Abuse of Power of Attorney in Ontario: Criminal Liability in R. v. Ehrhardt

by: , April 28, 2026

A recent Ontario case,  R. v. Ehrhardt, 2025 ONSC 6850, highlights the serious consequences of misusing a power of attorney. A power of attorney comes with fiduciary duties, and those acting in this capacity are required to act in the best interests of the grantor. However, as this case shows, if that responsibility is abused,…read more

When Joint and Severally Appointed Attorneys Disagree: How the Court Resolves Conflict Under a Power of Attorney

by: , January 6, 2026

A grantor may appoint more than one person as attorney under a power of attorney and may specify whether those attorneys are to act jointly or “jointly and severally”. Where attorneys are appointed jointly, they must make decisions together and are collectively responsible for each other’s actions. By contrast, a joint and several appointment permits…read more

The Legal Risks of Secret Trusts

by: , September 30, 2025

In Ontario, any trust that is intended to take effect upon a person’s death must typically be in writing, as it forms part of the will. According to the Succession Law Reform Act, a will must be in writing to be valid – and this includes any trusts it incorporates. Once a will is probated,…read more

When Powers of Attorney Cross the Line

by: , September 16, 2025

Powers of Attorney (POAs) are meant to be protective tools, allowing trusted individuals to make decisions for someone who can no longer manage their property or personal care. But what happens when these documents are signed under pressure, or when a vulnerable adult is persuaded into handing over control to someone who may not have…read more