You should put your power of attorney documents in a safe place. A fire-proof lock box or safe is the best place. Make sure you tell your attorney where the document is stored so that they can find it if they need it.

If you want your attorney to start using the power immediately, give it to them. Or give it to them and tell them when they should start acting. Keep a second original signed copy for yourself in a safe place. Let your monitor know where your power of attorney is located or give them a photocopy of the document.

Give a copy to your bank, credit union, Service Canada office, and to any other parties that your attorney will deal with for you. Keep a list of the businesses and people who have copies of your power of attorney in case you have to make any changes or want to revoke it.

It may be many years before your power of attorney is needed. As time passes, keep track of where you are keeping it. Tell the people in your life who need to know about your power of attorney where to get it if they need it.