​A power of attorney (POA) is a vital legal document that ensures your affairs are managed by someone you trust if you're unable to do so yourself. Whether due to illness, incapacity, or unforeseen circumstances, a POA grants authority to a chosen individual to make decisions on your behalf, protecting your financial and personal interests.

 

By having a POA in place, you can avoid unnecessary delays, reduce family stress, and ensure your wishes are respected. At our firm, we provide expert guidance to help you create a power of attorney that meets your specific needs and complies with Alberta law.

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What is Power of Attorney?

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A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf in managing your financial, legal, or personal affairs. The person you appoint should be someone capable and reliable.

 

A POA can be designed to take effect immediately, for a specific task, or only in the event that you become incapacitated. It provides peace of mind by ensuring your affairs are handled according to your wishes and can help avoid complications during unexpected situations.

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Types of Power of Attorney

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General Power of Attorney
This grants broad authority to your attorney to manage your financial and legal affairs. It is often used for temporary situations, such as when you're out of the country and becomes invalid if you lose mental capacity.

 

​Enduring Power of Attorney

An enduring POA remains valid even if you become mentally incapacitated. It is commonly used for long-term planning to ensure your financial matters are managed if you're unable to make decisions for yourself.

 

Specific (or Limited) Power of Attorney
This type gives your attorney authority for specific tasks, such as selling a property or managing a particular financial transaction. It is limited in scope and duration.

 

Springing Power of Attorney
A springing POA becomes effective only under certain conditions, such as if you are declared incapacitated by a doctor. It is often included as part of contingency planning.

 

Medical (or Personal Care) Power of Attorney
Also known as a Personal Directive in Alberta, this type authorizes your attorney to make healthcare and personal care decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.

 

Each type of POA serves unique needs, and choosing the right one depends on your circumstances. Our legal team can help you navigate these options to ensure your Power of Attorney aligns with your goals and Alberta's legal requirements.

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Contact us today to speak with one of our lawyers.