How to Revoke or Update a Power of Attorney for Property in Ontario

When Should You Update or Cancel a Power of Attorney?

Your Power of Attorney for Property (POA) is a powerful legal tool — but it isn’t static. It should evolve as your life changes.

You should consider updating or revoking your POA when:

you’ve lost trust in your attorney;

your attorney has moved away, become incapable, or died;

you’ve married, separated, or divorced, or face changing family dynamics;

your financial circumstances have changed significantly (e.g., new property, business, or investments); or

your POA is several years old and may not reflect your current wishes.

In short, if the person or structure in your existing POA no longer makes sense, it’s time to update it.

How to Revoke a Power of Attorney in Ontario

Under Ontario law, you can revoke a POA for Property at any time as long as you are mentally capable of doing so.

A revocation must be clear, written, and properly signed.

To revoke a POA:

prepare a written Revocation of Power of Attorney stating that you revoke all previous Powers of Attorney for Property;

sign and date the revocation in front of two witnesses (just like the original POA);

notify your former attorney(s) and any financial institutions that hold a copy of the old POA; and

destroy old copies where possible to avoid confusion or misuse.

Once signed, your revocation takes effect immediately — but it only truly works if everyone who relied on your old POA is informed.

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Creating a New Power of Attorney After Revocation

Many people choose to create a new POA immediately after revoking the old one.

This ensures there’s no gap in coverage if something unexpected happens.

Your new POA should:

clearly state that it revokes all previous Powers of Attorney for Property;

follow Ontario’s witnessing and signing rules; and

include updated information for your new attorney(s) and specify how they are to act (jointly, severally, or in succession).

It’s wise to keep both the revocation and new POA in a secure but accessible place, and let your attorney(s) know where the originals are stored.

Can a Power of Attorney Expire Automatically?

In Ontario, a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property remains in effect indefinitely — even if many years have passed — unless you revoke it or it specifies an expiry date.

A General POA, on the other hand, becomes invalid automatically if you lose mental capacity.

Most Powers of Attorney in Ontario are Continuing Powers of Attorney.

That’s why reviewing your POA every 3 to 5 years is good practice, particularly if your personal or financial situation changes.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming you can verbally revoke a POA — verbal statements have no legal effect.

Failing to inform institutions like banks or accountants, which may still act on the old POA.

Keeping multiple “active” POAs that conflict with each other. Always revoke before reissuing.

Not updating witnesses properly — an invalid signature process can void your new POA.

A notarial or legal service can help ensure your revocation and replacement documents are both legally sound and properly recorded.

Final Thoughts

Updating your Power of Attorney for Property is an act of prudence, not inconvenience. Life changes — and your legal documents should change with it.

By revoking or updating your POA when necessary, you stay in control of who manages your financial affairs and under what conditions.

Take the Next Step

Need to change or replace your Power of Attorney for Property?

Complete our online form to automatically generate a new, Ontario-compliant Power of Attorney that revokes older versions and reflects your current wishes — quickly and professionally.