Power of Attorney
Planning Ahead with a Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to authorize a person you trust to make certain decisions or act on your behalf when you are unable, or choose not, to do so yourself. At Dima Alkrzoun Barrister & Solicitor, we help individuals and families understand their options, prepare documents that reflect their wishes, and ensure those documents are properly executed under Ontario law. Whether you are planning ahead or need to review an existing document, our office provides clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Types of Power of Attorney
Choosing the Right Document for Your Needs
Ontario law recognizes different types of Power of Attorney, each designed for a different purpose. We assist clients in understanding which documents are appropriate for their circumstances, including:
Authorizes your attorney to manage financial and property matters on your behalf, and remains in effect even if you later become mentally incapable.
Allows a trusted person to make decisions about your health care, housing, and personal well-being if you become unable to make these decisions yourself.
Grants authority over financial matters for a specific purpose or period of time, and ceases to be effective if you become mentally incapable.
Financial and Property Powers
A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property allows your attorney to manage a broad range of financial and property matters on your behalf. We assist clients in preparing documents that clearly set out the scope of this authority, including:
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Banking and Bill Payments: Managing day-to-day banking, paying bills, and handling routine financial transactions.
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Real Estate and Property Management: Buying, selling, leasing, or maintaining real property on your behalf.
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Investments and Assets: Overseeing investment accounts, business interests, and other assets in accordance with your instructions.
Personal Care Decision-Making
A Power of Attorney for Personal Care allows a trusted individual to make decisions about your health, safety, and daily living if you are unable to make them yourself. We help clients address:
Health Care Decisions:
Authorizing consent to medical treatment and communication with health care providers on your behalf.
Living Arrangements:
Addressing decisions about housing, long-term care, and daily living arrangements.
Safety and Personal Welfare:
Covering matters relating to nutrition, hygiene, clothing, and general safety.
Preparing, Reviewing, and Executing Your Documents
Proper preparation and execution are essential to a valid and effective Power of Attorney. Our services include:
Drafting and Preparation:
Preparing Continuing Powers of Attorney for Property and Powers of Attorney for Personal Care tailored to your individual circumstances.
Reviewing Existing Documents:
Reviewing previously executed Power of Attorney documents to help confirm they remain accurate and consistent with your current wishes.
Execution and Witnessing Requirements:
Advising on the legal requirements for signing and witnessing to help ensure your documents are properly executed.
Appoint Someone You Trust
Deciding who will act on your behalf is an important decision. Contact Dima Alkrzoun Barrister & Solicitor today to discuss your Power of Attorney needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While Ontario law does not require a lawyer to prepare a Power of Attorney, working with a lawyer helps ensure the document reflects your intentions, meets legal requirements, and is properly executed and witnessed.
A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property deals with financial and property matters, while a Power of Attorney for Personal Care deals with decisions about health care, housing, and daily living. Many clients choose to have both in place.
Yes. You may appoint more than one attorney to act jointly or separately, and you may also name a substitute attorney to act if your first choice becomes unable or unwilling to do so.
A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property can take effect immediately or only upon a determination of incapacity, depending on how the document is drafted. A Power of Attorney for Personal Care generally takes effect only once you become unable to make personal care decisions yourself.