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Every Albertan who is at least 18 years old should have:

  • a personal directive
  • an enduring power of attorney
  • a will

If you become seriously injured or ill

You may not be able to make your own personal or financial decisions. So that you have input into your future decisions, it is important to have these documents prepared in advance:

  • personal directive
  • enduring power of attorney

Personal directive

  • This is a legal document you prepare in case you cannot make your own personal decisions because of injury or illness in the future.
  • The person you choose to make decisions for you will only make them when you are no longer able.

Alberta Health Services

This organization has advance planning resources that compliment what is on this website. To find out more, visit their Advance Care Planning section.

Enduring power of attorney

  • This is a legal document that allows someone you trust to make financial decisions for you if you are no longer capable of making them.
  • The person you choose to make decisions for you will do this when you authorize them to do so – or when you are no longer able to make decisions.

After you pass away

You will want your wishes to be honored. For this to happen, it is important to have a will prepared.

Will

  • This is a legal document that allows you to direct where your property goes after you die.
  • Preplanning can make things easier for your family in a time of grief.

International will

  • This is a legal document that may be helpful if you own assets outside of Alberta.

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