February 9, 2012 – 6:19 pm
British Columbia’s Strata Property Act underwent significant changes in 2011; these changes will be implemented in 2012. Are you prepared?
All strata developments in BC.are controlled by the provincial Strata Property Act. Strata developments, also known colloquially as “condominiums”, are a form of ownership devised for apartment blocks and housing estates with shared areas. The recent changes to the Act will affect everyone from real estate agents to purchasers, as well as strata councils.
How has the BC Strata Property Act changed?
When existing laws are modified or amended, it can often take some time before it’s fully understood how these changes will affect society. Still, at this time, we know the new Act is aimed at improving the accountability of strata corporations.
The accountability is supposed to be achieved in several ways, including new rules for depreciation reports, contingency reserve funds and certain forms.
The BC provincial government has promised to publish a guide to the new regulations early in 2012 to give strata owners and corporations an opportunity to learn more about the new rules before they are required to comply. In the meantime, here are a few notes we hope will help you have a basic understanding about the new changes.
Depreciation reports
Depreciation reports help strata corporations plan for future repair and maintenance costs. The new regulations stipulate changes to how physical inventory is documented, how maintenance and related costs are estimated over the long term, and other documentation covering cashflow, contingency reserve funds and Form B.
These changes come into effect immediately in 2012.
Contingency reserve funds
All strata corporations have a contingency reserve fund to help pay for expenses in the short term, such as repairs on common property. The new law includes changes to amounts that can be contributed to contingency reserve funds, as well changes to how strata corporations can vote on changes to contingency reserve funds.
These changes also come into effect immediately in 2012.
Form B
The Information Certificate (Form B) discloses information to owners and purchasers about the strata corporation and the strata lot, and, as of 2012, Form B has been revised effective immediately.
Contact us for more information
The new changes to the BC Strata Property Act can be quite complex, and have implications for everyone from strata councils to real estate agents to buyers. If you have any questions, please contact us at 250.381.2151 or info@dinninghunter.com
January 24, 2012 – 10:45 pm
Today we’d like to about finding an immigration lawyer in Victoria – thanks to our great weather, lower cost of living, and hot job market, we’re a popular destination for new Canadians. And, also thanks to our strong ties with Seattle, San Francisco and cities south of the border, there are many Victoria residents who need help figuring out the ins and outs of legally working in the United States.
Today, however, we’re going to focus on Canadian immigration lawyers – we want to help as many people enjoy life in Canada, one of the best countries on earth.
The topic is of special interest to us – as advocates for employment opportunities in Canada to meet shortfalls in various sectors, we have co-authored a report with the Government of BC on structuring the temporary foreign worker program for the Province of British Columbia.
Besides foreign worker programs, Canada offers the following immigration programs:
- Skilled workers
- Business class
- Corporate class
- Family sponsorship
- Temporary visas
- Students
Immigration lawyer, immigration consultant: what’s the difference?
If you’re serious about moving to Canada, there is a mountain of complicated paperwork to fill out. First of all, you’ve probably heard of the terms “immigration lawyer” and “immigration consultant”. What’s the difference? While you may think immigration lawyers and consultants do the same thing, in reality they are very different.
Generally speaking, immigration consultants generally don’t have much, if any legal training or experience. While they may understand how to fill out and file different forms, immigration consultants may be unaware of the more specific aspects of immigration law, and how they apply to your immigration application.
Immigration lawyers, on the other hand, are going to be up-to-date on the latest developments in immigration law. Immigration lawyers are also able to handle – and resolve – more complex issues.
Other points to consider:
- The stakes are high – immigration law is all about the future of your family
- Immigration law is always changing, and the laws are complex – a lawyer provides peace of mind
- Mistakes during the immigration application process can be very costly, and a lawyer can help avoid these mistakes
- Immigration lawyers can help troubleshoot problems before they occur
But how to choose an immigration lawyer?
- Leverage your network – if you’re serious about moving to Victoria, you probably already have at least a basic network of personal or professional connections here. Ask these contacts for help finding a lawyer (of course, Dinning Hunter’s immigration law practice should be at the top of the list)
- Conduct interviews – It’s always a good idea to get to know people first before you work with them, to ensure there is a good fit, and good communication
- Make sure you have the budget to pay for services – this is a no-brainer.
At the end of the day, don’t forget that you’re making an investment in your future, and current costs can be amortized over the course of your new life in Canada!
If you’re thinking about moving to Canada, contact Rory Lambert for your free initial consultation
Dinning Hunter Lambert Jackson offer immigration lawyers in Victoria.
DISCLAIMER: THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OPINION OR ADVICE AND IS GRATUITOUSLY PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
January 17, 2012 – 10:38 pm
This is part 3 of a 3-part blog series about 1) “minor” auto collisions and 2) soft tissue injuries and 3) treatment resources in Victoria for soft tissue injuries caused by traffic accidents.
We’ve learned that even “minor” auto-collisions can result in injuries that are not easily diagnosed and treated by the emergency room or the family doctor, and we’ve learned a little more about “soft tissue injuries”. So, today’s blog post is about treatments for soft tissue injuries – how they help, and where to look.
