RA Forms

Representation Agreement Forms – BC

The Nidus Resource Centre provides free Representation Agreement forms for personal use.  A Representation Agreement is a legal document.

The place to start is with the mental capability requirements – does the adult have cognitive difficulties? If yes, you want documents on the RA7 Path – if scroll down, look for 1) RA7 Definition.

For an introduction to the legal planning documents available in BC (according to capability) click to watch video – https://youtu.be/7pSlCaXUSFU

 

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS – Age and mental capability:

Age – must be 19 years. The age of adulthood in BC is 19 years or older. (In Ontario and some other provinces it is 18.) In BC, parental rights end when a child turns 19.

 

But what if an adult has cognitive difficulties and needs help with decisions and managing their affairs? See the RA7 definition of capability.

 

Mental Capability – Two definitions or paths in BC:

  • Traditional definition – an adult must cognitively understand the nature and effect of the document at the time of making it. (This definition applies to making a contract, making types of power of attorney, making a Will, making an RA9, getting married.)
 
  • New RA7 definition – an adult may make Representation Agreement with some or all four authorities from section 7 (RA7) – even if the adult’s cognitive capability to ‘understand’ is in question. (An RA7 can cover four authorities: minor and major health care, personal care matters, legal matters and routine management of financial affairs.)

The Representation Agreement forms provided by the Nidus Resource Centre meet the requirements of the law. Nidus is recognized as the world expert on the how-to of Representation Agreements.

 

A medical assessment or legal professional is NOT required for making any type of Representation Agreement.

 

CHOOSE type of Agreement according to adult’s current capability path: 1) RA7 or 2) traditional.

 

1) RA7 Approach – for adults with cognitive difficulties and whose capability to ‘understand’ is in question.

 

— the following is for adults with cognitive difficulties, maybe because of a disability at birth or in childhood (special needs) or due to advanced dementia, brain injury from a stroke or fall, or other condition.

—————

Need to cover all 4 life areas? Get legal form and instructions to complete.  

Click for free Basic RA7All.

————–

Is a legal authority already in place for the adult’s finances?

Click for free Basic RA7H+P.

————–

Is a legal authority already in place for the adult’s health care matters?

Click for free Basic RA7F+L-RA7Path.

 

2) For adults who meet the traditional cognitive approach to capability – they cognitively understand 

— make now while competent to understand in case become incompetent in the future due to injury or illness 

 

Click for Basic RA9

NOTE: The RA9 does NOT include financial authorities. Most adults on the traditional capability path will make an Enduring Power of Attorney to cover financial and legal matters. Go to a lawyer or notary public to make an Enduring Power of Attorney, but first read free information so you are better prepared – click Information (top menu bar) then click Enduring Power of Attorney.

—————-

Some adults qualify to make an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) but might not need the full coverage of the EPA and might make a Basic RA7F+L-instead of EPA.

Click for Basic RA7F+L-instead of EPA

 

 
 

Looking for more help?

Nidus uses a self-help approach. The information and links on this page will help you complete a valid Agreement.

The Nidus Resource Centre provides lots of free information through our website. This is available to anyone. Click Information (top menu bar) then click on a topic.

Some people ask about personal help. Our ability to provide personal help depends on funding. We do not receive any ongoing or core funding.

We currently have some funding from Community Living BC (CLBC) to help folks in the community living sector with the RA7. Trained resource people can help by phone. This is not for agencies, staff or professionals. It is for family members or friends who are helping someone with their affairs. Email info@nidus.ca – give us some background on the need and we’ll try to match you up for help.

For other target groups, we have a volunteer who helps (with education, Representation Agreements, Nidus Registry) at in-person appointments on Monday afternoons through South Granville Seniors Centre (in Vancouver). You need to book ahead. Email info@nidus.ca with some background. This is for the public, not professionals.

How can you help Nidus?

Nidus does not receive funding for core activities such as providing free education and forms. You can help Nidus and yourself by registering the completed Agreement (information provided with the forms) and by making a donation (tax receipt provided).