Why Your Power of Attorney May Be the Most Important Voice You Choose
We spend a great deal of time thinking about what will happen after we die.
Who will inherit our home? Who will receive our money? What will happen to our belongings?
But there is another question we may be less comfortable asking:
What happens if we are still here, but we can no longer make decisions for ourselves?
That is where a Power of Attorney can become one of the most important choices we make.
A Power of Attorney is not simply another legal document to sign and put away. It is about trust, autonomy and whom we want to speak for us when our own voice cannot.
So, who would you trust to make important decisions on your behalf?
Would they understand what matters to you? Would they know your wishes? Would they have the confidence to advocate for you? Would your family understand why you chose them?
And perhaps the most uncomfortable question:
Have you actually had that conversation with the person you have chosen?
We often postpone these decisions because we feel healthy, capable and independent today. We tell ourselves, “I will deal with it later.” But later is not a plan.
None of us knows when an accident, illness or unexpected circumstance could temporarily or permanently affect our ability to make decisions.
Why do this now?
Because making the decision while we are capable of making it means we choose the person, rather than leaving others to navigate uncertainty on our behalf.
It is not about expecting the worst.
It is about preparing for the possibility that life may not unfold exactly as we planned.
A Power of Attorney can be an expression of trust and love — giving someone we choose the clarity and authority to act when we cannot.
So perhaps the question is not simply, “Do I have a Power of Attorney?”
Perhaps we should ask:
“Have I chosen the right voice to speak for me?”
That is a conversation worth having before we need it.
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Next Steps
Planning isn’t just about documents; it’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing your loved ones will be cared for and your wishes respected. If you haven’t started, or if it’s been a while since you reviewed your plan, now is the time.
Marlenne Doss, LL.B., Hons. BSc. Founder, Doss Law. Protecting what you’ve built. Preserving what you love. About Marlenne https://dosslaw.ca/our-team/marlenne-doss/
Life changes quickly—make sure your estate plan keeps up. Call DOSS LAW today to update or create yours. 416-502-2060 or visit www.dosslaw.ca or send an email to info@dosslaw.ca.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this newsletter, including all checklists, articles, and strategy suggestions, is for educational and informational purposes only. It is designed to highlight general trends and considerations regarding estate planning, Wills, and Powers of Attorney under the laws of Ontario, Canada.
