What can a Notary Public do to help me plan for my future?
My Wills and Personal planning practice include:
- Wills & Estate Planning
- Powers of Attorney
- Adult Representation Agreements
- Advanced Health Care Directives
- Professional Executor services
Committting to a Will and other personal planning documents are as important as a household budget or a dream filled retirement. Without proper legal documents, your family may struggle with the ability to make timely decisions and incur increased costs in managing your affairs. With thoughtfully drafted Will and personal planning documents, you can protect and direct your financial matters, health care decision making and the distribution of your estate.
A Will directs how your property is given to family members, loved ones and causes when you die. The care you have taken to build your life deserves equal consideration of how your estate is distributed.
How do you know if you need a Will?
1. Do you have children? If so, a will serves to name a guardian for your children.
2. Do you have property that you wish to specifically distribute to loved ones or causes?
When do I need a new Will?
A well drafted Will can be valid and fulfill your wishes for many years. If any of these circumstances apply, it is time to consider drafting a new Will.
- Your are just married, divorced or widowed.
- A beneficiary has died,
- An adult child is divorcing,
- You wish to change Executors,
- You have just moved to BC,
- You wish to change how you want to distribute your Estate.
Power Of Attorney
In a Power of Attorney gives a person the same authority you have in acting for yourself in business, legal, or financial matters. These powers can be specifically defined, restricted or unrestricted. A person may be assigned a Power of Attorney for a short term, or for a specific purpose. For example a Power of Attorney is useful to assign to someone if you are travelling for an extended period of time. A person may be granted an Enduring Power of Attorney’ that remains valid should you be come incapable of managing your business, legal or financial matters. A Power of Attorney is only valid while the person is alive.
Representation Agreements
The Health Representation Agreement provides the opportunity for a capable adult to appoint a family member or trusted friend to make their health and personal care decisions on ther behalf. There are two types of agreements available based on different areas of law. The kind of support the Representative can legally offer depends on the document.
A Section 7 Health Representation Agreement authorizes a person to assist you with health and personal care decisions and with managing routine financial matters.
A Section 9 Health Representation Agreement is for health care decision making only. The Representative has authority to make decisions up to and including end of life. This agreement is used for a higher level of care.
Deanne’s commitment is to first honour your wishes and second to provide advice that assists you make the best informed decision for you and your family. My goal is to assist you understand what each of these documents are and how they can help you and your family as needs arises.
