Why is an Enduring Power of Attorney Important?
An Enduring Power of Attorney triggers in the event you become disabled, incapacitated, or lose consciousness. Only you have access to your personal accounts and finances. As a result, it is difficult for your loved ones to access your accounts should you be incapacitated.
However, the Enduring Power of Attorney allows a trusted person to manage your property, access your financial accounts, and make financial decisions on your behalf. It is essential that the person you choose as your agent be a trusted family member or friend. The agent will have broad authority over your finances however, the agent's powers can be restricted and limited.
Speak with your lawyer regarding the authority you wish to grant to your agent. An Enduring Power of Attorney will prevent disruptions, reduced financial hardship, and allow for continued management of financial and property affairs such as payment of medical expenses or bills, and the purchase or sale of your property.
** Important Note: Your Enduring Power of Attorney agent will not and cannot make medical decisions such as surgery and long-term care. Medical decisions require a Personal Directive. It is highly recommended that you execute both an Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive because both documents work in unison with one another. Within Alberta, the Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive are two separate legal documents and are just as important as a Will.
Denny Mah can help you with your healthcare decisions with a personal directive.