September always sneaks up on us. One week you’re eating peaches on the patio, the next you’re wondering how your calendar filled up overnight. That shift from the slower pace of summer to the steady hum of fall is real.
It’s energizing. It’s overwhelming. And it’s also an invitation — to pause, reset, and move forward with intention. Just as summer was about soaking in the moment, September is about setting the stage for what’s next. That includes your legal planning.
Families: Your Personal Reset Checklist
Life doesn’t wait for a calm day to throw something unexpected at us. A sudden illness, a family emergency, or even the simple chaos of busy schedules can throw everything off balance.
That’s why September is such a smart time to revisit your estate planning checklist:
- Is your will still current? (If you’ve been wondering how to make a will in Ontario, this is your nudge.)
- Do your powers of attorney for property and personal care reflect your wishes today, not five years ago? Have you updated the way you communicate those wishes—keeping key contacts, important records, and personal lists organized so your loved ones aren’t left searching in a crisis?
- Is your chosen executor still the right person for the role?
These aren’t just legal documents. They’re anchors. They’re what keep your family steady when life shifts suddenly.
At Brown Lawyers, we see planning as more than paperwork. It’s coaching. It’s asking the right questions and walking with you toward clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Business Owners: Is Your Corporation Ready for What’s Next?
If you’ve never heard of a corporate minute book, you’re not alone. Most business owners don’t think about it until they need it—usually when a bank, buyer, or accountant asks, and the binder is collecting dust in the corner.
So what is it? Think of it as your company’s binder of essentials. It holds the records that prove your business is in good legal health: ownership details, bylaws, annual resolutions, and filings. In Ontario, every incorporated business is required to keep one up to date.
And yet, it’s one of the most common things to fall through the cracks.
That’s why we created our Corporate Care Plan. It’s a way to keep your company organized, compliant, and protected — like a seasonal check-up for your business.
Ask yourself:
- Is your corporate record book current and complete?
- Are your annual corporate maintenance filings up to date?
- Do you have a clear succession plan — not just for someday, but for the what-if moments that could happen tomorrow?
Because here’s the thing: neglecting corporate housekeeping rarely matters on a normal day. But when it does matter, it matters a lot.
Why Now Is the Smartest Time to Plan
September has its own kind of momentum. You’re already shifting gears — setting goals, organizing calendars, tightening up routines. Why not use that same energy to put your legal planning in place?
By acting now, you’ll:
- Free yourself from last-minute stress later in the year
- Protect both your family and your business from the unexpected
- Enter fall focused on growth, connection, and peace of mind
At Brown Lawyers, we don’t just draft documents — we build ongoing relationships. Legal planning isn’t something you check off once. It’s a rhythm, just like the seasons.
Start the Season Prepared
Before life speeds up even more, schedule a check-in with us to review your family and corporate planning. A small step now means you can step into fall with confidence.
And if you’d like to keep going deeper, stay tuned for Season 2 of Live Fully, Leave Well. This season builds directly on the ideas here — exploring how business owners can reset, protect, and future-proof their companies with the same intentional approach they bring to their lives.
Because this season isn’t just about routine. It’s about intention. Summer’s behind us, fall is here, and the best gift you can give yourself — and your business — is the peace of knowing your plans are ready for whatever comes next.
