My parents are getting quite elderly and I have powers of attorney for them so that I can pay their bills and help make their medical decisions if necessary. Is there anything else I should be getting them to do before they end up ill or come down with dementia?

Power of Attorney, Representation Agreements

I’m glad to hear that you have powers of attorney in place, although those documents are not going to allow you to assist them in making medical decisions. The Powers of Attorney will allow you to look after their legal and financial matters – anything (other than a Will) that needs a signature. If they…

Remote Signing of Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements Presently Available

Power of Attorney, Representation Agreements, Wills

May 19, 2020 – Following consultation with the British Columbia Notaries Association and other groups, the Provincial Government has today announced that legal professionals can ‘remotely witness signatures’ of clients unable to attend a Notaries office in person.   These measures relate to Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Representation Agreements, and will help ensure…

Q. I keep hearing about these “Representation Agreements” but my understanding is that because my husband and I already have Enduring Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements are not required. Is that not the case?

Power of Attorney, Representation Agreements, Uncategorized

A.  Absolutely not!  Powers of Attorney, enduring or otherwise, are for legal and financial matters only.  If your intention is to appoint someone to be able to make health and/or personal care decisions for you, the only way to do that in British Columbia is to appoint them under a Representation Agreement.