How do I make a power of attorney?
You can make a Power of Attorney for Personal Care using:
- a lawyer. This will cost you money but the lawyer will make sure that your power of attorney follows the law.
- CLEO’s Guided Pathway, which is a free tool that helps you make or cancel a power of attorney.
- a government form. Call 1-800-366-0335. For TTY, call 416-314-2687. Or visit ontario.ca/OPGT.
Or you can use a form from the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. To get a copy, call 1-800-366-0335. For TTY, call 416-314-2687. Or visit ontario.ca/OPGT.
CLEO’s Guided Pathways has a tool to help you make or cancel a power of attorney. Visit stepstojustice.ca/GP-POA.
Some banks have their own rules about powers of attorney. It’s important to make sure that your bank will accept your Power of Attorney for Property.
If you decide to use a form from the bank, it usually deals with only the money and property you have at that bank. And it might end any earlier power of attorney you have.
Before you decide what wishes to put in your Power of Attorney for Personal Care, talk to your health-care providers about:
- health problems you have now and might have in the future, and
- how to explain your wishes about having treatment.
You must have 2 witnesses who see you sign your power of attorney. They must sign it as well and usually need to be with you when you sign.
Your witnesses cannot be:
- your spouse or partner, your child, or someone you treat as your child
- your attorney or their spouse or partner
- someone who’s 17 years old or younger
- anyone who has a Guardian of Property, a Statutory Guardian, or a Guardian of the Person.