We have listed a few commonly Asked Questions about Power of Attorney in Ontario
- What is a Power of Attorney?
- Do I need two Powers of Attorney in Ontario?
- Can a Power of Attorney in Ontario be used after death?
- IIs a Power of Attorney the same thing as an Executor?
- I I think someone is abusing a Power of Attorney. What do I do?
- What do I do if my parent is mentally incapable and there is no Power of Attorney?
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that appoints a specific person to “step into your shoes” and act on your behalf if you are unable.
A General Power of Attorney can only be used while you are mentally capable.
A Continuing Power of Attorney means that it can be used even if you are mentally incapacitated.
Power of Attorney can be for general or unlimited use, or specific for a one-time special purpose, such as selling a piece of property.
Power of Attorney can become effective either immediately or upon a contingent event such as your doctor declaring you mentally incapable.
VIDEO: Understanding Power of Attorney
Do I need two Powers of Attorney in Ontario?
We recommend that you have a Power of Attorney for Property (assets) and a separate Power of Attorney for Personal Care.
Sometimes, the person who is best suited to be your Power of Attorney for Property is not the same person who is best suited to make your medical decisions.
Further, upon the event a POA is required by a bank the entire document would be revealed and now the bank is privy to your personal end of life decisions.
Can a Power of Attorney in Ontario be used after death?
No. A Power of Attorney is no longer valid after you die. When someone dies, the Last Will and Testament is the document that takes over.
VIDEO: The Validity of Power of Attorney after Death
Is a Power of Attorney the same thing as an Executor?
No. A Power of Attorney is someone you appoint to act on your behalf while you are alive but are unavailable or incapacitated.
An Executor is someone who is in charge of your Last Will and Testament and estate after you die.
Read more about foreign executors
I think someone is abusing a Power of Attorney. What do I do?
Power of Attorney has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the person who granted the power.
Power of Attorney for Property is required to keep accounting and can be held accountable for improper spending, gifting, or transfers.
If you believe someone is abusing a Power of Attorney you can initiate an investigation with the Office of Public Guardian and Trustee.
What do I do if my parent is mentally incapable and there is no Power of Attorney?
If there is no Power of Attorney in place, under the Ontario Substitute Decisions Act, the Office of Public Guardian and Trustee becomes the Statutory Power of Attorney. Families can work with the OPGT and apply for the Power of Attorney to be transferred.
At Hummingbird Lawyers LLP, our team is experienced, knowledgeable, and very skilled when it comes to drafting Power Of Attorney and Continuing Power of Attorney, as well as helping you with any revocation requirements that you may have.
If you have questions about Power Of Attorney, please contact:
Tracey Jones, Law Clerk
Email: info@hummingbirdlaw.com
Phone: 905 731 1911
