Power of Attorney for Personal Care (Informational Letter to Client) (ON)

Summary

This precedent is a fact sheet that the lawyer may consider having available to provide to a client on when they are first retained to prepare a power of attorney for personal care. It contains practical guidance and drafting notes. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone else to act on an individual's behalf. Ontario has three types of Powers of Attorney: (i) a Continuing Power of Attorney ("CPOA"), which covers the individual's financial affairs and authorizes the designated attorney to manage these affairs on behalf of the individual even if he/she becomes mentally incapable; (ii) a non-continuing Power of Attorney, which also covers financial affairs but cannot be used if the individual becomes mentally incapable; and (iii) a Power of Attorney for Personal Care ("POAPC") which covers personal decisions, such as housing and health care. This fact sheet explains the process of appointment of a person to make personal care decisions for the client pursuant to the ...