By Beverly Carter, Notary Public & CEO of Carter Notary
Have you ever come across the term Power of Attorney? It’s often shortened to POA. It sounds formal (and it is), but at its core, it’s simply about trust.
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone you choose to manage your financial and legal affairs if you’re unable to do so yourself. That might be due to illness, injury, or even just being out of the country for an extended period.
I often tell clients: having a POA isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making life easier for yourself and your loved ones if something unexpected happens. Without one, your family may have to go through a lengthy and stressful court process just to help you manage your own finances.
Choosing the right person is very important. Over the years, I’ve seen people make wonderful choices… and a few choices they later wished they had thought through more carefully. So today, I want to walk you through ten thoughtful questions to ask yourself before naming your Power of Attorney.
1. Do I trust this person completely?
This is the big one.
Your POA will have access to your finances, property, and legal decisions. That’s a significant level of authority. Trust here isn’t just about liking someone or having a close relationship. It’s about knowing they will act in your best interest at all times.
If there’s even a small hesitation, it’s worth paying attention to that feeling.
2. Are they financially responsible?
Someone doesn’t need to be a financial expert, but they should be organized, practical, and comfortable handling money.
Ask yourself:
- Do they pay their own bills on time?
- Are they generally careful with money?
- Would they know when to ask for help if needed?
A responsible mindset matters far more than technical knowledge.
3. Are they willing to take on this role?
This is a question many people forget to ask.
Being a POA can involve time, paperwork, and sometimes difficult decisions. It’s important to have an open conversation with the person you’re considering.
Simply ask: “Would you feel comfortable taking this on?”
You want someone who says yes with no hesitation or pressure.
4. Do they live nearby?
In today’s digital world, someone doesn’t have to live next door to be an effective POA. However, proximity can make things much easier.
If your POA needs to visit a bank, meet with professionals, or check on property, being nearby can be helpful.
5. How well do they handle stress and decision-making?
Your POA may need to make decisions during emotional or uncertain times.
Think about how this person typically responds:
- Do they stay calm under pressure?
- Are they thoughtful decision-makers?
- Can they separate emotions from practical needs when necessary?
6. Will they respect my wishes—even if they disagree?
This one is subtle but very important.
Your POA isn’t there to make decisions based on what they would do. They’re there to carry out your wishes.
Choose someone who:
- Listens well
- Respects your values
- Is willing to follow your direction, even if it’s different from their own perspective
7. Do they communicate well with others?
Your POA may need to interact with family members, financial institutions, and professionals like accountants, lawyers, or notaries.
Good communication can prevent misunderstandings and conflict.
If your family dynamics are a bit complex (and many are), choosing someone who can navigate conversations calmly and clearly can make a world of difference.
8. Should I choose more than one person?
In British Columbia, you can appoint more than one attorney. You might choose:
- Joint attorneys (who must act together), or
- Alternate attorneys (who step in if your first choice cannot act)
There are pros and cons to both.
Joint appointments can provide checks and balances, but they can also slow things down if decisions require agreement.
Alternates offer flexibility without complication.
This is something I often help clients think through based on their specific situation.
9. Is there any potential for conflict?
It’s worth considering how your choice might affect family dynamics.
For example:
- Will your siblings or your children feel uncomfortable if one is chosen over the others?
- Is there a history of disagreement that could resurface?
You don’t need to avoid your best choice just to keep everyone happy. But it helps to be aware of how your decision may be perceived.
Sometimes a conversation in advance can prevent misunderstandings later.
10. Have I clearly explained my expectations?
Even the best choice benefits from clear guidance.
Once you’ve chosen your POA, take the time to talk through:
- Your financial priorities
- How you prefer decisions to be made
- Any specific wishes or concerns
You don’t need to cover every possible scenario, but giving them a sense of your values and expectations helps them act with confidence.
Why Having a POA Matters
I often meet people who assume they can “just deal with it later” or that a spouse or child will automatically be able to step in.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
Without a Power of Attorney in place, your loved ones may need to apply to the court to be appointed to manage your affairs. This process can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining. Especially during an already difficult time.
A POA gives you control now over who will help you later.
And just as importantly, it gives your family clarity and peace of mind.
If you feel like you don’t have a person in your life who could act as your POA, don’t despair. You can appoint a trusted professional, such as a lawyer, accountant, notary public, or trust company to act on your behalf. Professionals are experienced in managing other people’s financial matters and are required to operate at a higher standard of care.
A Final Thought
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s this: choosing your Power of Attorney isn’t about finding a perfect person. It’s about choosing someone who is trustworthy, capable, and willing, and then giving them the clarity they need to support you well.
Take your time with this decision. Have conversations. Ask the questions.
And when you’re ready, put it in writing.
If you ever feel unsure about how to structure your Power of Attorney or what options make the most sense for your situation, that’s exactly what we’re here for at Carter Notary.
Schedule an appointment with us.
Author
Beverly Carter, Notary Public
Beverly Carter is the founder and CEO of Carter Notary, based in Victoria, British Columbia. With over 12 years of experience assisting individuals, families, and real estate professionals, her firm was honoured as the 2025 Times Colonist Readers’ Choice for “Best Law Office.” In addition to her notarial work, Beverly serves as President of Think Local First, a non-profit focused on championing locally owned businesses and organizations throughout Greater Victoria.
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