Representation Agreements
Ensuring your wishes are protected when you can’t speak for yourself.
Appointing Someone You Trust to Speak for You
If there ever comes a time when you can’t make your own medical or personal decisions, a Representation Agreement makes sure your voice is still heard. It’s a legal document that lets you name someone you trust to act on your behalf. At Mather & Company, we help people across Comox, Courtenay, and the Comox Valley create Representation Agreements that reflect their values, beliefs, and wishes.
Whether you’re thinking ahead, dealing with health concerns, or supporting an aging family member, we’re here to make the process clear and stress-free.
What Is a Representation Agreement?
A Representation Agreement is a legal tool in British Columbia that lets you choose someone—called your “representative”—to help make decisions about your health care, personal care, and sometimes legal or financial matters if you’re unable to do so yourself.
There are two types of Representation Agreements in BC:
- Section 7 Agreements – These cover basic decisions about personal care, health care, and some legal and financial matters. They’re designed for people who may need more support in decision-making, such as those with disabilities or cognitive challenges.
- Section 9 Agreements – These focus on health care and personal care only, and they’re used when someone has full mental capacity to understand what they’re signing. This type is often chosen for advance planning.
Not sure which one is right for your situation? That’s what we’re here for.
Why You Might Need One
A Representation Agreement is an important part of planning for the future. You never know when a serious illness, accident, or health issue could affect your ability to make decisions. Having this document in place helps avoid confusion and delays if you need help managing your affairs.
People often choose to set one up when:
- Facing surgery or health treatment
- Planning for aging or potential incapacity
- Wanting to reduce stress on family during emergencies
- Living with a chronic condition or early-stage diagnosis
- Supporting a loved one who may struggle with decision-making
By creating a Representation Agreement, you make sure someone you trust is ready and able to act for you when needed.
Choosing the Right Representative
Your representative will have the legal authority to make personal and health-related decisions for you, so it’s important to choose someone responsible, caring, and aligned with your values. This could be a spouse, adult child, close friend, or another trusted person.
You can give them full authority or limit their powers to specific decisions. You can also include instructions about things like:
- What kind of medical treatment you’d want (or not want)
- Living arrangements or care preferences
- Religious or cultural considerations
- End-of-life care wishes
We’ll help you clearly outline these instructions so there’s no guesswork if the time comes.
When It Takes Effect
Your Representation Agreement kicks in when you’re no longer able to make decisions on your own. This might be temporary (like being unconscious after surgery) or long-term (due to a serious illness or decline in mental capacity).
If things change, you can update or cancel your agreement at any time—so long as you’re still capable of making that decision. We’ll help you make sure everything is up to date and legally valid.
Legal Requirements in BC
For a Representation Agreement to be valid in British Columbia, it needs to meet specific legal requirements. It must be signed and properly witnessed. Certain types of agreements also require a higher standard of mental capacity to sign.
At Mather & Company, we’ll walk you through the requirements, explain everything clearly, and make sure it’s completed properly. We also offer remote signing and mobile services for clients who can’t visit us in person.
Part of a Full Planning Package
Most people choose to create a Representation Agreement alongside a Will and Power of Attorney. Together, these documents give you and your family peace of mind—covering financial, legal, and health care decisions in one complete plan.
If you already have some documents in place, we can review them and help you fill in the gaps. And if you’re starting fresh, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Why Work with Mather & Company
At Mather & Company, we believe personal planning should be simple, clear, and affordable. Our experienced team works with clients across Comox, Courtenay and the entire Comox Valley to put the right documents in place—without the stress.
We offer friendly, professional service, flat-rate pricing, and flexible appointments (including virtual options for clients anywhere in BC). If you’re ready to get started—or just have questions—we’re here to help. Contact us today!