Legal Support & Resources Blog

As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the lessons this year has brought. Being a paralegal firm owner is a journey of constant learning, growth, and adaptation. Each year presents its own challenges and opportunities, but 2024 has been especially instructive. Here are the key lessons this year has taught me: 1. Adaptability Is a Superpower The legal landscape is ever-evolving. From new regulations to shifts in client needs, staying flexible and open to change has been critical. This year, I learned that embracing innovation—whether through technology, new processes, or fresh perspectives—has allowed my firm to better serve clients and stay ahead of the curve. 2. Roll With the Unexpected 2024 brought the unexpected departure of 3 employees in a 4 month period for various reasons. As a firm owner this was daunting and quite honestly left me in a state of fear. However, upon self-reflection and discussion with my team we ultimately decided those departures gave us the opportunity to restructure in a way that helped us better position the firm for growth. We weathered the storm as a team and have since brought on three new staff members with the plan for more in 2025. 3. Client-Centric Strategies Are Non-Negotiable Clients are at the heart of everything we do. This year, I focused on actively listening to their concerns, streamlining communication, and tailoring services to meet their unique needs. This is where the idea for our new client experience app came from this year. The payoff? Increased client satisfaction and trust. In a world where competition is fierce, building genuine relationships remains a cornerstone of success. 4. Resilience Requires Balance The demands of running a paralegal firm can be overwhelming, but 2024 reminded me of the importance of balance. Prioritizing self-care, delegating effectively, and setting boundaries have made me a better leader. Burnout doesn’t just impact me—it affects my team and my clients. Resilience comes from knowing when to push forward and when to pause. The past four years have not been easy as a business owner in any industry between navigating a global pandemic, adapting to new realities post pandemic and facing the reality of higher costs and inflation. With all of that in mind it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. 2024 has taught me to take a moment or two to pause and enjoy life and all that it brings with it. For that, I am tremendously grateful. 5. Technology Is a Game-Changer From AI tools that streamline legal research to platforms that improve client onboarding, technology has transformed how we operate. This year taught me that being an early adopter isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s essential for efficiency and growth. The key is choosing solutions that align with the firm’s goals and values. 6. Community Matters The legal profession doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Engaging with the local community, industry peers, and professional organizations has enriched my practice in ways I didn’t anticipate. Giving back and sharing knowledge has been both rewarding and inspiring. Looking Ahead As I prepare for 2025, I carry these lessons forward with gratitude and determination. Owning a paralegal firm is more than a career—it’s a responsibility and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 2024 has reaffirmed that growth isn’t always about bigger—it’s about better. To my colleagues, clients, and team: thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another year of learning, leading, and serving with purpose.

Insights from the 2024 Clio Cloud Conference in Austin, Texas

When you seek professional legal advice, it's important to understand not only the nature of the advice but also the value it offers. At De Palma & Associates, we implement a consultation fee policy to ensure that our clients receive dedicated, thorough, and professional service from the very first meeting. Here’s why we believe in the importance of consultation fees and how they benefit our clients. Focused Advice A consultation fee guarantees that you are receiving dedicated time and effort from a skilled paralegal. During our consultations, we focus entirely on your unique situation, offering tailored advice and strategic planning based on extensive experience. This dedicated session helps in understanding your case deeply and in crafting a preliminary plan of action. Without a consultation fee the consultation cannot be advisory in nature. Valuing Professional Experience Our consultation fees reflect the value of the professional experience provided. Paralegals at De Palma & Associates bring a wealth of knowledge and specialized training to each consultation. We stay abreast of the latest developments in Ontario law to provide informed, accurate advice. By charging a consultation fee, we ensure that the experience offered is recognized and valued, fostering a professional environment where both parties are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes. Preparation and Resources Before any consultation, significant preparation is required. We review any documents or information provided in advance, conduct preliminary research, and prepare to discuss various legal strategies. The consultation fee covers the time and resources invested in preparing to offer you the most informed and effective advice possible. Transparency and Trust At De Palma & Associates, we believe in transparency from the onset of our client relationships. By clearly explaining our fees, including what you can expect during the consultation, we establish a basis of trust and clarity. This transparency extends throughout our handling of your case, ensuring that there are no surprises regarding your legal support. Crediting the Fee Towards Future Services If you decide to retain our services immediately following the consultation, we credit the consultation fee towards your retainer. This approach makes the consultation not just a service, but an investment in your legal representation. It ensures that if you choose to proceed with us, your initial payment contributes directly to your ongoing case. The consultation fee at De Palma & Associates is an integral part of how we deliver high-quality, dedicated legal services. It ensures that every client interaction is productive, professional, and valued, laying the foundation for effective legal representation. Book your initial consultation with De Palma & Associates now at https://www.depalmaparalegal.ca/ or by calling 705-429-2401.

