Have you been thinking about getting a Power of Attorney (PoA) document made for yourself or a loved one? It is generally perceived as an expensive and complicated procedure, and many of us tend to leave it till the last moment. However, I strongly recommend having a PoA in place, regardless of your age or financial situation. Read on to learn about this important document and how to go about getting one prepared.
If an accident or illness impacts your ability to make financial or health related decisions for yourself, you will need someone to make those decisions for you. A PoA is a legal document that gives someone you trust the right to make financial or health care decisions for you. It is important to consider the following steps while preparing a PoA.
- Have that all important conversation with your loved ones and choose someone you trust to hold your PoA.
- Try to read up on basic terminology and related laws. This will help you understand the procedure better. I have included some helpful resources at the end of this blog for your perusal.
- Consider hiring an Estate lawyer or Elder law attorney.
- Get the final document notarized and make copies of it. Make sure the copies are easily accessible if and when needed.
I can imagine how challenging it can sound to prepare legal documents of any kind. At in4MED, we can make this stressful time easier by providing you with information and resources, connecting you to local support systems and being there for you as your trusted health advocates. As always, feel free to connect with me or leave a comment.
Nikita
Healthcare Consultant, in4MED
Sources:
Make a power of attorney https://www.ontario.ca/page/make-power-attorney#:~:text=You%20can%20make%20a%20power,9938%20or%20416%2D326%2D5300
Legal Aid Ontario https://www.legalaid.on.ca/
Law Society Referral Service https://lsrs.lso.ca/lsrs/redefineLocale.action?currentLang=en
Community Legal Education Ontario https://stepstojustice.ca/guided-pathways/preparing-a-power-of-attorney/
Powers of Attorney Q&As - Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/300629
In Ontario, you can make a PoA document yourself for free or have a lawyer do it. To make a PoA yourself, you can either: download and complete this free kit. Order a print copy of the free kit online from Publications Ontario or by phone at 1-800-668-9938 or 416-326-5300.
The author of this blog post is a Physician with over 10 years of experience working in the healthcare system as a clinician, researcher and educator. She is passionate about healthcare for older adults and strives to be a resourceful inspiration to caregivers.
*No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
*Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Please consult a lawyer who specializes in estate or elder law for up-to-date information and advice about your particular situation.