Mississauga Lawyer

I Want To Borrow Money From A Friend

I want to borrow money – I want to loan money. What should I do?

A common transaction is where people will borrow money from a friend or family member. Often people will call and ask whether they need something in writing. If so, how formal should the document be?

First, an oral agreement or contract is binding on parties. If there is a breach of the oral agreement parties can sue. However, suing pursuant to an oral agreement always presents many challenges. Parties will dispute the terms of the arrangement such as, how soon the loan should have been paid back or the term of interest.

Second, this is why we always recommend that any type of loan agreement be in writing. It protects the parties and provides clarification.

Depending on the amount being loaned you might consider a very formal agreement or informal. If you are thinking of loaning or borrowing a substantial sum of money it`s a good idea to speak with a lawyer. A lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your rights. The absence of an agreement can cause tremendous uncertainty and confusion that will complicate the litigation process.

There are many circumstances where people will opt not to have a written agreement. Typically, if it involves a close family member.

It`s always best to speak with a lawyer to ensure you understand your rights.

If you have any questions or concerns contact Rehan Khalil a lawyer in Mississauga.

Representing Yourself

Can I represent myself? 

People will often ask, “can I represent myself in legal proceedings.“ The short answer is yes. Most people are shocked to find out that they in fact can represent themselves in court for civil litigation, family law, small claims court and other matters.

However, I often mention that it`s not necessarily wise or recommended that people represent themselves.

Lawyers have an old saying “a lawyer who represents himself (or herself) has a fool for a client.“

Faced with uncertainty regarding the legal profession and especially the costs, today it seems there is an increase in people representing themselves. Sure, there are many cases where people have acted for themselves and gained a successful result.

However, it`s always best to obtain legal representation. First, a hired lawyer will not have any emotional attachment to your case. Therefore, she or he will be able to protect your interests and correspond with other parties in a more professional manner.  

Second, a lawyer will have experience in either the area of law, with the court system, with court procedures, filing fees, etc. This is something a self-represented litigant can spend hours, days and months of grief trying to figure out.

If you are looking to hire a lawyer call the Rehan Khalil a Mississauga lawyer.

Stay tuned for more….about self-represented parties.

What Is Tort And Injury Law Part 4

Mississauga Lawyer: What is Tort and Injury Law Part 4

I have talked about some of the more common types of tort claims. However, there are many more. For example:

  • Trespass;
  • Assault and Battery;
  • False Imprisonment;
  • Malicious Prosecution;
  • Defamation; and
  • Libel and Slander

There are also other torts that involve businesses. For example;

  • Interference with Economic Relations;
  • Intimidation;
  • Deceit which can involve fraudulent misrepresentation;
  • Conspiracy; and
  • Misuse of Confidential Information

Businesses should protect themselves from tort liability.

Mississauga Lawyer: What Is Tort And Injury Law Part 3

What is Tort and Injury Law? 

Yesterday I briefly mentioned liability.

Today, I would like to expand on that discussion a bit more.

In a personal injury case the Plaintiff bringing the lawsuit must establish fault. In other words, you must demonstrate that through the intentional or unintentional fault of the other party you were injured or sustained some type of loss.

In a car accident claim this is normally straightforward. In a slip and fall claim this can become a bit more tricky.

Different types of torts require different standards that must be established by the Plaintiff to make a successful personal injury case.

Often a Defendant in a personal injury case will argue they are not liable. Or if they are it`s not for the full 100 percent being claimed by the Plaintiff.

For more information contact Rehan Khalil a lawyer

What is Tort Law?

A party can start a civil action against another party that might have done wrong to them.

The most common tort actions consist of some type of injury claim where one party sustained personal injury due to the negligence of someone else.

The right to sue in tort can arise when the other parties conduct has fallen below the minimum standard.

There are several remedies available from the court for a Plaintiff who has successfully sued in tort for an injury. The most common remedy is damages for pain and suffering.

If you have been injured and think you might have  a potential legal action against the wrongdoer it is best to find out about your legal rights.

Contact a lawyer immediately.

I am a lawyer in Mississauga.

Happy Canada Day

We Canadians should be proud every day that we live in a country where basic freedoms are protected and advanced.

We should be grateful that our country is saved from war, disease, drought and extreme poverty. We should be happy that we are free to express ourselves and worship and love whoever we want.

I am thankful that my parents decided to choose Canada as their home when they first arrived in the seventies. If they didn`t I can`t imagine where I would be.

This Canada Day walk tall and proud because you are a citizen of the greatest country on earth.

Happy Birthday Canada.

Lawyers And The Mail

Canada Post workers will be back on the job starting this afternoon and mail can expect to resume starting tomorrow at least according to a recent Toronto Star article.

Up to and during the strike many debated about the usefulness of regular mail service. Many said they really had no need for the mail as they relied on other forms of technology.

However, lawyers especially in smaller law practices still continue to rely on the mail as part of their daily routine. Courier is the way to go for larger packages but regular letters can`t be couriered all the time. Your clients will likely complain about the high cost.

It will probably take a few weeks for everything to get back into order.

Why Blog?

Today it seems like everyone has a blog. Many people ask what are the benefits of blogging for a small business such as, a legal practice.

I was blogging before it was cool and trendy. In fact, I started blogging in 2004 when I was still an articling student. The blog I maintained was for family and friends.

In my opinion blogging if done effectively can be quite useful.

First, blogging provides for creative expression. This was the single most important reason as to why I started blogging.

Second, despite what SEO gurus say I still think keywords in blog posts attract new visitors. In fact, sometimes I have received calls within 24 hours of posting.

Third, blog posts should be short and to the point. I see way too many businesses writing lengthy blog posts. In my opinion, I don`t think visitors read the entire post.

The above are just some tips. Ultimately, do what feels right. Blogging is a great way for you to brand yourself and get your name out on the internet and best of all it`s free!

Hard To Take Vacations For Small Business Owners

Last Friday in a class I teach we discussed working long hours and how today, we don`t necessarily get a break because of the technology we carry with us.

Many of the students were adamant that taking time off is crucial. I couldn`t agree more however, many don`t have the luxury to do so. Especially, those who own and operate small businesses.

We discussed the importance of balancing a healthy lifestyle with work. However, so many of us are not able to take away even one day from our businesses!

Ironically, an excellent article entitled Stop making excuses and take time off appeared in the Globe and Mail.

Guaranteed Results

I went to see another lawyer and he or she said they can guarantee a result. Many clients say this either on the phone or when we meet.

Whether it`s litigation, criminal or family it really doesn’t matter there is often uncertainty. Based on experience a lawyer can typically advise you about your chances of success.

At law there are so many variables at play that make it difficult to guarantee a result.

If a lawyer tells you he or she can guarantee a specific result better think twice.\