Helping you protect your loved ones.
If a loved one in BC becomes mentally incapable of managing their affairs and doesn’t have a Power of Attorney or Representation Agreement in place, you may need to apply for committeeship—a court-appointed legal guardian.
Committeeship is a legal process where the Supreme Court of British Columbia appoints someone (called a committee, pronounced caw-mi-tee or caw-mi-tay) to make decisions on behalf of an adult who is no longer capable of doing so themselves. This includes managing finances, medical care, and daily life decisions.
You may need to apply for committeeship if:
- A loved one has dementia, brain injury, or another form of cognitive decline
- There is no Power of Attorney or Representation Agreement in place
- Banks, hospitals, or care facilities require legal authority
- There are disputes among family members as to who should be the decision maker
Committeeship is governed by the Patients Property Act and can cover:
- Personal Care Committeeship – Making decisions about health care, living arrangements, and daily needs.
- Property & Financial Committeeship – Managing bank accounts, paying bills, and handling investments, property, or other financial matters.
To be appointed, the court must be satisfied — through medical evidence from at least two physicians — that the adult is incapable of managing their own affairs.
We’re experienced in BC committeeship matters and provide practical, compassionate legal support throughout the process. From filing documents to navigating family conflict, our experienced lawyers can assist you with navigating the committeeship process to ensure that your loved one’s interests are protected.
At Watson Goepel, we guide families through the legal and procedural steps involved in obtaining a committeeship, helping to ensure the adult’s rights are protected and their needs are met. Contact us today to schedule a consultation today.
