Planning for the future is about more than just making a will. Many Canadians, including Albertans, prepare for what happens after death but overlook what could happen if they become mentally or physically incapable during their lifetime. When proper planning documents are missing, families may be forced into urgent court applications for adult guardianship or trusteeship, often during a crisis.

Understanding these risks and planning ahead can spare loved ones significant stress at an already overwhelming time.

What is adult guardianship and trusteeship?

Adult guardianship allows a court‑appointed person (a guardian) to make personal decisions for an adult who lacks capacity, such as decisions about medical treatment, healthcare consent, living arrangements, and daily care needs.  A guardian must act in the adult’s best interests while respecting their rights and independence as much as possible.

Adult trusteeship allows a court‑appointed trustee to make financial decisions for an adult who can no longer manage their affairs. This may include paying bills, accessing bank accounts, managing investments, or dealing with property.

In some cases, the same person is appointed as both guardian and trustee.

When are guardianship and trusteeship needed?

These court orders are usually required when an adult:

  • becomes incapable due to illness, injury, or disability; and
  • does not have a valid personal directive or enduring power of attorney in place.

Without these documents, family members, even spouses, do not automatically have ongoing legal authority to act. This often surprises families at the worst possible moment.

How emergencies catch families off guard

Imagine this situation:

A healthy 48‑year‑old Albertan suffers a sudden and severe stroke. They are hospitalized and unable to communicate or make decisions. They are married with young children, have a mortgage, and run a small business, but have no planning documents.

Their spouse assumes they can:

  • consent to all medical treatment;
  • access all bank accounts to pay bills (even if not in their name); and
  • manage the business and business finances.

Instead, they quickly learn they have no legal authority to do these things, except if they are selected by a healthcare provider as a specific decision-maker for a one-time sensitive medical decision.[1]

Doctors need consent for certain treatments or placement into a care facility. The mortgage and payroll still need to be paid. Financial institutions refuse access to accounts without proper authority.

In the middle of medical uncertainty and emotional shock, the spouse must urgently:

  • arrange medical capacity assessments;
  • gather financial information;
  • prepare sworn court documents; and
  • apply for emergency guardianship and trusteeship.

All of this happens while caring for children, managing work, and coping with fear and exhaustion. Even with an urgent court application, delays can still occur—and temporary orders require follow‑up court appearances.

Without planning documents, court involvement becomes unavoidable.

How the court decides

In Alberta, guardianship and trusteeship are governed by the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act. The court must be satisfied that:

  • the adult lacks capacity;
  • decision‑making support is necessary; and
  • the proposed guardian or trustee is suitable.

The court aims to protect the adult while limiting the loss of independence, but court involvement is still required.

Plan now, not in crisis

Guardianship and trusteeship are important safeguards, but they are meant to be last‑resort solutions.  With proper planning:

  • a personal directive allows someone you trust to make personal and healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so; and
  • an enduring power of attorney allows someone to manage your finances immediately if the need arises.

These documents eliminate the need for urgent court applications in most situations. A legal professional can help you put these protections in place before they are needed.

Our Estates and Trust Litigation Group, as well as our Private Client Services Group, are here to guide you through the process of having a properly prepared estate plan or to walk you through the litigation process. We can explain the steps involved, prepare the necessary court paperwork, and help move an application forward as smoothly as possible.  Contact Miller Thomson LLP today for a consultation regarding your estate needs, and help make things easier for you or your loved ones.

[1]  Sections 87-89 of the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act (AGTA) permits a one-time emergency decision to be made by a close family member if the adult’s life is endangered when a decision is urgent but still requires consent.  The family member has no ongoing authority and this does not apply to financial decisions.