ArticleMake A Will Week: It's Time To Plan AheadOctober 20-26 was Make a Will Week in British Columbia and served as a reminder for all of us to plan for the future by creating or revising our wills.CanadaFamily and MatrimonialWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleThe "Common Law Condominium:" A Historical Anomaly With Present-Day Implications To Strata Wind-UpsIn British Columbia, condominium ownership is principally governed by a statutory regime found in the Strata Property Act ("SPA"). CanadaReal Estate and ConstructionWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleMy Journey As A Foreign Trained Lawyer In CanadaThis article is part of a series of educational blog posts created by a team of Watson Goepel women lawyers in light of International Women's Day 2023, to empower, celebrate, and encourage women in Canada.CanadaLaw Department PerformanceWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleIs Your Ex Entitled To Your Personal Injury Settlement?It is an unfortunate reality that divorce, or a relationship breakdown, can occur when someone is going through personal injury litigation. The stress of being injured in an accident and missing work...CanadaFamily and MatrimonialWatson Goepel LLP
Article5 Ways To Save Time And Money On Your Divorce In CanadaNavigating a divorce can be emotionally draining and financially costly, especially when working with legal counsel for the first time. Understanding how to effectively collaborate with your lawyer and legal team can significantly...CanadaFamily and MatrimonialWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleAre Your Injuries From A Car Accident Considered "Minor" Under The Current Legislation?"Minor Injury" is a legal term the Alberta Government created for certain specific injuries from motor vehicle accidents.CanadaInsuranceWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleThe Pitfalls Of Drafting Your Own Separation Agreement In British ColumbiaThinking of drafting your own separation agreement? It may save money now but could lead to legal issues later. Learn more in our latest blog.CanadaFamily and MatrimonialWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleReal Estate And The Death Of A Loved OneMany individuals when they die leave behind an estate consisting of various assets, most often including real property. When disputes arise about real property, they can transform a straightforward estate administration...CanadaReal Estate and ConstructionWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleSexual Assault And Right To PrivacyWomen continue to be statistically at a far greater risk of sexual violence in Canada. The Canadian Women's Foundation summarizes statistics of gender-based violence in Canada. CanadaCriminal LawWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleWorkSafe Premiums: Risks To An Employer Of The Uninsured "Independent" ContractorEmployers are usually familiar with the legal requirement to obtain WorkSafe BC coverage for their employees. However, businesses are actually required by law to ensure...CanadaEmployment and HRWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleNavigating Wildfire Insurance ClaimsWildfires are becoming more frequent and devastating across Canada. Preparation is about protecting your home, your policy, and your rights.CanadaInsuranceWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleThe Importance Of Understanding Policy WarrantiesOur lawyers, Anastase E. Maragos and Robert D. Powell, break down the concept of policy warranties, explaining the difference between express and implied warranties, and why they are critical for both insurers and insured...CanadaInsuranceWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleWhat Is Replacement Cost Valuation And How Is It Calculated?One of the most important parts of insurance coverage is making sure that you are properly covered in the event of a loss. CanadaInsuranceWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleWhat You Need To Know About The Upcoming No Fault Insurance System In AlbertaOn November 21, 2024, the Government of Alberta announced it will be implementing a "Care First" car insurance system starting January 1, 2027. This "Care First" system is a "no-fault"...CanadaInsuranceWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleBoating Accidents In British Columbia: What Are Your Legal Rights After A Marine Injury?A charter boat incident near Roberts Bank in the Georgia Strait, where passengers were found in the water after the vessel began sinking, raises critical questions about commercial operator responsibilities and passenger safety on British Columbia waters. When boating emergencies occur, determining liability requires careful investigation of vessel maintenance, safety equipment availability, and operator procedures. Injured passengers and their families may have legal remedies under both provincial negligenCanadaLitigation, Mediation & ArbitrationWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleHow Social Media Can Hurt Your Personal Injury Claim In AlbertaAlmost everyone documents their life online in some form, whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or X. From workouts to weekend trips to the small, everyday moments, social media evidence has become a routine part of how insurance companies and defence lawyers evaluate personal injury claims in Alberta.CanadaLitigation, Mediation & ArbitrationWatson Goepel LLP
ArticlePassenger Rights: Can You Sue If You Were Injured In A Friend's Car?Injured as a passenger in a car accident? You may have a claim for compensation, even if the driver is a friend or family member.CanadaLitigation, Mediation & ArbitrationWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleWhat Are Your Rights When You Slip And Fall On An Icy Sidewalk? Are Individual Homeowners Liable For Icy Sidewalk Accidents In Front Of Their Houses?Anyone who has lived through a winter in British Columbia (even relatively mild Vancouver) has encountered an icy sidewalk that was not cleared properly or at all.CanadaLitigation, Mediation & ArbitrationWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleWhat To Do If You've Been Involved In A Hit And Run Accident In AlbertaDrivers involved in an accident have a duty to remain at the scene pursuant to the Traffic Safety Act.CanadaLitigation, Mediation & ArbitrationWatson Goepel LLP
ArticleNew Homebuyer Protection: 3-day Right Of RescissionOn July 21, 2022, the Government of British Columbia announced the creation of regulations that will enable a mandatory three-day Homebuyer Protection Period ("HPP"), also known as a "cooling off period" or "right of rescission" starting on January 1, 2023.CanadaReal Estate and ConstructionWatson Goepel LLP