What is required for a valid power of attorney for property in Ontario?

A valid power of attorney for property in Ontario must indeed be in writing, signed by the grantor, and adhere to specific statutory language as outlined in the Substitute Decisions Act. This legislation provides a framework outlining how the document must be structured to confer the necessary powers and ensure clarity in its terms. The requirement for the power of attorney to be in writing is crucial because it serves as both a formal declaration of the grantor's intentions and a tangible document that can be referenced in the future.

Additionally, while having a lawyer witness the signing might enhance the validity or provide assurance of the grantor's understanding, it is not a mandatory requirement for the document to be considered valid under the law. Legal notarization is also not a requisite condition for the power of attorney to be effective. Lastly, establishing a power of attorney does not require a court order; such orders are typically associated with guardianship arrangements or when there are disputes regarding the validity of a power of attorney.

Thus, focusing on the requirement for a written document that follows the statutory guidelines highlights the importance of complying with Ontario's legislative requirements for powers of attorney.