When does the role of power of attorney end—and estate trustee begin?

These two documents ensure that one’s affairs are properly managed, even if the person becomes unable to make decisions due to incapacitation or other reasons. The documents are legally binding and grant a designated individual the power to act on behalf of another person, known as the donor or grantor. The person having the power of attorney created must have the mental capacity to understand the consequences of the document they are establishing and the choices they are making within the document.

Let’s review the types of power of attorney documents to understand the impacts of death on these documents.

What is the power of attorney for personal care?

As you mentioned S., this is the role your friend held for her uncle. A personal care power of attorney allows an individual to ensure decisions for their care and health are made according to their wishes when they are unable to decide themselves. It provides peace of mind, promotes autonomy and safeguards their interests and well-being.

When thinking about our personal care, it is important to clearly articulate the extent of decision-making authority and any specific instructions or limitations within the document. These may include decisions related to medical treatment, residence, nutrition, personal hygiene and other matters directly impacting the grantor’s personal care, such as grooming and/or beauty and attending social gatherings.

What is the power of attorney for property?

The POA for property outlines who can take care of that same person’s financial affairs. So it may not be the same person as the POA for personal care.

In Canada, there are three main types of power of attorney for property documents:

1. General power of attorney: A general power of attorney grants the broad powers to manage the financial and legal affairs. It allows the POA to manage banking, property transactions, investments and income tax returns. This is typically a temporary arrangement or used in situations where the grantor wants someone to handle their affairs while they are physically absent, such as traveling abroad for a long length of time.
2. Specific/limited power of attorney: A specific or limited power of attorney grants particular actions or decisions. For instance, the grantor may authorize the POA to sell a property, make healthcare decisions, or sign contracts on their behalf. This type of POA is often used when the grantor needs assistance with a particular task but doesn’t want to grant general decision-making authority.
3. Enduring/continuing power of attorney: An enduring or continuing power of attorney comes into effect when the grantor becomes mentally incapacitated. This POA is crucial for situations where the grantor anticipates future incapacity due to physical or mental illness, injury or old age.

What is an estate trustee?

An estate trustee, also known as an executor, is responsible for managing the deceased person’s estate and carrying out their wishes as outlined in their will. It is essential to have a will in place to designate an estate trustee and provide instructions on how the estate should be distributed.

The powers and responsibilities of an estate trustee are typically broader than that of a POA. The estate trustee is responsible for various tasks including, but not limited to, identifying and valuing the deceased’s assets, paying off debts and filing income tax returns, fulfilling any necessary documents and distributing remaining assets to the beneficiaries, as specified in the will.

When does the role of power of attorney end?

A POA’s job is done once the grantor passes away, as they would hold the duties of decision-making during the grantor’s lifetime. That seems to be the case for your friend, S. The role of an estate trustee begins after the grantor’s passing and involves managing the deceased person’s estate and ensuring the fulfillment of their wishes as outlined in their will.

The roles of a power of attorney and estate trustee are distinct and serve different purposes for estate planning and administration. Understanding when a POA ends and an estate trustee begins is crucial in managing one’s affairs effectively. Upon someone’s passing, the role of an estate trustee comes into play.

It is important to mention that the appointment of an estate trustee is typically made by the court if the deceased person did not leave a valid will, or if the named estate trustee is unable or unwilling to act. In such cases, the court appoints an individual to fulfill the duties of an estate trustee.

The responsibilities of being a POA/executor/estate trustee

Taking care of someone’s affairs when they are alive or after they’re gone is an important job. Proper estate planning—including the appointment of an estate trustee and the creation of a valid will—is crucial to facilitate the smooth transition from a power of attorney to an estate trustee, providing peace of mind and clarity for all parties involved.

S, thanks for your question.

Read more on estate planning:

• How is a RRIF taxed in the hands of a beneficiary?
• Is it better to list a beneficiary on registered investments or have the account go to the estate?
• Can I leave a house to minor children?
• Is the family responsible to pay the mortgage for a loved one who has passed away?
• Is a name change on a will a game-changer?

About Debbie Stanley, TEP, MTI

Debbie Stanley is an estate and trust professional, and CEO of the estate firm ETP Canada. She is a writer, speaker and regularly featured guest on Zoomer Radio.

Facebook Website