Preparing you for important decisions.
Making decisions about a loved one’s healthcare can be a difficult burden, so we work with clients to prepare representation agreements that ensure the client’s wishes are honoured, and where required, ensure only the appropriate loved ones are involved in the decision making process.
A Representation Agreement is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make personal, health care, and end-of-life decisions on your behalf if you become incapable of doing so yourself. In British Columbia, it is one of the key tools for incapacity planning—alongside Powers of Attorney and advance directives.
Our lawyers help individuals and families across BC prepare valid, customized Representation Agreements that reflect their values, wishes, and needs.
What is a Representation Agreement?
Under BC’s Representation Agreement Act, this document gives legal authority to a person you appoint (called your representative) to make decisions about:
- Health care and medical treatment
- Personal care, such as diet, shelter, and hygiene
- End-of-life decisions, including life support or comfort care
- Routine financial matters (in limited cases under a Section 7 agreement)
This document becomes critical if you lose mental capacity due to illness, injury, cognitive decline, or aging and are no longer able to make decisions independently.
What are the different types of Representation Agreements in BC?
There are two main types:
- Section 7 Representation Agreement: For adults who may have reduced capacity. It allows a representative to make limited decisions, including routine financial and personal matters.
- Section 9 Representation Agreement: For adults who are mentally capable of fully understanding their decisions. This agreement allows for broader authority, especially around health care and end-of-life treatment.
Our legal team will help you determine which type of agreement best fits your situation and goals.
Why do Representation Agreements matter?
Without a Representation Agreement in place, your loved ones may have bring an application to be appointed as your committee—a complex and costly court process—to gain legal authority over your personal care. By planning ahead:
- You stay in control by choosing who will speak for you
- You reduce stress for your family in a crisis
- You protect your personal values and medical wishes
- You may avoid unnecessary court intervention and legal fees
Our lawyers provide:
- Legal advice on which type of Representation Agreement suits your needs
- Preparation and review of your agreement
- Coordination with related documents, such as a Power of Attorney or will
- Support for caregivers or families acting as representatives
We ensure your Representation Agreement meets all legal requirements and truly reflects your wishes.
Representation Agreements are a vital part of any complete estate or incapacity plan. Whether you’re planning ahead or supporting a vulnerable family member, we can help you create a clear, enforceable document that provides peace of mind.
Contact us today to speak with an estate planning lawyer in British Columbia and take control of your future care decisions.
