Who can be an Attorney
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This page from JP Boyd on Family Law—and other pages from this Wikibook that discuss BC family law litigation topics—are under editorial review to provide more thorough, current, and practical guidance. Since 2020, procedures, forms, and laws have changed significantly. While gross inaccuracies have been corrected, some details may still be outdated. These pages were not included in the 2024 print edition, and have been highlighted in orange where they appear in the navigation menu on this website. |
You can choose anybody as your attorney, so long as they are:
- 19 years or older,
- able to understand the responsibilities involved.
Most people choose their husband, wife, friend, or other family member. You can appoint more than one person. if you do, you must write in the document whether they will act together or individually.
If you name only one attorney, it is very important to name an alternate who will take over if something happens to your attorney. However, you also need to describe very clearly the circumstances when an alternate may take over.
Your attorney will have significant power, so choose somebody you trust, and who is comfortable with financial matters. Take the time to talk with that person about what you want and would expect them to do.
For a fee you can choose a trust company as your attorney. You can also name the Public Guardian and Trustee (a government official).
This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by People's Law School, 2014. |
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