Please note that our office is currently offering a limited number of Power of Attorney appointments.
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you (the “adult”) to appoint another person (your “Attorney”) to manage your financial and legal affairs on your behalf. This may include banking, paying bills, managing investments, or dealing with property.
A Power of Attorney does not give authority over personal or health care decisions.
An Enduring Power of Attorney continues to be effective even if you later become mentally incapable due to illness, injury, or age-related decline.
In British Columbia, an Enduring Power of Attorney is a key part of advance planning and is commonly used to ensure your financial affairs can be managed without court involvement if you lose capacity.
No. A spouse or family member does not automatically have legal authority to act on your behalf for financial or legal matters.
No. As long as you are mentally capable, you retain full control over your finances and can continue to manage your own affairs.
You may also place limits or conditions on your Attorney’s authority when the Power of Attorney is prepared.
You should appoint someone you trust, who is responsible, organized, and capable of handling financial matters. This may be a spouse, adult child, other family member, or trusted friend.
It is also important to consider whether the person is willing and able to act when needed.
No. A Power of Attorney only authorizes financial and legal decisions.
Medical and personal care decisions are addressed through a separate document called a Representation Agreement.
No. An Attorney is not legally required to act unless they choose to accept the role.
For this reason, it is important to discuss your appointment with the person in advance to ensure they are willing to act if needed.
An Enduring Power of Attorney helps ensure that your financial affairs can continue to be managed if you lose mental capacity.
Without one, family members may need to apply to the court for authority, which can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful.
An Attorney is entitled to reasonable compensation unless the Power of Attorney states otherwise.
Compensation is governed by provincial legislation and may be waived or limited in the document if you choose.
A banking Power of Attorney is a limited document used by financial institutions to allow someone to assist with specific banking transactions.
It is not a substitute for a properly prepared Power of Attorney or Enduring Power of Attorney under British Columbia law.
If you are ready to proceed, the next step is to gather some basic information and speak with a Notary about preparing your Power of Attorney.
We will guide you through the process, explain your options, and ensure your document complies with British Columbia law.