A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone else to act on your behalf, should you become incapable of: (1) managing your property or your finances, or (2) making decisions with regards to your personal care. It’s important to have Powers of Attorney for Property and for Personal Care so you can ensure that someone you trust is making decisions on your behalf in the event you no longer have the capacity to do so.
A continuing Power of Attorney for Property comes into effect as soon as it is signed and witnessed. It allows someone you name (known as an “attorney”) to assist you in managing your finances, or in handling your finances if you become incapable of doing so. An attorney may do your banking, sign cheques, buy or sell real estate, or purchase consumer goods. An attorney cannot create or change a will.
A Power of Attorney for Personal Care allows you to name someone to make decisions regarding your personal care and to ensure that your personal care decisions are respected in the event you become mentally incapable in the future. This person is called your “substitute decision maker.” Your chosen substitute decision maker will be able to make personal care decisions related to your health care and medical treatment, diet, housing, clothing, hygiene and safety.
For more information or to make an appointment to discuss the preparation of a Power of Attorney for Property and/or a Power of Attorney for Personal Care, contact PooranLaw today.
