The BC CEAS Elder Law Clinic is actively producing legal research on topics related to Elder Abuse issues and the legal rights of older adults.
BC CEAS’ multi-disciplinary service offerings put the Elder Law Clinic in a strong position to research a wide range of important topics that impact the lives of older adults. A unique mix of social and legal programs provide powerful insights and access to information that allow us to produce original, practical research that can be used by professionals from diverse backgrounds.
We also produce short articles providing a simple overview of the law intended as resource material for non lawyers who encounter these issues in their work.
The BC CEAS Board of Directors has named Martha Jane Lewis as the new Executive Director of BC CEAS and the Elder Law Clinic. Jane is a practicing lawyer, with a passion for social justice, who will start in the position in January 2012.
Jane was born in Winnipeg and attended schools in Toronto and Switzerland. She received a BA in Economics from the University of Victoria and worked in investments and then in international trade research in Canada, England and Thailand.
By the legal staff of the BC CEAS Elder Law Clinic
You may be asked to share ownership of your property (house, car, bank account, etc. with another person who is offering to help you “manage your affairs”. This person(s) may be an adult child or children, a close friend or an acquaintance. It may sometimes seem easier, more convenient, or simply a matter of estate planning to transfer all or part ownership of your property to another person(s), however, it is important to understand any and all legal implications before making such decisions.
By the legal staff of the BC CEAS Elder Law Clinic
It is possible that, some day, an illness, injury or disability may render you unable to make your own decisions. For example, a serious accident may leave you unable to make decisions regarding your finances, your health and personal care and other matters. Alternatively, an illness such as Alzheimer’s disease may affect your ability to make decisions and look after your own affairs.
By the legal staff of the BC CEAS Elder Law Clinic
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person the power to take care of your financial and legal matters for you. The person you give this power to is called the “attorney,” and you are called the “donor.” (Here, “attorney” does not mean lawyer.)
A power of attorney gives your attorney the authority to take care of only your financial and legal affairs. This could include paying bills, doing banking, or selling real estate on your behalf. It does not allow him or her to make decisions about your personal or health care.