how to obtain power of attorney in west virginia

by Winnifred Carter 9 min read

To get a power of attorney in West Virginia, the principal and the designated agent need to fill out and sign a power of attorney form according to WV requirements. Powers of attorney are governed by the West Virginia Uniform Power of Attorney Act unless they relate to health care decisions.

Full Answer

What is power of attorney and how does it work?

State of West Virginia . STATUTORY FORM POWER OF ATTORNEY . IMPORTANT INFORMATION . This power of attorney authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions concerning your property for you (the principal). Your agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your property (including your money) whether or

What is the role of a power of attorney?

Jan 18, 2018 · If you need more information, or if you need experienced legal help setting up your West Virginia power of attorney, contact me, Anna M. Price, at Jenkins Fenstermaker. You may call me toll-free at 866.617.4736 or complete our firm's Contact form. I’ll make sure your power of attorney is legal and valid and your estate planning is on solid ground.

How to give someone power of attorney?

The West Virginia tax power of attorney form, also known as form WV-2848, allows a resident to grant a representative the authority to file their taxes with the West Virginia State Tax Department. The person selected to this position should be a tax attorney or certified public accountant (CPA) as any filing errors will be the responsibility of the taxpayer.

What kind of power of attorney is best?

Dec 09, 2020 · To get a power of attorney in West Virginia, the principal and the designated agent need to fill out and sign a power of attorney form according to WV requirements. Powers of attorney are governed by the West Virginia Uniform Power of Attorney Act unless they relate to health care decisions.

image

How do you get power of attorney in WV?

1:042:40How to Get Power of Attorney in West Virginia - Signing RequirementsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn accordance with state law medical power of attorney forms must be signed by the principal. And toMoreIn accordance with state law medical power of attorney forms must be signed by the principal. And to adult witnesses and acknowledged by a notary.

How do you obtain power of attorney?

Here are the basic steps to help a parent or loved one make their power of attorney, and name you as their agent:Help the grantor decide which type of POA to create. ... Decide on a durable or non-durable POA. ... Discuss what authority the grantor wants to give the agent. ... Get the correct power of attorney form.More items...•Jun 14, 2021

Can I do power of attorney myself?

Some types of power of attorney also give the attorney the legal power to make a decision on behalf of someone else such as where they should live or whether they should see a doctor. In order to make a power of attorney, you must be capable of making decisions for yourself.

Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Virginia?

The power of attorney goes into effect immediately at signing, or at a future date that is specified in the document. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the original document must be signed and should be notarized. A POA remains valid until: The principal dies.Jan 10, 2019

Do you need a lawyer to get a power of attorney?

Do I need a lawyer to prepare a Power of Attorney? There is no legal requirement that a Power of Attorney be prepared or reviewed by a lawyer. However, if you are going to give important powers to an agent, it is wise to get individual legal advice before signing a complicated form.

What are the 4 types of power of attorney?

AgeLab outlines very well the four types of power of attorney, each with its unique purpose:General Power of Attorney. ... Durable Power of Attorney. ... Special or Limited Power of Attorney. ... Springing Durable Power of Attorney.Jun 2, 2017

What three decisions Cannot be made by a legal power of attorney?

You cannot give an attorney the power to: act in a way or make a decision that you cannot normally do yourself – for example, anything outside the law. consent to a deprivation of liberty being imposed on you, without a court order.

What is the difference between power of attorney and lasting power of attorney?

An ordinary power of attorney is only valid while you have the mental capacity to make your own decisions. If you want someone to be able to act on your behalf if there comes a time when you don't have the mental capacity to make your own decisions you should consider setting up a lasting power of attorney.Jan 13, 2022

Who makes decisions if no power of attorney?

If you have not given someone authority to make decisions under a power of attorney, then decisions about your health, care and living arrangements will be made by your care professional, the doctor or social worker who is in charge of your treatment or care.Mar 30, 2020

Does a Virginia power of attorney require witnesses?

You must comply with Virginia's signature requirements. You must sign your power of attorney or direct another person in your presence to sign your name for you if you are physically unable to sign. You do not need witnesses, but you should have it notarized by a notary public.Jun 2, 2021

How do I get power of attorney in Virginia?

To create a POA in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years of age and have the capacity to make decisions and understand what you are doing. You complete the form, naming your agent and choosing the powers you want to give them. You must choose the powers you are specifically granting to your agent.

How do I get power of attorney for elderly parent in Virginia?

How to Get a POA for Elderly Parents in Good HealthTalk it through with your parent(s) At this point, you should have a better idea of what type of power of attorney would suit your situation. ... Consult with a lawyer. The laws governing powers of attorney vary from state to state. ... Document your rights. ... Execute the document.

What is the power of attorney act in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the Uniform Power of Attorney Act says that you can execute one form regarding decision-making about your property, including your money, investments, taxes, trusts, and real estate.

