How much does guardianship cost in Canada?
An uncontested guardianship (or committeeship) application in Canada commonly costs $3,000 to $8,000 or more in legal fees, plus a capacity assessment (several hundred dollars) and court filing fees. Contested applications involving family disputes can cost several times that.
What is the difference between guardianship and power of attorney in Canada?
A power of attorney is signed voluntarily while a person still has capacity and costs only a few hundred dollars. Guardianship (called committeeship in some provinces) is a court process used when someone has already lost capacity and has no valid POA. It is far more expensive and slower.
Can I avoid guardianship costs in Canada?
Yes. Sign a Power of Attorney for Property and a Power of Attorney for Personal Care while you are still capable. These documents let a trusted person act for you without a court application, avoiding the significant cost and delay of guardianship.
What ongoing duties does a guardian have in Canada?
A guardian of property must keep detailed accounts, may need to pass accounts before the court, and can be required to post a bond. These ongoing accounting and reporting obligations add annual costs and administrative work beyond the initial application.