To recap, often soft tissue injuries manifest themselves as significant pain to the neck and back an all-to-frequent cause of a soft tissue injury to the neck is a violent back and forth — whiplash — motion of the neck in a rear end collision. Since the tissue itself is affected, these injuries can be pretty hard to pick up using an X-ray machine, so you may not get all the help you need.
However, there are treatments out there for soft tissue injuries, including:
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is an effective, non-surgical and natural, drug-free approach to pain management and rehabilitation, and can provide relief from a wide range of conditions, including conditions related to soft tissue, nerve and joint dysfunction.
Registered Massage Therapists (RMT’s) of British Columbia complete a 3000 hour curriculum to ensure accurate assessment and effective treatment for all of these conditions.
Chiropractor
Chiropractic treatment is a preventative form of medicine that is becoming a standard treatment for many common chronic medical conditions, including whiplash, work injuries, and neck and back pain.
An increasing number of primary care physicians are referring patients to Chiropractors and many insurance companies offer reimbursement for Chiropractic services. Chiropractic is now considered one of the most widely used forms of health care with more than 22 million people annually seeking treatment.
Spinal decompression
Spinal Decompression provides relief to severe back and neck pain sufferers by gently reducing the pressure within spinal discs. The bones of the spine are slowly and methodically separated using special equipment. As the vertebrae are separated pressure is slowly reduced within the disc until a vacuum is formed. This vacuum “sucks” the gelatinous center of the disc back inside thereby reducing the disc bulge or disc herniation.
This is just a small sample of the personal injury treatments available to Victoria residents. Want more information? Please give us a call!
DISCLAIMER: THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OPINION OR ADVICE AND IS GRATUITOUSLY PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
January 10, 2012 – 10:35 pm
This is the second part of a 3-part blog article about “minor” auto collisions and treatment resources in Victoria for soft tissue injuries caused by traffic accidents, intended to provide help finding an insurance lawyer in Victoria.
Last time we talked about [link]how seemingly “small” traffic accidents that haven’t appeared to damage your car in any way may actually still be cause for concern[/link].
Today we’d like to talk a little bit about soft tissue injuries.
What is a soft tissue injury?
“Soft tissue injury” is a blanket term used to describe injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues. Sprains, strains, bruises, abrasions are common soft tissue injuries, and as well all know, can be the result car accidents.
Often these soft tissue injuries manifest themselves as significant pain to the neck and back an all-to-frequent cause of a soft tissue injury to the neck is a violent back and forth — whiplash — motion of the neck in a rear end collision.
Soft tissue injuries can be controversial. A common argument is that there is since there is not much damage to the car, therefore the person was not injured. The fact is, of course, that soft tissue injuries, including injuries to the neck and back, can be a major source of pain and disability.
Often these injuries result in muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulders that trigger severe headaches, for example, that can last for hours at a time. Needless to say, this can have major impact on your earning potential, and, fundamentally, your enjoyment of life.
However, it can be very hard to for a physician or medical professional to effectively diagnose soft tissue injuries. They don’t show up on an x-ray, after all, and you have to live with the pain and discomfort while waiting for more sophisticated help.
So, doctors often treat soft tissue injuries with prescription medications or even Advil, and tell you to follow-up at some point in the future with a specialist.
There are ways to immediately treat soft tissue injuries, which will be the subject of our next blog post. Stay tuned!
Dinning Hunter Lambert Jackson provides help finding an insurance lawyer in Victoria
[end]
DISCLAIMER: THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OPINION OR ADVICE AND IS GRATUITOUSLY PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
November 10, 2011 – 4:13 pm
Often trying to figure out on your own what sort of advice you’re looking for can seem daunting.
Your hunt for an attorney in Victoria (Dinning Hunter, of course!) to help you with a legal issue, is easier than you think. We do not charge for an initial consultation. So,don’t worry, we’re here to help you out!
However, in order to maximize your time speaking with a lawyer, and to do your part to make sure meetings are as productive as possible, we have some pointers for your first meeting with an attorney.
The first interview – what questions to ask your lawyer
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the first interview. Here are some interview tips:
- Bring as many facts, documents, and other pieces of information or documentation that can help your case so that you can provide a factual and reasonably objective account of events (trying to remain calm and unemotional can really help result in a productive first meeting, too).
- As well, try to come to the meeting with an “agenda” in mind; that is, what you want to have happen by the end of the meeting.
- During the meeting, try to describe your problem as briefly and clearly as possible, and, without emotion. An effective way to do this is to prepare (and ideally revise) some notes prior to your first meeting with a lawyer.
- Also during the first interview, be sure to ask questions, especially if you are unfamiliar with certain words or “legalese”. While our attorneys always focus on explaining concepts in plain language, sometimes the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, so asking questions can help pave the way for efficient meetings going forward.
