Everyone loves getting advice, especially from friends or family. But when it comes to the law, the advice you hear at a barbecue or read on social media can be completely wrong. A lot of people land in big legal trouble or lose money because they believe things that are simply not true. These false beliefs are what we call legal myths. They sound right, but they hurt people in real life.
The biggest mistake people make is trusting “common advice” instead of asking a lawyer who knows the actual law. This post is here to clear up the biggest myths our Legal Services clients often believe. We want to show you the difference between what people think is the law and what actual Canadian law (External Link 1) says. Knowing the truth is the first step to protecting your rights, your money, and your future. We will explain what truly protects you with proof, timing, and legal guidance. This firm is your safe place for straight answers.
Myth 1: The Paperwork Lie: “Verbal Deals Are Not Contracts”
This is one of the most common myths, especially in business and real estate. Many people believe that if a deal is not signed on paper, it is not real and cannot be enforced in court. This is only partly true, and believing it can cost you thousands of dollars.
The Truth About Verbal Agreements
In many legal situations, a verbal agreement (just talking and shaking hands) is a contract. If you and another person agree on a price and a plan, and you start working on it, a court might see that as a binding promise. However, the problem with a verbal agreement is that it is often very hard to prove what was actually agreed upon. It becomes one person’s word against the other’s. This leads to what is called a civil dispute, which costs money and time to fight.
To protect yourself, you should always insist on a written contract for major agreements, especially when dealing with property, business partners, or money. A written paper removes all confusion. Our Civil Law experts can help you draft clear contracts that hold up in court.
The Problem with Texts and Emails
People often assume that a text message or an email is too casual to be used as legal proof. False! Today, texts, emails, and even messages on certain apps can be used as evidence in court to prove that an agreement was made or that someone was warned about something. If you are discussing a business deal, a rental agreement, or even a Family Law matter with your former partner, those messages can be read by a judge. The best practice is to always write messages as if a judge were reading them. If you are dealing with business disagreements or need to enforce a contract, you need to understand the rules of evidence, which is something a lawyer is trained to do.
Myth 2: The Time Lie: “I Can Just Fix It Later”
This myth is about waiting too long. People often think that a legal problem is like a broken faucet; you can get around to fixing it next week. In the law, waiting is almost always the worst thing you can do.
Deadlines are Everything
The law is full of strict deadlines, called limitation periods. For most civil lawsuits in Ontario, you usually have only two years from the date the problem started to file a claim. If you miss that deadline, your chance to sue is gone forever, even if you are absolutely right. If you have been hurt in an accident, or if you have a disagreement over a property line, waiting means you are throwing away your legal rights. For example, if you are planning to file an appeal in an Immigration Law matter, the deadlines are extremely short and must be met exactly.
Evidence Disappears
The other problem with waiting is that proof disappears. Witnesses forget details, documents get lost, and video footage is erased. If you are in a legal fight, your case is only as strong as your evidence. A lawyer will tell you the very first thing to do is collect all the proof immediately. This is true whether you are facing a Criminal Law charge or a simple Employment Law dispute. If you wait, you make your lawyer’s job much harder, and you lower your chances of winning.
Myth 3: The Court Lie: “The Court Will Be Fair”
Everyone hopes that when they go to court, the judge will see the whole picture and simply decide what is fair. Unfortunately, court does not work like that. The court is not there to decide what is “fair” in the everyday sense; it is there to decide what is legal.
The Rules of Evidence
Courtrooms run on strict rules called the Rules of Evidence. A judge only considers what can be legally proven through documents, testimony, and facts that meet those rules. If you cannot prove something with the right type of evidence, the judge cannot use it, even if they suspect you are telling the truth.
For example, in a Real Estate Law fight over a property sale, a judge will only look at the signed contract and the legal documents, not your angry emails or your personal feelings. This is why having professional representation is so vital. Your lawyer knows the rules and presents your case in the way the court requires. They will not let your feelings get in the way of presenting the legal facts that truly matter. You can read more about how courts operate in the province from the Government of Ontario Courts website (External Link 3).
No Magic Words
Some people believe there are magic words or special ways to talk to a judge that will make them automatically side with you. This is completely false. A lawyer’s job is not to trick the judge, but to build a strong legal argument based on law and evidence. Believing in “magic words” means you are ignoring the hard work of preparing a case, which is where your fate is truly decided.
Myth 4: The Money Lie: “I Do Not Have Enough Money to Need a Will”
This myth is especially common with younger people or those who think they are not wealthy. They believe that Wills and Estates planning is only for the rich. This is a very harmful myth that can cause big problems for your family.
A Will is Not Just About Money
A Will is not just about who gets your bank account. It is about who will raise your children if something happens to you (this is called naming a guardian). It is about choosing a person you trust to handle your final affairs (this is called the Executor). If you die without a Will, the government has specific rules about who gets your property, and those rules might not match your wishes. This often leads to family fights and expensive court costs to sort out the mess.
Protecting Your Health
A good lawyer will also set up a Power of Attorney for you. This document names a person to make decisions about your money and health if you are too sick or injured to speak for yourself. Without this paper, your loved ones may need to ask a judge for permission to help you, and that takes time that you might not have in a medical emergency. Setting up your Will and Power of Attorney is one of the most loving and responsible things you can do for your family. Do not wait until you are old to think about it.
Myth 5: The Social Media Lie: “What I Post Online is Private”
This myth is dangerous because nearly everyone uses social media. People often think that because they set their accounts to “private” or deleted a post quickly, it cannot be used against them. This is absolutely not true.
Everything Can Be Evidence
If you are involved in a lawsuit, a Family Law separation, a dispute with your job, or even a Criminal Law investigation, everything you have posted online can be found and used as evidence. Even if you delete a post, lawyers and investigators have ways to retrieve old information.
