Who holds what for Mom?
The will, both powers of attorney, the health card and the bank contact. Write down where each one is kept and who has a copy. Never the documents themselves, account numbers or passwords. Then share it with the people Mom chooses.
Powers of attorney in Ontario
Ontario has two kinds. Each one names who can act for Mom, and Mom chooses the people while she’s able to decide.
Continuing power of attorney for property
Lets the people Mom names pay bills, bank and manage property for her. “Continuing” means it keeps working if she can no longer decide for herself.
Power of attorney for personal care
Names who decides about health, housing, meals and safety, but only if Mom can’t make those decisions herself.
Free forms and a lawyer
Ontario publishes a free power of attorney kit. Many families still ask a lawyer to help, especially when things are complicated.
Ontario’s power of attorney pageOther provinces use different names and rules. This page is general information, not legal advice.
A list tells you where things are. A Circle keeps it current.
In Mom’s private Circle, the right people know where to look, and Mom decides who sees what.
- Mom decides who sees whatPrivate by default. Nobody is invited until she says so.
- Jobs someone has said yes to“Book the lawyer” or “update the medication list” gets a name and a date.
- One shared calendarRenewals and appointments with reminders, so nothing slips.
Some things start with a conversation
Getting the paperwork in order
A will, powers of attorney and a list of accounts, with Mom leading and family helping.
Read the guide Discussion guideTalking about money
The regular bills and what help might cost, one calm step at a time.
Read the guide Free toolFamily code word
One word and a few house rules that stop scam calls cold.
Make the planQuestions families ask
Is anything I type sent anywhere?
No. Your list stays in this browser so you can come back to it. Nothing is shared until you copy it or start a Circle.
Why not upload the documents?
You don’t need to. Knowing where the original is and who has a copy is what helps in a hurry. Keep account numbers and passwords off this list.
Do we need to talk to Mom first?
Yes, for the will and the powers of attorney. They’re Mom’s choices. Our paperwork guide has questions that help you open it gently.
Is this legal advice?
No. It’s a way to get organized. A lawyer, or the province’s own forms and guides, can explain the options where Mom lives.