- It’s also important to ask questions about the steps needed to resolve your legal problem, and how much time it will take, both in hourly terms, and in absolute terms (i.e., how many weeks, months, or even years!). This will help you manage your own expectations, and help you get prepared for any changes you may need to make during your private and professional life leading up to resolution. Doing your part to meet specific milestones and providing your attorney with helpful advice will make for a more efficient collaboration.
Following this formula means you will be able to get a head start in preparing documentation, and your lawyer will be more effective on your behalf. Preparing efficiently helps you and your lawyer achieve the desired result and, keeps your costs down!
- Dinning Hunter can provide you with help to find an attorney in Victoria
October 24, 2011 – 4:13 pm
As mentioned in our previous post, Dinning Hunter Lambert & Jackson (Dinning Hunter, or DHLJ), which offers legal services in Victoria and the surrounding communities, is launching a new blog that is intends to provide regular updates that offer insights into legal issues, as well as resources to help our readers and clients understand the law and get some direction.
But what legal services does Dinning Hunter provide? The shortest answer is to say we offer a wide variety of legal services in Victoria with a team-based, interdisciplinary approach. Let’s take a look at several of our services:
Administrative law
Administrative law ensures government agencies operate lawfully, and in compliance with parliamentary laws. Hearings take place before tribunals, panels and regulatory boards. As the provincial capital, this is a very important focus for lawyers for Victoria BC. For example, you may find your property being expropriated. We can assist ensure your interests are protected if this happens to you.
Construction law
Thanks to a building boom Victoria has experienced over the past decade, specialists in this field are in high demand. Our team members who specialize in construction law advise clients on different aspects of projects, such as regulatory compliance and risk management, as well professional negligence, drafting builder’s liens (and solving disputes involving those liens), as well as design and engineering issues.
Corporate and business law
Corporate and business law involves helping business establish corporate share structures and other associations, as well as providing tax advice, preparing commercial contracts and leases, employee compensation planning such as stock options, and contract disputes. Contact us to receive no-charge, no-obligation initial consultation!
Criminal
Dinning Hunter also provides assistance to those who have been charged impaired driving and other driving offences, theft, fraud and other property crimes, or other more serious offences, including murder.
Employment
We provide assistance to employers and employees, regarding wrongful dismissals and disability claims, employment contracts, human rights issues, and employee stock options and incentive plans.
Environmental
Our environmental law practice covers everything from environmental, energy, safety and health regulatory enforcement matters, to defense for private citizen suits or in a claim against a government or regulatory body. This is typically one of the most complex areas of law, and requires a multidisciplinary approach involving professionals with a wide range of expertise.
Estates, Wills and Trusts
Estate planning should be an essential part of every adult’s life. This helps prevent family disputes and preserves family wealth. This area of law covers wills, asset protection, creation of trusts, and powers of attorney.
Be sure to read a future blog post about how changes to estates and wills legislation in British Columbia could potentially affect you and your loved ones.
- Dinning Hunter Lambert & Jackson provide legal servicesin Victoria
October 21, 2011 – 4:13 pm
Welcome to our new blog. Who are we? Dinning Hunter Lambert & Jackson (DHLJ) are lawyers in Victoria, and we’ve been providing a providing a full range of legal services for over 30 years.
This blog will provide regular posts that offer insights into legal issues, resources to help our readers and clients get answers to questions and get preliminary help. We’ll occasionally provide examples of presentations, sample letters, documents, visual aids, and other types of guidance to give you a better understanding of key legal concepts from a client’s point of view.
But who are we?
Well, for starters, DHLJ employs 17 staff in three locations across Greater Victoria – Downtown, Broadmead, and the West Shore. Lawyers on our team are members of the bars of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and many of us have entrepreneurial and technology backgrounds.
Most importantly, Dinning Hunter employs a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach – we work in a number of areas of practice, including:
- Administrative Law
- Construction Law
- Corporate and Business Law
- Criminal Law
- Employment Law
- Environmental Law
- Estates, Wills and Trusts
- Family Law
- Human Rights
- Immigration Law
- Insurance Law
- Military Law
- Municipal Law
- Personal Injury
- Real Estate
- Residential Schools
If you’re unsure of where you fit in, don’t worry! We’ll discuss your case, figure out what requirements you may have, and then form the appropriate team to advise and support you.
We value teamwork and collaboration. This benefits clients who come to us with complex, multi-faceted cases. We possess a proud entrepreneurial spirit, which, combined with the unique areas of focus of our team of lawyers, helps Dinning Hunter Lambert & Jackson provide powerful solutions for our clients.
We recognize that our clients’ interests are best served when lawyers with individual areas of specialization bring their knowledge, expertise and strategic guidance to each unique situation.
Whether it’s negotiating contracts, setting up estates, selling a house, or pursuing a remedy in the courts, the right legal advice is essential. We know it sometimes can be hard to figure out exactly what kind of legal help to pursue. Don’t worry, we’re here to help, so give us a call and let’s get started.
- Dinning Hunter Lambert & Jackson are an experienced team of lawyers in Victoria BC
|
