PenWise Legal Resources
Clear answers to common legal questions.
Practical, question-based guides across Immigration, Criminal Law, Wills & Estates and Notary Public Services. These resources are educational starting points, not substitutes for advice about a specific case.
Resource library reviewed · September 10, 2026
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Start with the question that brought you here.
Each guide links back to the relevant PenWise service so readers can move from general information to a focused consultation when needed.
Immigration
What happens after an immigration refusal?
Review the refusal before deciding whether to reapply or consider another remedy. PenWise Law reviews the refusal reasons and available notes, then assesses whether a stronger reapplication or another response is appropriate. Refusals & reapplications →
Can I sponsor my spouse from inside Canada?
Understand sponsorship eligibility and in-Canada considerations before applying. Spousal sponsorship at PenWise Law starts from $3,999 + HST. Family sponsorship →
What should I do before my status expires?
Plan before temporary status becomes a restoration problem. Restoration of status is time-sensitive; assessment and application preparation starts from $1,499 + HST. Restoration of status →
Do I need a PAL/TAL in 2026?
A current-rule checkpoint for study permit applicants. Study permit applications and extensions at PenWise Law include current PAL/TAL considerations. Study permits →
Visitor Visa or Super Visa?
Compare two temporary-resident options for family visits. A Super Visa is for eligible parents and grandparents; a visitor visa is the general temporary resident visa. Visitor & Super Visa →
Does Canadian work experience count for CEC?
Understand the core work-experience rules for the Canadian Experience Class before entering the Express Entry pool. PenWise Law reviews eligibility and evidence. Express Entry & CEC →
Criminal Law
What should I do after being charged with a criminal offence?
Being charged starts a court process; it is not a finding of guilt. Keep your release documents, follow every condition and obtain legal advice before making important decisions about the case. Criminal law →
What happens at a bail hearing in Ontario?
A bail hearing determines whether an accused will be detained or released while the case is pending. Bail & release →
Can criminal release conditions be changed?
Release conditions remain binding unless they expire or are lawfully changed. Appropriate requests to vary conditions can be made. Bail & release conditions →
What is disclosure in a criminal case?
Disclosure is the prosecution material provided to the accused so the defence can understand and answer the case. Disclosure & resolutions →
Wills & Estates
What happens if someone dies without a will in Ontario?
When a person dies without a valid will, Ontario law—not the deceased's unwritten wishes—governs the distribution of the estate. Wills →
Do I need probate in Ontario?
Not every estate requires probate. The assets and the requirements of the institutions holding them often determine whether a certificate is needed. Probate →
Who should I appoint as my estate trustee?
Your estate trustee is the person who will carry out the administration of your estate after death. Estate administration →
What is the difference between a will and a power of attorney?
A will and a power of attorney solve different problems and operate at different times: a power of attorney is for decision-making during your lifetime; a will takes effect on death. Powers of Attorney →
Notary Public
What is the difference between a notary and a commissioner in Ontario?
Commissioning and notarization overlap, but they are not the same service. A commissioner can administer oaths and take affidavits, declarations and affirmations within their authority. A notary has commissioner powers and can also verify signatures, marks and copies within the scope of the appointment. Notary services →
What identification should I bring to a notary appointment?
Identification requirements depend on the document and the notarial or commissioning act being requested. Bring current government-issued identification appropriate to the transaction. Before your appointment →
Can a document be notarized remotely in Ontario?
Ontario distinguishes remote commissioning from notarization: qualifying oaths and declarations can be commissioned remotely, but current Ontario guidance says notarization cannot be performed remotely. Notary services →
What is a certified true copy?
A certified true copy is a copy that a person with the required authority certifies as a true copy of the original presented to them. At PenWise Law a certified true copy is $59 + HST; additional certified copies at the same appointment are $29 + HST. Certified true copies →