From the Journal·Checklist·Ontario powers of attorney

A power of attorney that names one person and stops is a single point of failure.

An eight-page review tool for anyone checking whether an existing power of attorney for property still works. Three review points, sample clause language for each, gap-cost math, and five questions to ask before an institution tests the document.

What is inside

  • 01
    A signed note from Damaris.Why DRG built this checklist and how to use it before a bank or hospital is the one testing the document.
  • 02
    What a single point of failure looks like.Five short omissions that decide whether the document still works when it is needed.
  • 03
    What a document built to survive looks like.A named alternate, a defined scope, and an accounting mechanism. Five fixes called out.
  • 04
    Three review points with sample clause language.Alternate attorney naming, scope of authority, accounting and oversight. Each with a checklist and the exact phrasing to ask for.
  • 05
    Gap-cost math and five questions.Put a number on what a failed document costs at the worst moment. Five questions to ask any lawyer reviewing it.
Send me the checklist

Damaris will show it on the next page.

No charge. The checklist opens on screen as soon as you submit.

DRG Law keeps your name and email to follow up about this checklist. To be removed at any time, email info@drglaw.ca.

Ontario licensedLSO Reg. 91022I
Toronto officeReal estate and corporate practice
English and PortugueseBilingual representation
Plain languageOwner-readable legal writing
Why we built this

Most powers of attorney are tested for the first time at a bank counter or a hospital admissions desk.

One attorney named, no alternate. Full authority, no stated scope. A duty to keep accounts with no one able to request them. The standard document reads as complete and functions as if it does not exist the moment the named attorney cannot act.

This checklist puts real document language in front of you. A named sequence of attorneys, a defined scope of authority, and an accounting mechanism someone can actually enforce, so the gap gets found on your own timeline.

From Damaris

A power of attorney for property is built to solve one problem: the grantor's own incapacity. Most standard documents stop there and name one attorney with no alternate, no defined scope, and no one with standing to ask for an accounting. This checklist puts the three review points in front of you, with the actual language to ask for, so the gap gets found before a bank or hospital is the one testing it.

Damaris Regina Guimaraes
DRG Law Professional Corporation