Care, Health & Decision-Making

Overview

When you might need one

Care documents decide who speaks for you when you cannot. A continuing power of attorney for property and a power of attorney for personal care are the two Ontario instruments under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992, and each must be signed before two adult witnesses; the attorney, the attorney’s spouse or partner, your own spouse or partner, your children, and anyone under 18 cannot witness. That is why this group is signed in person — the notary attends at the office, at home, or at a hospital bedside, and can provide an additional witness on request (an additional charge applies).

Consents and caregiver authorizations are lighter: a parent’s consent for a child’s medical treatment while travelling, or written authority for a caregiver that a school or clinic will accept. Those are witnessed signatures or short declarations, prepared from a free template and signed in front of the notary with ID. A template does not replace legal advice on whether a power of attorney is the right instrument for your situation.

• 01Appointing someone to make property or personal-care decisions for you
• 02Authorizing medical treatment or travel care for a child
• 03Giving a caregiver written authority a hospital or school will accept