How to make a power of attorney?

When you make a general of power of attorney, you call the shots: 1 You decide when it takes effect. It will remain in effect once you are incapacitated (durable power of attorney) unless you specify differently 2 You can add special instructions about naming a conservator or guardian in case you become incapacitated 3 You can name your agent in the power of attorney as a fiduciary, if you wish

What happens when you execute a power of attorney?

It is important to understand that when you execute a power of attorney, any act your agent performs is binding on you and your estate. If you need help understanding or executing any of your property transactions, you should seek help in executing a power of attorney for those transactions.

What documents are not included in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?

Planning for those decisions typically involves two documents: a living will and a medical power of attorney.

What is a living will?

The living will includes your wishes about medical interventions to prolong your life in special circumstances. The medical power of attorney allows your representative to make health care decisions for you when you are incapacitated and allows access to your medical records as needed.

What is a medical power of attorney?

A medical power of attorney appoints a representative to make “health care decisions relating to medical treatment, surgical treatment, nursing care, medication, hospitalization, care and treatment in a nursing home or other facility, and home health care.” The person you appoint can consent to treatment, refuse treatment, or withdraw treatment on your behalf. It is important for this person to know your wishes and the type of decisions you would make about your health care, as well as the values you hold that impact those types of decisions. Your medical power of attorney must make the decisions you would make to the best of his/her knowledge.

Can a power of attorney be trusted?

Assigning power of attorney to a trusted person or an “ agent ” acting on your behalf can be very beneficial to you and your estate, but it needs to be executed with knowledge of what that means and how it works. In many cases, the best and only way to make sure your power of attorney does what you want it to do ...

Durable Power of Attorney West Virginia Form – Adobe PDF

The West Virginia durable power of attorney form can be created by a resident to designate someone else to have the ultimate rights to handle every facet of their financial capabilities.

General Power of Attorney West Virginia Form – Adobe PDF

The West Virginia general power of attorney form grants an individual the ability to select someone else, known as an “agent,” to have the unlimited power with regard to the management of another individual’s finances.

Limited Power of Attorney West Virginia Form – Adobe PDF

The West Virginia limited power of attorney form allows a resident to choose someone else to handle a specific financial activity or decision on their behalf. This restricted appointment may be anything as serious as handling a real estate transaction, more commonly a closing, to simple tasks such as paying bills.

Medical Power of Attorney West Virginia Form – Adobe PDF

The West Virginia medical power of attorney form is part of an Advance Directive which consists of both a medical power of attorney and a living will. With the medical power of attorney, the principal appoints an agent who will make all their health care decisions when they are incapacitated and cannot do so on their own.

Minor (Child) Power of Attorney West Virginia Form – PDF

The West Virginia minor child power of attorney form is a document that is created to grant a guardian power of attorney over a minor child. The trusted individual will be able to, for the duration of the term dictated in the form, make every decision the parents or legal guardians would be able to make if they were available to do so themselves.

Real Estate Power of Attorney West Virginia Form – PDF – Word

The West Virginia real estate power of attorney enables an agent to act on behalf of a homeowner or buyer with regard to the sale and purchase of property located in West Virginia.

Tax Power of Attorney West Virginia Form – Adobe PDF

The West Virginia tax power of attorney form, also known as form WV-2848, allows a resident to grant a representative the authority to file their taxes with the West Virginia State Tax Department.

What is a power of attorney?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION. This power of attorney authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions concerning your property for you (the principal). Your agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your property (including your money) whether or not you are able to act for yourself.

What happens when you accept a power of attorney?

When you accept the authority granted under this power of attorney, a special legal relationship is created between you and the principal. This relationship imposes upon you legal duties that continue until you resign or the power of attorney is terminated or revoked. You must:

Can an agent use my property to benefit the agent?

LIMITATION ON AGENT’S AUTHORITY. An agent that is not my ancestor, spouse, or descendant MAY NOT use my property to benefit the agent or a person to whom the agent owes an obligation of support unless I have included that authority in the Special Instructions.

Do coagents have to act together?

Coagents are not required to act together unless you include that requirement in the Special Instructions. If your agent is unable or unwilling to act for you, your power of attorney will end unless you have named a successor agent. You may also name a second successor agent.

What is a medical power of attorney in West Virginia?

A West Virginia medical power of attorney is a special type of power of attorney document that grants an agent the power to make medical and health care decisions on your behalf.

What information is needed for a power of attorney?

The power of attorney document must contain the following information:#N#The name and contact information of the principal and agent (s)#N#The date the document is executed#N#What powers are granted to the agent, described in clear language#N#When the agent’s powers become active#N#When or if the agent’s powers expire#N#The signatures of the principal, agent, and notary 1 The name and contact information of the principal and agent (s) 2 The date the document is executed 3 What powers are granted to the agent, described in clear language 4 When the agent’s powers become active 5 When or if the agent’s powers expire 6 The signatures of the principal, agent, and notary

What is a POA?

