Understanding the importance of a Power of Attorney or “Living Will”

Most people assume that they will be in full control of their lives right up to the point that they die. Or they assume that death will come very quickly. But this is often not the case.

There may be a period, extending over several months or even years, when you are alive but are no longer willing or able to make important decisions about your life. This is why it is so important to speak with Edmonton estates lawyer Jonathan Healey about the set up of a Power of Attorney for Property and a Power of Attorney for Personal Care, also known as Living Wills.

A Power of Attorney for Property specifies who will make decisions about your property while a Power of Attorney for Personal Care specifies who will make decisions about your healthcare. The individual given this responsibility should be a person you trust to make decisions that are in your best interest. They are often family members, but not always. They should be chosen while you have a clear mind and they should understand your wishes. For example, they should know what assets should be sold to fund your healthcare, if necessary, and they should know your wishes in terms of life support and resuscitation.

No Power of Personal Care?

If you are incapacitated and don’t have a Power of Attorney for Personal Care, relatives and family members do not have the legal right to take control of your care. Medical staff at the care facility have that right, but they typically don’t take any action until they have consulted with family members. The problem is that family members may have very different ideas about what to do, leading to significant stress and bad feelings – one more reason why it is so important to have a Power of Attorney for Personal Care.

Complete or limited Powers of Attorney

Powers of Attorney can have certain limitations. You also have the option of instructing that they take effect the moment they are signed or when you become incapacitated.

Healey Law has extensive experience developing limited and unlimited Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care. See what’s right for you by requesting a no-obligation introductory consultation today.