Legal life events & everyday legal risks

How legal disputes directly impact Canadians’ lives, work and finances.

Legal risks affect everyday decisions like housing, work and family life. Many Canadians face at least one legal dispute within a few years. Understanding these risks helps you prepare and protect yourself.

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Understanding legal risks and their consequences is crucial for everyday Canadians, as these risks directly impact our lives.

Canadians currently face significant challenges, including the high cost of living and housing. These challenges place immense financial strain on families and contribute to a rise in mental health issues, affecting many Canadians’ job performance and overall well-being.

Yet, what often remains absent from news headlines are the challenges people encounter when navigating legal disputes, whether they have the assistance of a lawyer or not. This was a sentiment echoed by over 2,500 Canadians who responded to a national survey in July 2023. The survey, conducted by Forum Research on behalf of ARAG Legal Solutions Inc., highlighted the prevalence and impact of these legal issues.

Some might think that legal life events are rare or believe they’re unlikely to experience them personally.

1 out of 3 Canadians experience more than one legal dispute within three years.

There are various reasons Canadians might face multiple legal disputes within such a short span. Life changes like purchasing or renting a home, or starting a family, can give rise to different legal issues. Economic shifts, changes in employment, or entering contracts for goods and services can also heighten the risk of legal disputes.

Read the whitepaper

Legal Life Events: Hurting Bank Accounts, Job Performances, and Mental Health

Regardless of whether respondents enlisted the services of a lawyer, our survey highlighted three areas where legal disputes significantly affected their daily lives. These disputes left a notable mark on: