Toronto Litigation Lawyers

Supply and service disputes, misuse of investment funds and unjust enrichment. Chinese-language evidence must be linked into a complete chain showing where the money went.

Minority shareholders can seek a court-ordered buyout, changes to the board or disclosure of records. The test focuses on unfair harm to reasonable expectations.

Breaches of loyalty and care, related-party dealings, asset transfers while insolvent and unpaid wage liability. Naming individuals matters when the company is an empty shell.

Informal joint ventures can still be enforced based on actual contributions and profit-sharing, with a receiver appointed where needed.

Orders made without notice to freeze assets, preserve evidence or compel disclosure. The threshold is high and timing is critical.

A default judgment is the fastest route if the other side does not respond. Service on defendants outside Canada needs care.

Writs registered against land, garnishment of bank accounts and receivables, and examinations in aid of execution, where the debtor must disclose assets under oath.

Searches of land, corporate, PPSA and litigation records. Transfers at undervalue can be challenged under Ontario's fraudulent conveyances legislation.

Assessment of secured status, debts that survive discharge and creditor voting. We recommend PPSA registration for credit sales.

Failed closings, defects and disputes over property held in another person's name, where resulting or constructive trusts may apply.

Registered on title in land-based claims to stop a sale or mortgage. It can be misused, and can be removed by substituting security.

Strict deadlines to preserve and perfect liens, and adjudication as a faster route for payment disputes.

Residential matters go to the Landlord and Tenant Board; commercial leases go to court. Personal guarantees can make shareholders liable for the remaining rent.

Service through China's central authority can take many months. Filing early to stop the limitation clock is common.

Chinese documents need certified English translations and, for official records, notarisation and apostille.

Defendants may argue that China is the more appropriate forum. Plaintiffs resident outside Ontario may be ordered to post security for costs.

The award, the arbitration agreement and certified translations are filed. Recognition typically takes several months, after which the award is enforced like an Ontario judgment.

Inability to present one's case and public policy are the grounds most often raised; both have high thresholds. The arbitration rules the parties agreed to are central to defending the award.

Courts are cautious, because ordering security automatically based on foreign residence could conflict with support for arbitration, but the budget should still allow for it.

Recognition is followed by writs, garnishment and examinations of the debtor. Start asset searches early.

Generally two years from discovery of the claim, with an ultimate limit of 15 years. Some claims, such as construction liens and defamation, have much shorter deadlines. Issuing a claim protects it.

Look for an early discussion of enforcement and assets, a clear statement of limitation dates, a written fee structure that includes third-party costs, and a lawyer who can work with Chinese-language evidence directly.

Yes, if authentic and complete. Export full conversations with timestamps and keep the original devices. Bank statements are better than screenshots. Translations must be certified.

Possibly, where there is fraud, misuse of the corporate form, a personal guarantee or statutory director liability. If there are no assets to recover, we will tell you plainly.

Yes, through electronic signature or notarisation. Plan for in-person testimony, authentication of documents and possible security for costs.

Simplified procedure cases take about 1.5–3 years and ordinary cases 2–4 years; complex cases take longer. Mediation can shorten this. Enforcement is a separate stage.

Yes, under the New York Convention and Ontario's International Commercial Arbitration Act, 2017, with narrow defences. For cross-border contracts, an arbitration clause is often the better choice.