A will and a power of attorney solve different problems and operate at different times.
The starting point
A will deals primarily with what happens to your estate after death and can name an estate trustee. A power of attorney is a lifetime document that authorizes another person to make specified decisions for you.
What to be careful about
Ontario recognizes powers of attorney for property and for personal care. A property attorney can deal with financial affairs within the authority granted. A personal-care attorney can make personal-care decisions when the legal requirements for substitute decision-making are met.
How a lawyer can assess the issue
Ontario's public guidance notes that a continuing power of attorney for property can generally begin immediately unless the document provides otherwise. Personal-care authority operates in relation to decisions the grantor is incapable of making.
Current Ontario context
A complete planning discussion often considers the will and both kinds of power of attorney together, while still treating each document as legally distinct.
Before a consultation
Bring the documents that control the issue and a short chronology of important dates. Avoid sending original documents or unnecessary sensitive information through a general website form.