Ending a Power of Attorney

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Kevin Smith in March 2017.

Can you cancel your power of attorney?

You can revoke your power of attorney at any time as long as you are capable. You must put your decision in writing. The written decision is called a Notice of Revocation.

You must give a signed and dated copy of the written Notice of Revocation to each attorney appointed in your power of attorney.

The revocation takes effect when it is given to everyone required. You can also list a specific future date in the Notice of Revocation when it will take effect.

Send a copy of the revocation notice to any organizations, companies or individuals your attorney deals with.

You can also cancel a power of attorney by saying so in a new power of attorney replacing it (see below for more on doing a new power of attorney).

Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry provides detailed procedures for revoking a power of attorney, including a sample Notice of Revocation.

Can your attorney refuse to act or decide to quit?

Yes. If your attorney wants to resign, they must put their decision in writing. The written decision is called a Notice of Resignation. They must give the written Notice of Resignation to you as the person who appointed them and to any other attorneys named in the power of attorney.

If the adult is incapable of making decisions at the time an attorney is resigning, the attorney must also give the Notice of Resignation to a spouse, near relative, or close friend of the adult. Nidus provides detailed procedures for resigning as an attorney, including a sample Notice of Resignation.

If your attorney resigns, you need to notify any organizations, companies or individuals that the attorney deals with, and then you will need to make a new power of attorney.

Does a new power of attorney cancel the old one?

No. More than one power of attorney can be in effect at the same time. If you want to be sure you have only one power of attorney in effect, when you make a new power of attorney, write at the beginning:

“I revoke any and all powers of attorney I have previously made.”

What can you do if someone misuses your power of attorney?

Misusing a power of attorney is a crime. If your attorney abuses his or her power, cancel the power of attorney immediately and then seek legal advice. You may be able to sue your attorney to get back any money or property that has been taken.

If you are incapable and cannot cancel your power of attorney, you or someone else can call the Public Guardian and Trustee and report the situation. They will investigate.

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