Power of Attorney FAQs

A Power of Attorney ensures that a person of your choosing can handle your affairs if you are alive and unable to do so.

While the document is called a Power of Attorney, and the person named in the document is called “attorney”, the person you choose does not have to be a lawyer. The person you choose should be someone you trust and that you think is equipped to handle your affairs. We recommend that the person lives in close proximity or alternatively, in Manitoba, in the event that they have to handle day to day arrangements. have agreed to do same. It is also recommended that you choose an alternate person in the event that person you appointed is unable to act.

A Power of Attorney can be used for banking, sale of property and to deal with government institutions e.g. C.R.A.

Donor

The person providing the Power of Attorney to another person to manage their affairs.

Attorney

The person appointed by the donor to manage their affairs when they are unable to.

Things you should know about a Power of Attorney

The Power of Attorney can only be arranged when you are of sound mind.

There are specific requirements for witnessing a Power of Attorney to ensure that it is valid. This ensures that the Power of Attorney is signed by someone who is mentally competent and acting voluntarily.