Compassionate Guidance from De Palma & Associates

A Guide from De Palma & Associates

Navigating the complexities of legal disputes involving the return of property can be daunting. At De Palma & Associates, we're committed to providing clarity and support to those considering the Small Claims Court route for claims up to $35,000. Here's what you need to know about using Small Claims Court in Ontario for the return of property. Scope of Small Claims Court Small Claims Court, a branch of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, handles civil litigation claims where the value does not exceed $35,000, excluding interest and court fees. This makes it an accessible option for recovering personal property or seeking damages within this monetary limit. Common Uses in Property Disputes Many clients come to us with issues related to personal property that has been wrongfully retained or needs to be returned under the terms of a contract. The Small Claims Court efficiently handles such cases, allowing for a quicker resolution than might be possible in higher courts. Typical claims include:  Recovery of goods wrongfully possessed by another party. Disputes over property damages caused by negligence or accidents. Claims related to contractual agreements where property return is stipulated. The Importance of Professional Guidance While the Small Claims Court is designed to be more user-friendly and accessible than higher courts, navigating the legal system can still be challenging. Representation by a knowledgeable paralegal can significantly enhance your chances of a favourable outcome. At De Palma & Associates, we ensure that your claim is presented effectively, adhering to all procedural requirements and leveraging our deep understanding of the law to protect your interests. Streamlined Procedures, Profound Outcomes Despite its simplified procedures, the decisions in Small Claims Court are based on the same legal principles as those in higher courts. This ensures that all parties receive a fair hearing, based on substantive law. Understanding these principles and how they apply to your case is crucial, and that's where our extensive knowledge comes in. Get Started with Confidence If you believe you have a claim involving the return of property up to $35,000, or if you're facing a dispute that could head to Small Claims Court, don't hesitate to reach out. We at De Palma & Associates are here to guide you through the process, from initial consultation to courtroom representation. Navigating Small Claims Court requires careful consideration and preparation. By understanding its scope and effectively utilising legal support, you can approach your property dispute with greater confidence and clarity. For more information on how De Palma & Associates can assist you in Small Claims Court, please visit our website or contact us directly for a consultation at 705-429-2401.

At De Palma & Associates, we understand that accessing legal services should be convenient and straightforward. That's why we're excited to introduce our new online consultation booking service, designed to provide you with ease of booking from the comfort of your home or office. This service allows you to book a one-on-one session with either Christina De Palma or Nicole Fazzari, our experienced paralegals, ensuring personalized and professional guidance tailored to your legal needs. Benefits of Online Consultation Bookings Online consultation bookings offer several advantages, making legal services more accessible than ever: Convenience: Schedule your consultation at a time that suits you, without the need to call in to our office to book a consultation. This saves you time and allows for more flexible planning around your daily commitments. Timely Support: Get timely advice when you need it most. Whether you're dealing with landlord-tenant disputes, navigating small claims, or seeking a record suspension, timely access to professional advice can be crucial. We typically have availability for next day consultations so that clients feel comfortable knowing their matter can be discussed as quickly as possible. Privacy and Comfort: Your consultation will then be conducted over the phone so you can discuss sensitive legal issues in the privacy and comfort of your own space, which can make opening up about personal matters easier. How It Works Booking your consultation online is simple. Simply visit our website at www.depalmaparalegal.ca and click on “Book An Appointment”. You will then be taken to our online booking system where you will be asked a series of questions and gain access to our consultation availability calendar. Pick a date and time that works for you for your consultation and that’s it - simple, easy and straightforward. Consultation Fee Details The consultation fee is $125 plus tax. This fee is an investment in high-quality legal advice and will be credited toward your retainer fee should you decide to retain our services after your consultation. If you choose not to proceed, the fee will cover the comprehensive advice provided during your session. Please note, this fee is non-refundable. Why Use a Paralegal for Your Legal Needs? Paralegals are highly trained professionals authorized to offer legal advice and represent clients in various matters before certain courts and administrative bodies. By consulting with a paralegal, you benefit from specialized knowledge at a cost-effective rate, making legal services more accessible without compromising on expertise. Our new online consultation booking service at De Palma & Associates represents our commitment to providing accessible, professional, and personalized legal services. Whether you need guidance on a specific legal issue or are seeking long-term legal representation, our team is here to ensure you receive the highest standard of legal support. Ready to get started? Book your online consultation today and take the first step towards resolving your legal matters with confidence.

