Civil Litigations

• Statement of Claim – The document that officially starts a civil lawsuit, outlining what the plaintiff is asking the court for.
• Statement of Defence – The defendant’s written response to the Statement of Claim.
• Examination for Discovery – A pre-trial step where each side questions the other under oath to gather facts.
• Judgment – The final decision of a court in a lawsuit.
• Limitation Period – The time limit within which a lawsuit must be started, or the claim may be barred.
• Costs – Legal expenses one party may have to pay to another, often ordered by the court.

Immigration Law

• Permanent Resident (PR) – A person who has been granted the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely but is not yet a citizen.
• Temporary Resident – Someone in Canada temporarily, such as a visitor, student, or worker.
• Express Entry – Canada’s points-based system for managing applications for permanent residence under certain economic programs.
• Work Permit – Authorization that allows a foreign national to work in Canada legally.
• Study Permit – Authorization for a foreign national to study at a designated institution in Canada.
• Refugee Claimant – A person who seeks protection in Canada, claiming fear of persecution in their home country.
• Sponsorship – When a Canadian citizen or PR takes financial responsibility for a family member’s immigration.
• Removal Order – A legal order requiring someone to leave Canada.
• Restoration of Status – Applying to regain legal status after it has expired.
• IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) – The federal department responsible for immigration, citizenship, and visas.

Wills & Estate

• Will – A legal document that sets out how a person’s property will be distributed after death.
• Testator / Testatrix – The person who makes the will (testator for male, testatrix for female, though “testator” is now used for all).
• Executor / Estate Trustee – The person named in the will to carry out its instructions and manage the estate.
• Beneficiary – A person or organization that receives something from the estate.
• Estate – Everything a person owns at the time of their death; property, money, assets, and debts.
• Probate – The legal process of validating a will and authorizing the executor to act.
• Intestate – Dying without a valid will; the estate is then distributed according to provincial law.
• Power of Attorney – A legal document giving someone authority to make decisions on your behalf — either for property or personal care.
• Living Will – A written statement outlining your wishes for medical care if you become unable to communicate.
• Trust – A legal arrangement where one party holds property for the benefit of another.

Family Law

• Custody (now often called Parenting Time / Decision-Making Responsibility) – The legal right to make major decisions for a child and/or time spent with the child.
• Access (now called Contact in many provinces) – The time a child spends with a parent or other family member.
• Separation Agreement – A written agreement between spouses setting out how they will deal with issues like property, support, and parenting.
• Spousal Support – Financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce.
• Child Support – Money paid to help cover the costs of raising a child.

Real Estate & Contracts

• Title – Legal ownership of property.
• Mortgage – A loan secured against real property.
• Lien – A legal claim against property for unpaid debts.
• Contract – A legally binding agreement.
• Breach of Contract – Failing to meet the terms of a contract.

Notary & Commissioning

• Notary Public – A legal professional authorized to witness signatures, certify documents, and administer oaths.
• Commissioner of Oaths – A person authorized to administer oaths and witness sworn statements such as affidavits or declarations.
• Statutory Declaration – A formal statement declared to be true, used when no oath is required.
• Certified True Copy – A copy of an original document that a notary confirms is identical to the original.
• Oath / Affirmation – A solemn promise that the contents of a document are true — “oath” invokes a religious reference, “affirmation” does not.
• Verification – The process of confirming identity or authenticity of a document or signature.
• Seal – The notary’s official stamp or mark, showing the document has been properly notarized.

Congratulations — you’re now on your way to tackling the world of legal terms with more confidence. And if you ever need help applying these concepts to your own situation, our team is here to guide you in every one of these legal areas. Feel free to return to this guide anytime to refresh your memory, or reach out to us directly for trusted legal support.