Ontario has two kinds of power of attorney (POA). A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property lets someone you choose manage your money, bank accounts and real estate, and it keeps working if you later become mentally incapable. A Power of Attorney for Personal Care lets someone make decisions about your health care, housing, food and safety if you can no longer make them yourself.
The Government of Ontario publishes a free kit with both forms. We do not draft powers of attorney, so use the official kit (or see a lawyer if your situation is complex). We can notarize your POA, arrange qualified witnesses when you book ahead, and make notarized copies of the signed original.
How a POA is signed in Ontario
- You sign and date it in front of two witnesses, who both watch you sign and then sign it themselves.
- Banks and other organizations often ask to see a notarized copy of the signed POA. We can prepare notarized copies from your original.
- Ontario has no registry for POAs. Keep the original somewhere safe and tell your attorney where it is.
Who cannot be a witness
- Your spouse or partner
- Your child, or someone you treat as your child
- The person you are naming as your attorney, or that person’s spouse or partner
- Anyone under 18
- Anyone who has a guardian of property or a guardian of the person
Before your appointment
- Download the kit and fill it in, but do not sign or date it until you are with both witnesses.
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID.
- Need witnesses? Tell us when you book and we will arrange them for you.
- The person signing must understand what the document does. If capacity may be in question, or your affairs are complex, speak with a lawyer first.
- We can come to you at home, in hospital or at a care home with our mobile service.
Pricing
- Notary: $45
- Witnesses: $30 per witness, arranged by us when you book ahead
- Mobile visits: a travel fee applies, based on distance
For a custom quote, call or text 289-207-0851 with the address, your preferred date and time, how many people are signing, how many documents you have, and how many witnesses you need us to provide.
This page is general information based on the Ontario Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee’s guidance and the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992. It is not legal advice.
See our Power of Attorney Witnessing service for details on mobile signings and witnesses.
Ready to sign? Book an appointment or call or text 289-207-0851. In-office, mobile and same-day appointments are available.