Who can I appoint as my attorney for property in Ontario?

In Ontario, your attorney for property must be at least 18 years old and must have the mental capacity to manage their own finances. Beyond those requirements, the choice is yours — you can appoint a family member, a close friend, or a professional such as a trust company.

Many people choose a spouse, adult child, or sibling. The most important qualities to look for are trustworthiness, financial competence, availability, and willingness to take on the role. Managing someone else's finances is a significant responsibility, and your attorney will have a legal duty to act in your best interest, keep accurate records, and avoid conflicts of interest.

You can also appoint two or more attorneys to act jointly (both must agree on every decision) or jointly and severally (either can act independently). Each approach has trade-offs: joint appointments add a check on decisions but can cause delays; joint-and-several appointments allow more flexibility but reduce oversight. Discussing these options with a lawyer can help you choose the structure that fits your situation best.