Power of Attorney

Total 162 Posts

Elder Care Gaps In Divorce And Blended Families

5 or 6 couples in their 30s and 40s posing for a photo in the forest

Elder care gaps occur as family structures change, and there may be unanticipated and challenging consequences. For parents who have long divorced, those who have remarried, and those with blended families, this may mean that adult children are now dealing with three or more parents and stepparents. As the caregiver burden increases, blended families become more complex, and the potential for conflict increases. Impacts of Divorce and Blended Families on….

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Caregiving, Elder Care, Elder Management, Power of Attorney, Smart Ageing

I am Ready and Willing – When do I Start? Activating a Power of Attorney for Property

This article is written by Alicia Mossington, Estate and Trust Consultant with Scotiatrust.   A Power of Attorney for Property is a document which allows an individual (grantor) to appoint and authorize a substitute decision maker. In Ontario, the substitute decision maker is referred to as an “attorney.” The named attorney or attorneys typically have a broad scope of power and under section 7(2) of the Substitute Decisions Act (the….

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Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Property, Uncategorized

Who holds the burden of proof when undue influence is claimed?

A man photographs seagulls.

In the estates context, undue influence is often alleged in order to challenge a will or an inter vivos transfer of property, often a family home or cottage. When a party in a legal dispute alleges that there was undue influence which party bears the burden of proving (or disproving) whether this is true? Will challenges Generally speaking, if a will meets the criteria for formal validity, it will be….

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Elder Care, Estate Litigation, Joint Tenancy, Power of Attorney, Succession Planning, Testamentary Capacity, Undue influence, Wills

Controversies in Substitute Decision-Making Concerning Shelter for Alternate Level of Care Patients

Recently, an elderly patient suffering from moderate-to-advanced stage dementia, with behavioural complications, was hospitalized on a psychiatric admission. The patient, who was declared incapable to consent to treatment, was initially held involuntarily under the Mental Health Act, RSO 1990, C M.7 (the “MHA”). The patient had appointed a cousin as their attorney for property and personal care. However, the cousin could not be located and there was a concern that….

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Caregiving, Elder Care, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Powers Of Attorney and Guardianship Disputes

Insights into Resolving Care Disputes – POAs for Personal Care – Part 3

On June 20, 2024, I attended the annual Ontario Bar Association’s Elder Law Day, where several informative presentations noted the rise in personal care disputes. Speakers also explored approaches that lawyers might consider to manage these disputes. The presentations triggered me to write about common issues we see related to the Power of Attorneys for Care. I also offer considerations to help lawyers and advisors deal with personal care disputes…..

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Caregiving, Elder Care, Elder Management, Family Conflict, Power of Attorney

To My Attorney: “I Do Not Want to Move in with my Kids”

Cheerful seniors having fun while taking selfie at retirement community. stock photo

A question that often arises when discussing powers of attorney is whether to appoint the same person as the decision maker for property and personal care. although the roles are distinct at law, in practical terms there is a great deal of overlap. There are advantages of appointing the same decision makers for both roles, such as simplicity and consistency. However, different people may be equipped with skill sets which….

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Capacity Law, Power of Attorney
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