As humans, we’ll get to a point where we’ll need someone to look after things that matters to us. Many Canadians are in this dilemma with a growing concern as they age. Power of Attorney is one way to prepare ahead of the unknown. This is to ensure that this things that matters to us doesn’t suffer neglect if anything happens to us. Before moving ahead, it is pertinent to state that, you should never be pressured into granting a power of attorney to anyone.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives someone else the power to act on your behalf in matters of Property and matters of Personal Care if you become unable to do this for yourself.
Power of Attorney for Property
You can give someone a Power of Attorney for Property if you want them to help you manage your finances, or you are worried about becoming unable to manage them in the future. Property includes your money, your home (if you own one), and all of your possessions. Your attorney can act for you in financial dealings, such as banking, signing cheques, buying or selling real estate, and buying and selling consumer goods.
Power of Attorney for Personal Care
A Power of Attorney for Personal Care allows your attorney to make decisions regarding your health care if you are no longer capable of doing so. If you are in an accident, or you become ill and cannot make your own decisions regarding your care someone you trust should be available to assist with your care and be able to make important health care decisions on your behalf.
FAQs
Only you can have your Powers of Attorney prepared. Your appointed attorney cannot make or change your Will, nor can they prepare a new Power of Attorney on your behalf.
You can appoint any person over the age of 18 to be your attorney. You can also appoint a substitute attorney.
Preparing Powers of Attorney will put your mind at ease. You can take comfort in knowing that quality decisions can be made on your behalf if you become unable to make them for yourself.
Consulting a lawyer is the best way to ensure that you are provided with answers to any and all questions you might have relating to the preparation of Powers of Attorney. Your lawyer will be able to offer advice relating to your specific circumstances that will ensure your Powers of Attorney will be prepared in your best interest, and that your Powers of Attorney offer you the protection and assistance you might require.
