Have you thought about the decisions your family will have to make on your behalf if you become ill and unable to make decisions about your health care? Most of us think “I’m in good health – that’ll never happen to me.” Unfortunately, incidents of incapacitation are increasing. Those who are prepared for it not only potentially save their family substantial money, but also substantial grief and heartache.
--

Before becoming a lawyer, William R. Walters was an educator and he continues educating people about the essentials of estate and incapacity planning through his blog (lawmattersnow.blogspot.com) and with public speaking engagements at health and community organizations.

William is an associate lawyer with Horne Coupar, a Victoria law firm that has been practicing in the Greater Victoria region for over 65 years. Between the four partners alone, there are about 100 years of legal experience. Much of that experience comes from specializing in issues related to an ageing population.

William’s work focuses on two eventualities we face as we get older. One is definite – death. The other is increasing statistically – incapacitation – the inability to make decisions on your own behalf due to health issues.

The best way to prepare for these issues and minimize potential disputes and misunderstandings is by educating yourself and planning for them. That planning includes discussing and implementing a power of attorney that gives a person you choose the authority to deal with your financial and legal issues when you can’t.

However, power of attorney has its limits; it does not authorize someone to make personal and health care decisions on your behalf.

“People proceed on that false idea and when they lose capacity someone says ‘I can make medical decisions because I’ve got power of attorney for her’,” says William. “Well no, you can’t. That requires preparing a representation agreement.”

A representation agreement defines the personal and health care decisions one would like made on their behalf in the event they are incapacitated and unable to make these decisions for themselves. It gives those involved a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

William likes to really get to know and understand his clients and, by doing so, becomes a trusted advisor to them. The passion for what he does and the commitment William displays toward his clients extends throughout the firm where colleagues and staff are consistently polite, concerned and caring.

“After a couple of visits clients will get a sense that they are known, that it’s actually a personal relationship and it’s not just with a lawyer, but with everyone in the office.”

Horne Coupar has an established reputation built on trust and knowledge. William exemplifies what this means with every relationship he builds with his clients.

For more information: 
www.hc-law.com
Toll Free: 1-866-467-2490