Representation Agreement

Estate Planning

A Representation Agreement (“RA”) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so due to illness, injury, or other circumstances. Whether you’re planning for aging, managing a health condition, or preparing for the unexpected, an RA ensures that your values, wishes, and preferences are respected when you’re unable to express them yourself and is an essential part of any personal planning strategy.
What is a Representation Agreement?

A Representation Agreement is a legal document that allows you (the “adult”) to appoint a representative to make decisions on your behalf regarding your personal care, health care, and sometimes financial matters. It is an important part of personal planning in BC and is specifically designed for situations where you may become mentally or physically incapable of making decisions independently.

What Does a Representation Agreement Cover?

A Representation Agreement allows your appointed representative to make decisions on your behalf in the following areas:

  1. Personal Care: This includes decisions about your day-to-day living arrangements, diet, personal grooming, safety, and overall well-being.
  2. Health Care: Your representative can make decisions about medical treatments, medications, surgeries, and other healthcare interventions. In a Section 9 Representation Agreement, your representative can also give or refuse consent for life-support treatments.
  3. Routine Financial Affairs (Section 7 only): In some cases, a Section 7 Representation Agreement can also grant your representative authority over routine financial matters, such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, and handling other everyday financial decisions.

Unlike a Power of Attorney, a Representation Agreement focuses on personal and healthcare decisions, not financial/legal matters (except for routine financial decisions under a Section 7). To appoint someone to handle broader financial/legal matters, you may need a Power of Attorney which we can also assist with.

Types of Representation Agreements in British Columbia:
  1. Section 7 Representation Agreement: This type of agreement is typically for individuals who may need assistance with routine financial matters and personal care decisions but do not have full mental capacity. A Section 7 Agreement is often used by those who may already be facing cognitive challenges and wish to put a trusted representative in place.
  2. Section 9 Representation Agreement: This is the most comprehensive type of agreement, covering a wide range of personal and healthcare decisions. It is suitable for those who want to prepare for the possibility of losing mental capacity in the future. A Section 9 Agreement allows your representative to make significant healthcare decisions on your behalf, such as giving or refusing consent for medical treatments.

Both types of Representation Agreements provide peace of mind, knowing that someone you trust is making decisions according to your wishes and values.

Why Choose Us for Your Representation Agreement?

As a trusted Notary Public Office in BC, we offer professional and personalized guidance through the Representation Agreement process. Here’s why we are the right choice for your Representation Agreement needs:

1. Tailored Guidance to Reflect Your Wishes

We understand that everyone’s needs and circumstances are different. That’s why we take the time to understand your individual situation and guide you through the options available for appointing a representative. Whether you want your representative to make decisions about healthcare, personal care, or both, we ensure that your Representation Agreement reflects your unique values and preferences.

2. Clear and Compassionate Communication

We are committed to making the Representation Agreement process clear and easy to understand. We explain the duties of your representative and ensure that you fully understand the powers you are granting. Our compassionate approach means that we are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through each step with sensitivity.

Trust Notary Sahib for Your Representation Agreement Needs

We understand how important it is to plan for the future, especially when it comes to your healthcare and personal care decisions. At our Notary Office, we will guide you through this process with clarity and professionalism, ensuring that your legal documents reflect your specific needs and that your rights are protected.

Contact us today to start the process of creating your Representation Agreement with confidence and peace of mind.