Updated December 9, 2020. Power of attorney (POA) is the legal authority to make important decisions for another person. You (the “principal”) can use a power of attorney form to give another party (the “agent”) the power to make decisions about your health, finances, and property on your behalf. There are multiple types of power ...

What is a durable power of attorney in West Virginia?

A West Virginia durable statutory power of attorney form is created for the purpose of choosing a person to act as an agent and handle the financial affairs of someone else (“principal”). The term “durable” means the designation can last for the lifetime of the principal unless revoked.

What is a power of attorney in Virginia?

“Power of attorney” means a writing or other record that grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal, whether or not the term power of attorney is used ( WV Code § 39B-1-102 (7) ).

What is a successor agent in West Virginia?

A Successor Agent can be held in reserve in case the West Virginia Agent is unwilling to carry out directives or wield principal power, is unable to fulfill the role , or has had his or her powers revoked. This enables the authority defined in this document to be transferred to the Successor Agent for use in West Virginia thus ensuring ...

What is inter vivos trust?

(13) Inter Vivos Trust. Certain actions must be approved beforehand by the Principal before the Agent can be allowed to take them. This is the case even if the above list was tendered with the appropriate approvals and additional provisions have been provided. Thus a list of principal actions must be reviewed so that each action approved can be shown as an authorized action with the Principal’s initials. For example, in the first list item, the Principal can approve the Agent’s interaction and use of principal control over Inter Vivos Trusts by initialing the accompanying line or the Principal can show that the Agent does not carry the authority to handle Inter Vivos Trusts by leaving this item unmarked.

How to create a POA in Virginia?

To create a POA in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years of age and have the capacity to make decisions and understand what you are doing. You complete the form, naming your agent and choosing the powers you want to give them. You must choose the powers you are specifically granting to your agent. If you do not specifically indicate the following powers, they are not available to your agent: 1 Ability to change beneficiary designations 2 Ability to create or change rights of survivorship 3 Authority to create, amend, revoke, or terminate a living trust 4 Delegation of power 5 Right to waive beneficiary rights in a joint or survivor annuity or retirement plan 6 Exercise of fiduciary duties the principal has authority to delegate

What is a durable power of attorney?

A durable power of attorney (POA) is an important financial and planning tool that ensures your affairs can be managed if you are ever unable to do so yourself. Virginia has specific legal requirements to ensure it is valid.

What is a springing POA?

A springing POA is one that does not become effective until the occurrence of a specific event, such as the principal becoming incapacitated, and remains in effect until revoked. When you create one in Virginia under the Uniform Power of Attorneys Act, it is automatically durable unless specified otherwise.

What is POA in banking?

A POA is a legal document in which the principal—the person executing it—authorizes an agent to handle financial and business transactions on his behalf. (Note that it does not include health care decisions.)

What is delegation of power?

Delegation of power. Right to waive beneficiary rights in a joint or survivor annuity or retirement plan. Exercise of fiduciary duties the principal has authority to delegate. You must sign the document before a notary for it to be legally valid.

What is durable POA?

A durable POA is a useful tool that provides the convenience of allowing someone else to conduct transactions for you and the protection of knowing your financial life will be managed should you be unable to do so. This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. The content is not legal advice. The statements and opinions are the ...

Can you revoke a POA?

You can revoke it at any time so long as you are mentally competent. To do so, you can either destroy it or state in writing that you wish to revoke the POA, providing copies of the revocation to the agent and any business or organization that might have received a copy. If you are not mentally competent, a court can appoint a guardian or conservator on your behalf who can then revoke the authority previously given.

image

Important Information

  • This power of attorney authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions concerning your property for you (the principal). Your agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your property (including your money) whether or not you are able to act for yourself. The meaning of authority over subjects listed on this form is explained in the Uniform Power of …
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Designation of Agent

  • I __________________________ name the following person as my agent: (Name of Principal) Name of Agent:____________________________________________________ Agent’s Address:___________________________________________________ Agent’s Telephone Number:__________________________________________ If my agent is unable or unwilling to act for …
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Grant of General Authority

  • I grant my agent and any successor agent general authority to act for me with respect to the following subjects as defined in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, §39B-1-101 et seq. of this code: (INITIAL each subject you want to include in the agent’s general authority. If you wish to grant general authority over all of the subjects you may initial “All Preceding Subjects” instead o…
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Grant of Specific Authority