A criminal record can be a significant barrier in a person's life, affecting everything from employment opportunities to aspects of their personal life and even volunteer work. In Canada, a record suspension, formerly known as a criminal pardon, represents a chance to wipe the slate clean, removing the stigma and limitations associated with past convictions. This blog explores why someone might seek a record suspension and the importance of using a paralegal like De Palma & Associates in this complex legal process. Why Seek a Record Suspension? A record suspension allows individuals who have completed their sentence and demonstrated law-abiding behaviour for a prescribed period to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records. This suspension does not erase a criminal record but makes it inaccessible through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) under most circumstances. The primary benefits include: Employment : Many employers conduct criminal background checks. A record suspension can remove barriers to various job opportunities, allowing individuals to advance their careers without the shadow of past convictions. Child Custody and Adoption : Having a criminal record can impact a case for child custody and can prevent someone from proceeding with the adoption of a child. Personal Growth and Rehabilitation : Obtaining a record suspension is seen as a final step in the rehabilitation process, offering an individual a second chance at a stigma-free life. It acknowledges that an individual has made positive changes and should not continuously be judged by their past mistakes. The Role of a Paralegal in Obtaining a Record Suspension Applying for a record suspension is a detailed and document-intensive process that involves obtaining court and police records, fingerprinting services, and careful preparation of the application itself. The criteria and documentation required by the Parole Board of Canada are specific and stringent: Eligibility Assessment : A paralegal can help determine when an individual becomes eligible for a record suspension, which depends on the nature of the offence and the sentence received. Document Collection : Paralegals can assist in gathering the necessary documentation, which can be a daunting task for someone unfamiliar with the legal system. This includes acquiring all relevant records from courts and police departments across different jurisdictions. Navigating Complex Regulations : The process requires adherence to precise guidelines set by the Parole Board of Canada, including detailed explanations of all convictions and the circumstances surrounding them. Paralegals with experience in record suspension applications are familiar with these requirements and can ensure that applications are completed accurately and thoroughly. Avoiding Delays : Any error or omission in the application can lead to delays or the refusal of the record suspension. Paralegals ensure that every aspect of the application meets the necessary standards to avoid such pitfalls.  Seeking a record suspension is a significant step towards reclaiming one's life and moving forward without the burdens of past convictions. While the process can be complex and demanding, the assistance of a paralegal ensures that the application is handled professionally and efficiently, maximizing the chances of success. At De Palma & Associates, we understand the profound impact a record suspension can have on your life. We are committed to providing detailed and compassionate legal assistance to help individuals achieve this important milestone. Find out more about our services and book your free initial consultation now at https://www.depalmaparalegal.ca/criminal-pardons Questions? Give us a call at 705-429-2401.

Let’s take a look at the steps necessary to evict a tenant due to the sale of the rental property.

In our daily lives, we often encounter situations requiring formal verification of our documents and signatures. From buying a new home to travelling abroad or even managing estate affairs, the need for notarized documents is more common than one might think. Notarization serves as a powerful tool for authentication, ensuring that legal documents are valid and binding. Let's delve into why people in Ontario might need to get a document notarized and the significance of this process.

