The Lawyo Podcast

Buying a car from a private seller in Ontario can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to know the legal and practical steps involved. In this episode, we cover everything you need to think about when purchasing a car privately.

From checking the vehicle’s history and ensuring it has a clean title to understanding safety certificates, emissions tests, and the paperwork required by the Ministry of Transportation, we walk you through the process. We’ll also share tips on spotting scams and negotiating a fair price. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a refresher, this episode will help you navigate your car purchase with confidence.

If you’re struggling with debt, you may have come across terms like Licensed Insolvency Trustees, credit counsellors, and debt settlement businesses—but what’s the difference between them, and who can actually help?

In this episode, we break down these three key players in the debt resolution process, explaining what each one does, their qualifications, and how they can (or cannot) assist you. We’ll also discuss the risks and benefits of working with each, so you can make informed decisions about managing your debt. Whether you’re exploring options for financial recovery or just curious about how the system works, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Have you faced discrimination or had your rights violated in Ontario? The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) provides a way to seek justice, but navigating the process can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we break down the steps to make a claim to the HRTO, from filing an application to presenting your case.

We’ll explain what types of claims are eligible, how to gather evidence, and what to expect during the tribunal process. Whether you’re considering filing a claim or just want to learn about the system, this episode provides a clear guide to understanding your rights and the HRTO process.

A Power of Attorney for Property can provide peace of mind, but do you really need one? In this episode, we explain what a Power of Attorney for Property is and why it’s a valuable tool for managing your finances if you become unable to do so yourself.

We’ll cover what this document allows, who you should appoint as your attorney, and the difference between a Power of Attorney for Property and a Power of Attorney for Personal Care. Whether you’re planning ahead or helping a family member, this episode offers practical insights to help you make an informed decision.

A Power of Attorney for Personal Care is a crucial legal document, but many people aren’t sure if they need one or how it works. In this episode, we break down what a Power of Attorney for Personal Care is, why it’s important, and how it ensures your health and personal decisions are handled if you become unable to make them yourself.

We’ll discuss who you can appoint, what responsibilities they’ll have, and the steps to create this document in Ontario. Whether you’re planning for the future or helping a loved one, this episode will guide you through the essentials of this often-overlooked legal tool.

A will is one of the most important legal documents you can create, but many Canadians don’t fully understand its purpose—or the consequences of not having one. In this episode, we explain what a will is, why it’s essential, and what happens to your assets and loved ones if you pass away without one.

We’ll cover key concepts like naming beneficiaries, appointing executors, and the legal process of intestacy (dying without a will). Whether you’re creating your first will or wondering if you really need one, this episode provides straightforward answers to help you plan for the future.

Vacation time and vacation pay are important rights for employees, but the rules can sometimes be confusing. In this episode, we explain how vacation entitlements work under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA), including how much time employees are entitled to, how vacation pay is calculated, and when it must be paid.

We’ll also discuss common questions, like what happens if you don’t take your vacation, how vacation interacts with leaves of absence, and whether unused vacation can be carried over. Whether you’re an employee planning your time off or an employer managing vacation policies, this episode has the answers you need.

Severance pay can be a critical safety net for employees who lose their jobs, but how does it actually work in Ontario? In this episode, we break down the rules around severance pay under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), including who qualifies, how it’s calculated, and the difference between severance pay and termination pay.

We’ll also cover common misconceptions and what to do if you think you’re entitled to severance but didn’t receive it. Whether you’re an employee navigating a job loss or an employer managing layoffs, this episode provides a clear and practical guide to Ontario’s severance pay laws.

Expecting a child or welcoming a new addition to the family? In this episode, we dive into pregnancy and parental leave laws in Ontario, covering the rights and protections provided under the Employment Standards Act (ESA).

We’ll discuss eligibility for leave, the difference between pregnancy leave and parental leave, how to apply, and what happens to your job while you’re away. Whether you’re an employee planning time off or an employer navigating these regulations, this episode offers essential insights to help you understand and comply with Ontario’s leave laws.

Public holidays are a time to relax and recharge, but what are your rights when it comes to pay and time off in Ontario? In this episode, we break down the rules surrounding public holiday laws under the Employment Standards Act (ESA).

Learn which days are considered public holidays, who qualifies for holiday pay, and how the rules apply if you’re scheduled to work on a holiday. We’ll also discuss common scenarios, such as calculating holiday pay and handling substitute holidays. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, this episode provides a clear understanding of how public holiday laws work in Ontario.