Education: McMaster University (Economics),
University of Western Ontario (Law)
Memberships: Law Society of Ontario, Junior Trusts and Estates Practitioners (JTEP), Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA)
After graduating with his law degree, Chris worked at a busy full-service law firm. Having gained experience in a multitude of practice areas, he decided to return to his hometown of Burlington to join Cleaver & Company.
Chris prides himself in his compassionate and client-centred approach to the practice of law, while at the same time meticulously and skillfully managing even the most complex of legal situations.
Outside of his work, Chris is a private pilot and aviation enthusiast, an avid musician, and enjoys an active lifestyle of swimming, running, biking, skiing, and ultimate frisbee.
Estate planning and drafting of the relevant documents (including Wills and Powers of Attorney) make up a large part of Chris' practice at Cleaver & Company LLP. The importance of properly drafted testamentary documents cannot be understated, as any ambiguity will increase the risk of conflict and might trigger unnecessary expenses or cause delays in the administration of the estate.
Chris also acts for estate trustees (executors) in all aspects relating to their role, from the probate application process, managing and preparing the estate accounting, advising on the distribution of funds and obtaining the proper documentation from beneficiaries, to obtaining a tax clearance certificate and eventually winding up the estate.
Chris' goal is to alleviate the burden of dealing with the legal complexities that arise from the loss of a loved one, allowing his clients to focus on themselves and their families.
Chris frequently acts for his clients on residential purchase, sale and mortgage refinancing transactions. He takes the time to explain the intricacies of each specific deal, and ensures that his clients understand exactly what goes on behind the scenes; after all, buying a home is, for most people, the biggest and most important purchase they'll make.
Chris' knowledge extends to commercial leasing, acquisition and disposition transactions, having acted for individual and corporate clients in the course of their business ventures. He also has experience in both reviewing and drafting commercial lease agreements.
Chris regularly provides advice and services relating to general corporate and partnership matters, including but not limited to: