What is the role of the Public Trustee?
It is a misconception that the government is waiting to take over your assets whenever possible. In some cases, the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (or the provincial variation of this Office) will manage an individual’s assets and property if the individual is incapable of doing so personally but has not signed a power of attorney. Even then, in Ontario, a family member can apply to the public trustee to be appointed as statutory guardian, attorney or representative. Other provinces have similar roles, but a legal adviser should be consulted in your jurisdiction about the details of the legislation. The public trustee assesses all applications and may require even close family members to post bond or security and file a management plan that will in turn be monitored by the public trustee. The public trustee will step in as required, and can take possession of and make decisions about bank accounts, bonds and all other assets without consulting family members. The decisions m
Related Questions
- Why are reimbursements for Out-of-Pocket Expenses relating to a minor sent to the Public Trustee, when it is the parent who has paid for the expenses?
- Does the Office of Public Trustee conduct seminars concerning the foreclosure process?
- What is the Public Trustee’s role under the Personal Directives Act?
