Wills & Estates
Power of Attorney & Representation Agreements
Planning for a day you hope never comes is one of the kindest things you can do for your family. We make enduring powers of attorney and representation agreements simple.
Nobody enjoys thinking about a time when they might not be able to manage their own affairs. It is easier to put it off, and most people do. But planning while you are healthy is not a gloomy task. It is a gift to the people you love, because it spares them confusion, delay, and difficult guesswork at the hardest possible moment. A little paperwork now can save your family a great deal later.
An enduring power of attorney, made under BC's Power of Attorney Act, lets you appoint someone you trust to handle financial and legal decisions on your behalf. The word enduring matters. It means the document continues to operate even if you later lose the capacity to make those decisions yourself. Without one in place, your family may face a much more complicated court process just to pay your bills or manage your property on your behalf.
A representation agreement is a different document with a different job. Made under BC's Representation Agreement Act, it covers health and personal care decisions, such as medical treatment and living arrangements. A power of attorney does not cover these, which surprises many people. Because the two documents serve separate purposes, many people need both to be fully protected. We help you understand what each one does and whether your situation calls for one or both of them.
Choosing your attorney or representative deserves real thought. It should be someone trustworthy, organized, and willing to act, and we help you think that choice through carefully, including naming alternates. It also helps to know how these documents end. A power of attorney ends at death, at which point your will takes over. If you are ready to put this protection in place, or you simply have questions, start with a free case evaluation.
How we can help
Enduring powers of attorney
We prepare enduring POAs under BC law so someone you trust can manage finances if you ever cannot.
Representation agreements
We prepare agreements covering health and personal care decisions, a separate document that a power of attorney does not replace.
Plain language guidance
We explain what each document does, what it does not do, and which ones your situation actually needs.
Help choosing wisely
We talk through who to appoint, what duties they take on, and how to reduce the chance of conflict.
Coordination with your will
We make sure your POA, representation agreement, and will work together as one coherent plan for your family.
Updates and reviews
Life changes. We review existing documents and update them when marriages, moves, or new circumstances make that wise.
Common questions
What is the difference between a power of attorney and a representation agreement?
In BC, an enduring power of attorney covers financial and legal decisions under the Power of Attorney Act. A representation agreement, made under the Representation Agreement Act, covers health and personal care decisions. They are separate documents doing separate jobs, and many people need both to be fully covered.
What does enduring mean in an enduring power of attorney?
It means the document continues to operate if you later lose the mental capacity to manage your own affairs. That is the whole point of making it in advance. An ordinary power of attorney would not carry on in that situation, which is why the enduring form matters so much for incapacity planning.
Does a power of attorney continue after death?
No. A power of attorney ends at death. At that point, your will takes over and your executor becomes the person with authority to deal with your estate. This is one reason a complete plan usually includes a will alongside any power of attorney and representation agreement.
Who should I choose as my attorney or representative?
Choose someone you trust deeply, who is organized, comfortable with responsibility, and willing to act when needed. Proximity and family dynamics matter too. There is no single right answer, and we help you think it through, including whether naming an alternate makes sense in case your first choice cannot serve.
When should I put these documents in place?
While you are healthy and clearly able to make your own decisions. These documents can only be made while you have capacity, so waiting for a health scare risks waiting too long. Preparing early does not mean giving up control. The documents simply sit ready in case they are ever needed.
Can I change or cancel a power of attorney later?
Yes, as long as you still have the capacity to do so. You can revoke or replace an enduring power of attorney or representation agreement if circumstances change, such as a falling out or a move. We recommend reviewing these documents every few years and after major life events.
Ready to give your family peace of mind?
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear conversation about where you stand and what comes next.