A woman from Witless Bay is speaking out about the importance of having a power of attorney, after learning she had no authority over her elderly father's finances when he became ill a few years ago. Lorna Yard says her father's health unexpectedly declined after the death of his second wife in 2012. Make a planHer father's bank similarly said Yard wasn't permitted to access his account or pay any of his bills. Yard said there's a misconception that power of attorney means someone can swoop in and take control over another person's affairs — but that's not the case. She wants people to learn from her mistake, and not wait until a family member is in poor health to set up a power of attorney.

Source: CBC News August 20, 2016 16:41 UTC