Putting One’s Personal Affairs in Order: an Estate Planning Overview – Vol. 9: Organ and Tissue Donation

In this final installment of the Estate Planning Overview series, I discuss organ and tissue donation.  This can be considered part of a complete estate plan as it is clearly a gift you make after your death. Organ and tissue donation is governed by legislation. If you are sixteen years of age or older, you can consent to organ and tissue donation in writing signed by you at anytime. You can register your consent to donate organs and/or tissues upon your death by completing the prescribed form and providing it to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Registration can be completed online (click here for the registration form).   In the absence of instructions, family members or your attorney for personal care may be asked to give consent, so it is useful to discuss donation with your family or attorney for personal care, so that your family is aware of your wishes before an illness or emergency occurs. Your wishes about donations should be included in your Power of Attorney for Personal Care.