For example, if you are claiming to be badly hurt in an accident (a Civil Law matter), but you post photos of yourself playing sports, those photos will be used by the opposing lawyer to try to prove you are lying about your injuries. Even angry posts about your boss or former partner can be used to show the court that you are an angry or dishonest person, which hurts your case. The rule is simple: Do not post anything online about your legal case, your former partner, your job, or anything that could be misinterpreted. Your lawyer will give you strict rules on what you can and cannot share.
Admit Nothing
Another common mistake is admitting guilt or responsibility online, even in a small way. Sometimes, people write things like, “I am so sorry I drove too fast,” or “It was my fault the business deal went sour.” These statements are powerful admissions that a lawyer on the other side will use to destroy your defence. If you have been involved in a legal situation, the only person you should talk to about the facts is your lawyer. You should also understand that the laws around privacy and data use are constantly changing, so what you think is safe today might be visible tomorrow.
Myth 6: The Quick Fix Lie: “I Can Fix This Problem Myself”
This is a powerful myth born from the desire to save money. People often try to represent themselves in court or handle negotiations alone, thinking they can just Google the answer. While you have the right to represent yourself, it is often a terrible mistake.
The Law is Complex
The law is a massive, complex system that takes years to learn. It is not something you can master in a week of internet searching. Even simple legal matters, like buying and selling a house, are filled with legal terms and procedures only a Real Estate Law Lawyer knows how to handle correctly. If you make a mistake on paperwork, it can delay or completely ruin your case.
In a negotiation for a new business contract, or for a severance package in an Employment Law dispute, the other side will have a lawyer. They will use your lack of knowledge against you to get a better deal for themselves. When you hire a lawyer, you are not just buying their time; you are buying their knowledge, their experience, and their training in how to negotiate and win. Never bring a knife to a gunfight. In a legal battle, your lawyer is your armour.
The Value of Objectivity
When you are in a legal fight, you are too close to the situation. Your feelings are strong, and you might make decisions based on anger or stress, not logic. A lawyer is objective. They can look at your case without the emotional stress and tell you honestly what your chances are and what the smart move is, even if it is hard to hear. This objectivity is one of the most valuable things they bring to the table.
Myth 7: The Foreign Rule Lie: “Foreign Law or Rules Apply Here”
This myth is common for new Canadians or businesses that operate across borders. They often assume that the legal rules from their home country or another country they worked in still apply in Ontario. This is wrong and very dangerous.
Canadian Law Stands Alone
Canadian law is completely independent. It does not matter what the rules were where you lived before; when you are in the GTA, you must follow Canadian and Ontario law. This is particularly important in Immigration Law matters, where procedures and documentation requirements are unique to Canada. Applying foreign rules to a Canadian problem can lead to immediate rejection or serious legal consequences.
A lawyer will make sure you understand the correct rules from the start. They will clearly explain how Canadian law works, whether it is for buying property, setting up a corporation, or dealing with family disputes. Do not let old habits or beliefs get you into trouble here. Always seek advice specific to the laws of Canada. If you are dealing with tax issues from another country, you need to follow the rules set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (External Link 4).
Conclusion: Protect Yourself with Knowledge
The simple truth is that legal myths are everywhere, and they are usually created by people who want to save money or simplify a complex situation. Unfortunately, believing these myths is what costs people the most in the end.
The best defence you have is a good lawyer. By understanding that verbal deals are risky, that waiting is deadly, and that social media is public, you can make smarter choices. Do not rely on false “common sense” or wrong online tips. When facing a big decision, talk to the experts at our firm for reliable Legal Services. Our dedicated service pages for Business Law and other areas are here to help you get the facts you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the biggest mistake people make before calling a lawyer?
The biggest mistake is usually talking too much before talking to a lawyer. People admit things to police, write apologies in text messages, or sign papers from the other side, thinking they are being helpful. These statements can ruin a case. The rule is: if a problem is serious, stop talking immediately and call your lawyer. We recommend checking with a Criminal Law Lawyer right away if you are ever questioned by police.
Is it true that if the police do not read me my rights, my case is thrown out?
This is a big myth from TV shows. The police must inform you of your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer if you are being detained or arrested. If they fail to do this, it does not mean your case is automatically thrown out. It means your lawyer can argue in court that any evidence they collected after they should have read your rights cannot be used. This is a complex legal argument that requires an experienced lawyer to make.
Does a verbal lease agreement protect me as a renter or landlord?
While a verbal lease is technically valid for short-term rentals, it is extremely risky for both the renter and the landlord. Because there is no paper, it is almost impossible to prove the rent amount, the rules, or the end date if there is a disagreement. For major agreements, especially those involving property like Real Estate Law matters, you must have a formal, written agreement to protect yourself and prevent a costly Civil Law dispute. The Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (External Link 5) always recommends using a written lease.
What is the difference between mediation and litigation in Family Law?
Litigation is when you go to court and ask a judge to make a final decision, which means a lot of fighting and high costs. Mediation is when you and your former partner meet with a neutral third person (the mediator) to help you both agree on things like custody or money without going to a judge. Mediation is usually faster, cheaper, and less stressful. However, your Family Law lawyer still needs to review any agreement made in mediation before you sign it.
If a business is a corporation, is the owner completely protected from all debt?
This is a common Business Law myth. While a corporation is a separate legal entity and protects the owner from many business debts, the protection is not perfect. If the owner personally guaranteed a loan (signed the loan paper in their own name) or if they acted illegally, they can still be held responsible for the debt. This is why you need a Business Law Lawyer to structure your company correctly from the beginning to maximize your protection.
