if nobody noticed the encroachment at the time.

The rules surrounding adverse possession have become significantly more limited since Ontario moved to the Land Titles system, and most urban and suburban properties are now registered under that system where adverse possession claims are largely unavailable. But boundary encroachments can still give rise to real disputes regardless of ownership claims.

A current survey and legal advice are the simplest ways to protect your property line.

Gionet Fairley Wood LLP handles property disputes across Ontario. Get in touch at https://www.gfwlaw.ca/real-estate-litigation

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Gionet Fairley Wood LLP.

This weekend we are grateful for our clients, our community, and the trust people place in our team when it matters most. 🍂

Our offices are closed today in observance of Thanksgiving. We will be back to assist you on Tuesday, October 13th, 2026.

Wishing everyone in Simcoe County and across Ontario a warm and restful long weekend.

10/09/2026

At Gionet Fairley Wood LLP, we believe great legal work starts with continuous learning.

Recently, the partners sat down with our associates for a Lunch and Learn, an opportunity to share knowledge, work through real issues, and invest in the development of our team.

Our clients benefit from a firm where lawyers at every level are supported, challenged, and growing.

10/08/2026

Construction lien deadlines in Ontario only allow sixty days to file a claim, and missing this window can cost contractors their right to payment. It’s important to understand what triggers the start of the clock, what it takes to preserve a lien, and why waiting until the last minute is risky for contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers.

https://www.gfwlaw.ca/blogs/construction-lien-deadlines

Missing construction lien deadlines can cost you. Understand how they work under the Construction Act and what contractors must do to preserve a lien.

10/07/2026

A commercial lease renewal is not just an administrative step. It is an opportunity.

Rent terms, escalation clauses, maintenance responsibilities, and renewal conditions are all negotiable before you sign for another term. Many tenants do not realize that what was agreed to years ago does not have to be carried forward unchanged.

Before agreeing to another term, it is worth reviewing what the lease actually says; what has changed in your business, and whether the space and the terms still work for you.

Reach out to Gionet Fairley Wood LLP at [email protected] to speak with a lawyer before you sign.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

10/05/2026

When someone passes, the focus naturally turns to property, finances, and the will. Digital assets rarely make the list.

Social media accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, airline rewards points, digital photo libraries, and subscription services do not transfer automatically. In some cases, they are locked out entirely. In others, the platform's own policies determine what happens next, regardless of what the will says.

Some of these assets carry real monetary value. Others hold irreplaceable sentimental significance. Without clear direction, families are left dealing with customer service teams and platform policies during one of the hardest periods of their lives, and disputes between beneficiaries are more common than most people expect.

Ontario estate law is still catching up to the digital world. If you are dealing with a loved one's estate and encountering resistance over digital assets, Gionet Fairley Wood LLP can help.

📧 [email protected]

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

10/02/2026

Gionet Fairley Wood LLP was proud to be a hole sponsor of the Atticus Annual Charity Golf Tournament, that took place on September 26th, 2026, at Silver Lakes Golf and Country Club in support of SickKids Hospital.

Atticus was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in February 2019 at just two years old. He spent time at SickKids Hospital, where he captured the hearts of everyone around him. Today, Atticus is 10 years old and cancer free.

This tournament is a celebration of that, and of every family that has faced a similar road.

We are honoured to support such a meaningful event and the incredible work done at SickKids Hospital. SickKids Foundation

10/01/2026

Workplace mistreatment can go beyond a difficult boss or an unpleasant workplace. Serious harassment, bullying, constructive dismissal, unpaid compensation and major changes to employment can create legal disputes.

In this article, we look at when workplace mistreatment may become a legal claim, what evidence can be important and when it is time to speak with an employment litigation lawyer.

Learn more: https://www.gfwlaw.ca/blogs/workplace-mistreatment-legal-claim

Workplace mistreatment in Ontario can lead to serious employment disputes. Learn when harassment, bullying or other conduct may justify legal action.