  • My agent MAY NOT do any of the following specific acts for me UNLESS I have INITIALED the specific authority listed below: (CAUTION: Granting any of the following will give your agent the authority to take actions that could significantly reduce your property or change how your property is distributed at your death. INITIAL ONLY the specific authority you WANT to give your agent.) (…
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Limitation on Agent’S Authority

  • An agent that is not my ancestor, spouse, or descendant MAY NOT use my property to benefit the agent or a person to whom the agent owes an obligation of support unless I have included that authority in the Special Instructions.
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Special Instructions

  • You may give special instructions on the following lines: ______________________________________________________________________________________________…
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Effective Date

  • This power of attorney is effective immediately unless I have stated otherwise in the special instructions.
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Nomination of

  • If it becomes necessary for a court to appoint a [conservator or guardian] of my estate or [guardian] of my person, I nominate the following person(s) for appointment: Name of Nominee for [conservator or guardian] of my estate: _________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s Address:_________…
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Important Information For Agent

  • Agent’s Duties When you accept the authority granted under this power of attorney, a special legal relationship is created between you and the principal. This relationship imposes upon you legal duties that continue until you resign or the power of attorney is terminated or revoked. You must: (1) Do what you know the principal reasonably expects you to do with the principal’s property or, …
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Termination of Agent’S Authority

  • You must stop acting on behalf of the principal if you learn of any event that terminates this power of attorney or your authority under this power of attorney. Events that terminate a power of attorney or your authority to act under a power of attorney include: (1) Death of the principal; (2) The principal’s revocation of the power of attorney or your authority; (3) The occurrence of a ter…
See more on wvlegislature.gov

Signing Requirements

  • The principal must have their signature acknowledged before a notary public. If the agent decides to use the optional Agent Certification form, the agent must sign said document in the presence of a notary public and attach it to the power of attorney (§ 39B-1-105, § 39B-3-102).
See more on eforms.com

Designation of Agent

  • (1) Name Of Principal.The Issuer behind this paperwork, known as the West Virginia Principal, must be named. (2) Name Of Agent.The West Virginia Agent who will be able to use the authority this document conveys to carry out the Principal’s directives must be identified. (3)Agent’s Address. (4)Agent’s Telephone Number. (5) Successor Agent Name.A Successor Agent can be h…
See more on eforms.com

Grant of Specific Authority

  • (13) Inter Vivos Trust. Certain actions must be approved beforehand by the Principal before the Agent can be allowed to take them. This is the case even if the above list was tendered with the appropriate approvals and additional provisions have been provided. Thus a list of principal actions must be reviewed so that each action approved can be shown as an authorized action w…
See more on eforms.com

Agent’S Authority

  • (21) Special Instructions.This document presents the wording required to approve or authorize the West Virginia Attorney-in-Fact’s use of principal authority. The Principal can apply additional directives, restrict his or her Agent’s use of the granted authority, or even allow for conditions by using the first optional area provided to do so.
See more on eforms.com

Nomination

  • (22) Nominee For Conservator Of Estate.The Principal has the option of nominating a Conservator (or Guardian) to his or her estate. This can be useful in a case where West Virginia Courts determine that he or she requires a court-appointed Guardian of Estate (or Conservator). Nominating a specific Party holds no guarantees to this appointment since this is strictly up to t…
See more on eforms.com

Agent’S Duties

  • (30) Signing As Principal.An opportunity for the Agent to display the Principal’s printed name with the Agent’s signature is available to the Agent with the paperwork that he or she must review. It is recommended that the Agent take advantage of this practice area. Agent’s Certification (31) Location Of Agent Statement.The Agent’s acknowledgment of his or her appointment to the Atto…
See more on eforms.com

Types of Powers of Attorney

Image
Powers of attorney can be durable or nondurable. Durable power is effective immediately and ends only if it is revoked. Nondurable authority becomes effective immediately but is no longer valid once the principal cannot make decisions for himself, such as in cases due to medical incapacitation. A springing POA is one t…
See more on info.legalzoom.com

Choosing An Agent

  • The agent you name in your POA has wide-ranging authority to manage your affairs on your behalf, so it's important to choose someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend. The agent must act in your best interest. It's a good idea to first talk with the person you want to choose, to make sure they are comfortable taking on the role. They are not obligated to assume …
See more on info.legalzoom.com

Requirements in Virginia

  • To create a POA in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years of age and have the capacity to make decisions and understand what you are doing. You complete the form, naming your agent and choosing the powers you want to give them. You must choose the powers you are specifically granting to your agent. If you do not specifically indicate the following powers, they are not avail…
See more on info.legalzoom.com

Revocation of Authority

  • You can revoke it at any time so long as you are mentally competent. To do so, you can either destroy it or state in writing that you wish to revoke the POA, providing copies of the revocation to the agent and any business or organization that might have received a copy. If you are not mentally competent, a court can appoint a guardian or conservator on your behalf who can then …
See more on info.legalzoom.com