Overview
Who Pays Your Bills If You Can't?
An Enduring Power of Attorney (POA) names a person — your 'attorney' — to manage your finances and property on your behalf. The word 'enduring' is critical: an ordinary POA ends if you become mentally incapable. An Enduring POA continues, which is exactly when you need it most. Without one, your family must apply to the court for committeeship — a slow, expensive, and public process.
Your attorney can do almost anything with your finances that you could do: pay bills, manage bank accounts, sell or refinance your home, file your taxes, deal with CRA, manage investments, and run a small business. They cannot, however, change your will, make healthcare decisions, or make a gift outside the narrow limits set out in BC's Power of Attorney Act.
Most clients choose a spouse, an adult child, a sibling, or a long-time friend. You can name one attorney or two acting jointly. We strongly recommend naming an alternate attorney in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act when the time comes.
An Enduring POA covers finances only. To authorize someone for healthcare and personal-care decisions, you also need a Representation Agreement ($375). Bundle both with a will in the Single Full Package ($1,300) and save.
What is included
- Enduring POA drafted under BC's Power of Attorney Act
- Choice of immediate or springing effective date
- Primary attorney plus alternate attorney appointment
- Joint or several authority if you name two attorneys
- Optional restrictions (e.g. no gifts above $X, no sale of family home without consent)
- Plain-language explanation of your attorney's duties
- Formal signing and witnessing at our office
- Secure storage and digital copies for you and your attorney
What is not included
- Healthcare or personal-care decisions (you need a Representation Agreement for those)
- A will (the POA ends on your death; your will takes over)
- Land Title Office filing fees if your attorney later deals with real estate
- Committeeship applications (we can help if it's too late for a POA)
The process
Free intake call
20-minute call to confirm an Enduring POA fits and lock in $375 flat.
Choose your attorney
Tell us who you want to name, plus an alternate. We'll discuss any restrictions you want to add.
Lawyer drafting
Draft delivered in 5–7 business days. One revision round included.
Sign & store
Signed and witnessed at our office. Original stored; digital copies to you and your attorney.
Frequently asked questions
When does an Enduring POA take effect?
You choose. Immediate POAs take effect the moment you sign — useful if you travel often or want help right now. 'Springing' POAs only take effect once you are declared mentally incapable. Springing POAs sound safer but cause practical headaches: your attorney must prove your incapacity (often with a doctor's letter) before any bank will deal with them. Most clients pick the immediate version and simply keep the document in safe storage until needed.
What's the difference between a POA and a Representation Agreement?
A POA covers money. A Representation Agreement covers your body — healthcare, where you live, who can visit. Both end on your death. Most adults need both.
Can my attorney use my money for themselves?
No. Your attorney owes you fiduciary duties — they must act in your best interest, keep your money separate from their own, and keep records of every transaction. Self-dealing is a breach of duty and can result in personal liability and criminal charges. We explain these duties to your attorney as part of the process.
Can I cancel or change my POA?
Yes, at any time, as long as you are mentally capable. Revocation is done in writing and signed; we provide the form and notify your attorney and any institution holding the document on file. Once you've lost capacity, revocation is no longer possible.
What if I don't have anyone to name?
You can appoint a trust company or the Public Guardian and Trustee of BC as your attorney. There are fees involved, and the experience is different from naming a family member, but it's a valid option when you genuinely have no one. We can walk through the trade-offs on the intake call.