Virginia Beach Power Of Attorney Lawyer
Trying to plan for an uncertain future can feel overwhelming, especially when considering how to best use the available legal tools. A power of attorney (POA) is a vital legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. At Anderson Legal Group, PC, our founding attorney has nearly 15 years of experience and knows how to craft an effective POA that caters to our clients’ important needs.
Why Do You Need A Power Of Attorney?
Establishing a POA ensures that your financial and health care decisions are handled according to your wishes, even when you cannot express them yourself. The documents are commonly used in the following scenarios:
- Unexpected illness or injury: A sudden illness or accident could leave you unable to manage your finances or make health care decisions.
- Age-related cognitive decline: As we age, our cognitive abilities may decline, making it difficult to manage affairs independently.
Without a POA, your loved ones may need to seek court intervention to manage your affairs, which can be a costly, time-consuming and emotionally taxing process.
Types Of Powers Of Attorney In Virginia
In Virginia, there are several types of POAs, each designed to address specific needs. They are as follows:
- General power of attorney: This grants broad authority to your agent to act on your behalf in all matters.
- Limited or special power of attorney: This specifies the exact powers granted to your agent and may be used for a specific transaction or period.
- Durable power of attorney: This remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, providing continuous management of your affairs.
- Medical power of attorney (advance medical directive): This allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate your wishes.
Our lawyer, Jeffrey Anderson, can help you determine which type fits your individual circumstances and ensure that the document is legally sound.
Benefits Of Having A Power Of Attorney
When an unforeseen tragedy strikes, the chaos that ensues can crush your ability to proactively make decisions. With a POA set up, an individual whom you trust will make those hard decisions – whether they’re physical or financial – on your behalf, relieving you and your family of that burden. The reward far outweighs the risk, ensuring that critical thinking prevails over irrational and emotional decisions.
Revoking Or Changing A Power Of Attorney
When circumstances change, it may become necessary to revoke or amend a POA. You can manage this process effectively by doing the following:
- Revocation process: To revoke a POA, the principal must create a written document stating their intention to revoke the existing POA. This document should include the principal’s name, the date and a clear statement of revocation.
- Amendment process: If you wish to amend a POA, this new document should specify which powers are being altered and should be executed with the same formalities as the original POA, including signatures and notarization.
Legal Implications Of Changing A POA In Virginia
In Virginia, the principal has the right to revoke or amend a POA at any time, as long as they are mentally competent. It is important to follow the legal procedures to ensure that the changes are recognized by law.
Once a POA is revoked or amended, the agent no longer has the authority to act on behalf of the principal under the previous terms. Failure to properly notify the agent and relevant parties can lead to legal complications or disputes.
It is also crucial to make sure that any changes comply with Virginia state laws, which may require specific language or formalities in the documentation.
Our attorney has extensive experience drafting POAs. He can help you understand the process and legal implications so that you can effectively manage your POA to reflect your current needs and circumstances.
Anderson Legal Group, PC, Will Help You Take The Crucial Next Step Forward
Attorney Anderson will ensure that your worries and concerns are heard and will work hard to set up a POA that best suits your needs. Contact us today at 757-698-2244 or use this online contact form to get started.