The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Persons making Powers of Attorney will have more choice and vulnerable adults will receive more protection from abuse as a result of legislation introduced this past week. Amendments to The Powers of Attorney Act, 2002 will allow persons making Powers of Attorney to give attorneys decision-making power concerning personal matters as well as financial matters. The Powers of Attorney Amendment Act, 2004 will help protect people who give decision-making authority over their personal affairs to another person through a Power of Attorney. The amendments also clarify the authority of those appointed through a Power of Attorney to make financial decisions on another's behalf. The use of personal Powers of Attorney allows an individual to appoint a trusted person to make personal decisions on his or her behalf when he or she is no longer able to do so. The amendments also clarify that individuals given authority to make financial decisions through a Power of Attorney may not: - make or change a will in the name of the person who has appointed them; or - designate themselves as beneficiaries of the grantor's property.5/21/2004
