Two Types in BC

British Columbia has two types of powers of attorney: a general power of attorney and an enduring power of attorney.

• A general power of attorney allows one or more people to make legal and financial decisions for you, but ends if you become mentally incompetent.
• An enduring power of attorney continues the authority of the person or persons you have appointed, should that you become mentally or physically incapable.

Rules

You must be 19 years of age or older to create a power of attorney. You can create a power of attorney for one transaction, for a specific amount of time or even for someone to handle all of your financial decisions. You have the option of naming several individuals who can assist you. A power of attorney ends when you die or if you enter bankruptcy.

Legal and Financial, but not Health-related

There is an important distinction to be made regarding power of attorney: it is set up and is used only for purposes of making legal or financial decisions, not health-related ones. Even an enduring power of attorney cannot make health care decisions for you. A representation agreement is required for that.