Insights and Updates from Clark Woods LLP
Welcome to the Clark Woods LLP Blog, your resource for expert commentary on legal developments, practical advice, and updates on our firm’s activities. Whether you’re seeking information on recent legal trends or looking for guidance on specific legal matters, our blog is here to keep you informed and engaged.
B.C. lawyer accused of citing fake legal cases “hallucinated” by AI filed to B.C. Supreme Court
A B.C. lawyer is accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare legal briefs in a civil case before the B.C. Supreme Court, citing fake case law fabricated by ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot developed by U.S. AI firm OpenAI. Lawyer Chong Ke with...
New B.C. law changes rules for how pet custody is decided in divorces
Amendments to the B.C. Family Law Act are changing the way separating couples handle pet custody disputes. Previously, pets were legally considered property and custody of pets was settled as part of the division of property. However, recent updates to the...
As condo prices fall and interest rates remain high, consider the risks when purchasing
Folks considering buying a condo presale or preconstructed homes should consider the risks and ensure they have financing in place and are aware of changing interest rates before signing on the dotted line. Buying presale refers to putting down a deposit and signing...
Signs of housing market stability: B.C. Lower Mainland property assessments increase by 2% in 2024, with Vancouver single family homes rising by 4%
In a sign that the Lower Mainland real estate market seems to settling into a period of relative stability, recent 2024 property assessments released by BC Assessment this month show little change over 2023. Property owners in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland rung in...
Fraudulent property sale triggers $300k in penalties for real estate professionals
A group of real estate professionals have been hit with more than $300,000 in fines stemming from a fraudulent property sale in Richmond in 2019. According to the B.C. Financial Services Authority (BCFSA), two alleged con artists tricked the realtor, managing broker,...
Federal government unveiled the Canadian Mortgage Charter
Ottawa says the move will empower homeowners in face of higher mortgage renewals The federal government unveiled the Canadian Mortgage Charter last month, in an effort to make it easier for homeowners worried about higher mortgage renewals to shop around for better...
Stalemate Unbroken: Court Decision Deepens Standoff in Greenleaf Brewing vs. Lonsdale Quay Market Lease Dispute
A commercial lease dispute between a shuttered North Vancouver brewery Greenleaf Brewing and its former landlord is no closer to a resolution following a court decision last month. The owners of Greenleaf Brewing have filed a claim against Lonsdale Quay Market...
Navigating the fine line: Surreptitious recordings in family law cases
Surreptitious recordings in family law may be legal, but are not always admissible Surreptitiously recording a spouse, partner, or children during a family dispute may be legal in Canada, but it is not always admissible in court. Last month, the B.C. Supreme Court...
Greater Vancouver real estate market sees surge in listings as buyer demand lags
The Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market is witnessing a notable shift, with the number of homes for sale steadily increasing in the Lower Mainland. However, buyers are showing caution and remaining on the sidelines, as revealed by the latest statistics from the...