Life planning · British Columbia
Standard representation agreement, with a lawyer behind it.
A representation agreement names someone you trust to help you make decisions, or to make them for you, about health care, personal care, everyday money matters and legal matters.
- $149
- Tax at checkout.
- 20 minutes
- Stop and come back any time.
What a representation agreement is
A representation agreement is a document where you name a person, called your representative, to help with your decisions or make them for you. You choose which areas it covers. Under the Representation Agreement Act, a standard agreement can cover your personal care, such as where you live and who you spend time with. It can cover major and minor health care, the routine management of your finances, and legal matters.
You can name more than one representative, and an alternate to step in if one can't act. British Columbia law sets a lower bar for making a standard agreement than for most contracts. Some people who need support with decisions can still make one.
Why you'd need one
If you can't make health care decisions and have no representative, a health care provider turns to someone chosen under rules set by law. That person may not be the one you would pick. A representation agreement lets you choose in advance. The Act exists so adults can arrange this ahead of time, rather than have a court appoint someone.
The law puts limits on a standard agreement. Your representative cannot refuse health care needed to preserve your life. Your representative cannot refuse consent to admission or treatment under the Mental Health Act, or consent to certain kinds of health care, such as psychosurgery. Your representative cannot make or change your will, or restrain you against your objection. It covers only routine financial matters. Larger ones belong in an enduring power of attorney.
Who can make one, and when to see a lawyer
You must be 19 or older. You sign in front of two witnesses, or one lawyer or notary public of British Columbia. Each representative signs and completes a certificate. A representative cannot be a paid caregiver, unless they are your child, parent or spouse.
Talk to a lawyer if you want powers beyond a standard agreement, such as refusing life-preserving care. Also talk to one if you want different people in charge of different areas, if a court has already appointed someone to manage your affairs, if someone else must sign for you, or if anyone is pressuring you.