In Ontario, navigating landlord-tenant disputes can be a complex process, governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) and adjudicated by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Given the intricacies of the law and the procedural nuances of the LTB, individuals often wonder whether to hire a paralegal or a lawyer for these matters. In my professional experience, there are several compelling reasons why working with a paralegal is not only advantageous but also highly effective for both landlords and tenants.

In Ontario, the Human Rights Code is a cornerstone of our legal system, ensuring fair treatment and protection against discrimination in various aspects of life, including housing and employment. As legal professionals specializing in these areas, the De Palma & Associates team has seen firsthand how knowledge and enforcement of these rights can make a significant difference in people's lives.

Breaking up is hard to do, but what can be even more difficult is being repaid for any money you might have lent during the relationship. In Canada, the law requires repayment of any money loaned between partners during the relationship. If a breakup occurs, the person who owes money has an obligation to pay their former partner back.

As a contractor, you might be unaware that having a paralegal represent you can save you time and money when you’re dealing with clients who have chosen to be difficult by holding out on your rightfully earned payment.

Are you a tradesperson who has completed the job, but now you are struggling to recover the funds on an unpaid invoice? Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence. If this is happening to you, you might want to consider taking the client to Small Claims Court to recoup the unpaid funds. De Palma & Associates can help!

Navigating the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board can be confusing for both landlords and tenants. Recent changes to legislation, as well as a backlog due to the lengthy shutdown from March to August in 2020, have made it even more challenging. In this month’s guest blog, a landlord and recent client relates her experience and why it is so beneficial to use the services of a paralegal when dealing with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

2020 has certainly been an interesting year to be a paralegal. With the ongoing pandemic, the way we work has drastically changed. This is mainly due to the justice system coming to a complete halt in March of this year. The effects of the halt are still being felt due to the system not being fully recovered.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, we are reminded of what a costly time of year this can be. Many Canadians are struggling to live paycheque to paycheque and simply can’t make ends meet, let alone provide gifts and holiday surprises. The added struggles and economic strain of COVID-19 will undoubtedly make this holiday season even more challenging for many families in our region.

Bill 184, otherwise known as Ontario’s “Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act”, was passed by the provincial government into law in July of 2020. Bill 184 is an act to amend the Building Code Act, 1992, the Housing Services Act, 2011 and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and to enact the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Corporation Repeal Act, 2020. The Ford government has stated that the new law will better protect both Landlords and Tenants.

Mediation is the process of trying to solve disagreements between two parties without having to go to court. Mediation is a form of negotiation that is chaired by a neutral person, called the mediator. The mediator has no personal interest in the outcome of the mediation and is present by the agreement of all the parties.

Premarital discussions can be difficult to have with your partner because who plans for an end to a marriage before it hasn’t even begun? However, sometimes it is prudent for both parties to have these discussions ahead of marriage.

During the pandemic, I took it upon myself to become educated in another area – mediation.

Every successful team relies on a number of players all pulling one another in the same direction to achieve the same goal. Having successful rental properties is no different. Starting with the right team will make the process of owning rental properties easier to manage. A good team consists of many players, from an agent that will help you find and secure the right properties, to a mortgage broker to help you set up the appropriate financing, right down to a property manager.

With the current pandemic, selling or renting a property can be difficult. Selling one that is currently occupied by a tenant is even more challenging. The pandemic has created a shift in how landlords and realtors are able to show homes that are currently listed for sale. Instead of potential buyers getting an in-person walkthrough and inspection, realtors are using photos and creating virtual tours of the property to lure potential clients.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on so many aspects of our lives, including many contracts that were to be executed during this time. Orders implemented by the Province of Ontario prohibiting gatherings of more than five people have impacted the ability to hold events that may have been scheduled quite some time ago. Trade shows, home and craft shows, conferences, fundraising events, hall rentals, wedding vendors and so much more are all impacted at this time.

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of people that require legal services. With this, there is a need for more affordable legal service providers. This means more and more people are looking towards paralegals to assist them with their legal needs.

Time is money and, when mistakes get added into the equation, things can add up and definitely get costly! There is no exception when it comes to landlord and tenant issues. Dealing with tenants can be stressful at times, especially once legal matters are involved.