what is the difference between a general power of attorney and medical power of attorney

For example, medical power of attorney gives your agent the authority to make health care decisions on your behalf. In contrast, a general power of attorney allows an agent to handle your fiscal and legal affairs. Therefore, you may want to include two or three types of power of attorney in your estate plan.

Full Answer

What does the medical power of attorney mean?

A medical power of attorney is one type of health care directive -- that is, a document that set out your wishes for health care if you are ever too ill or injured to speak for yourself.

What is a durable medical power of attorney?

The durable power of attorney is one of the most effective and important planning tools for medical care and estate planning, since it enables a person (the principal) to delegate certain powers to another (the agent) by means of a written legal document.

What is the purpose of the power of attorney?

What Is a Durable Power of Attorney?

• Power of Attorney vs. Durable Power of Attorney. ...
• General Durable Power of Attorney Definition. A general durable power of attorney both authorizes someone to act in a wide range of legal and business matters and remains in effect ...
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. ...
• Obtaining and Removing a Power of Attorney. ...

What is the medical power of attorney?

Then there’s a medical power of attorney or living will, which is a legal document by which a principal authorizes an agent to make medical decisions for him when the principal is not capable of making the decision, she said. “In either case ...

What is the best power of attorney to have?

You can write a POA in two forms: general or limited. A general power of attorney allows the agent to make a wide range of decisions. This is your best option if you want to maximize the person's freedom to handle your assets and manage your care.

What is a durable power of attorney in Virginia?

Virginia law treats a power of attorney as durable unless it specifically says it is not. The durable power of attorney allows the person you choose to step in and take care of your financial affairs. Without a power of attorney, no one can represent you unless a court appoints a conservator or guardian.

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

A POA used for real estate purposes may need to be recorded: Virginia Code § 64.2- 1603 provides that “in order to be recordable [a POA] shall satisfy the requirements of § 55-106.” Recordation requirements as set forth in Virginia Code § 17.1-223 may require the surnames of the Principal and Agent be capitalized and ...

What is a medical power of attorney in Virginia?

What is a Virginia Medical Power of Attorney? A Virginia Medical Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants a selected person or entity the authority to make healthcare decisions for you, such as refusing or accepting a specific medical treatment, if you cannot do so.

Does medical power of attorney have to be notarized in Virginia?

Note on notary: Virginia law does not require a Health Care Power of Attorney to be notarized, but it is a good idea if possible. If you get your document notarized, it would appear here under the signatures.

What are the 3 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.

What Does power of attorney allow you to do?

A power of attorney gives the attorney the legal authority to deal with third parties such as banks or the local council. 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.

Who makes medical decisions if there is no power of attorney Virginia?

In the event of medical incapacitation, usually a family member will be called upon to make any important decisions in the absence of a power of attorney. In this situation, difficulties can arise if there is more than one family member and they differ on the course of medical action.

What is a power of attorney?

In general, a power of attorney is a document authorizing an individual to make decisions on behalf of another person. The person who gives the authority is called the principal, and the person who has the authority to act for the principal is called the agent, or the attorney-in-fact. You can designate both a financial power ...

How many people can you appoint as a medical power of attorney?

Usually, you appoint only one person as your medical power of attorney, though you can name alternates for situations when that person might not be available. You will also want to consider whether the person is close by and can meet with your doctors should the need arise.

Why do you need to choose a person to hold your medical and financial power of attorney?

Choosing people you trust to hold your medical and financial powers of attorney gives you more control over your interests and ensures your wishes are followed. Knowing the differences between these two designations will help you decide whether you should appoint the same person to hold both of these directives for you. This article will explore the advance directives known as medical power of attorney and financial power of attorney: what they have in common and what important distinctions can be made between these two legal actions.

Why is it important to review a power of attorney?

Review the Document Periodically: Because it may be hard to predict when you will need a power of attorney, the document may be created decades before it will be used. For this reason, it is important to review the document periodically.

When does a power of attorney take effect?

A power of attorney can take effect as soon as you sign it, or upon the occurrence of a future event. If the power of attorney is effective immediately, it can be used even if you are not incapacitated. If its powers are "springing," they don't go into effect until a future event has occurred. The most common future event is the incapacity of the principal. Incapacity only occurs when the principal is certified by one or more physicians to be either mentally or physically unable to make decisions.

When to use a financial power of attorney?

In some cases, a financial power of attorney can be used for isolated, one-off situations where it is not convenient for you to be present.

Is a medical power of attorney a financial power of attorney?

A medical power of attorney and a financial power of attorney are typically created in separate legal documents. Both are known in legal terms as advance directives. Generally, the law addresses each type of advance directive separately, which limits their authority.

What is a medical power of attorney?

What is a Medical (Health Care) Power of Attorney? Medical powers of attorney (sometimes called a health care power of attorney, advance directive, or health care proxy depending on your state) permit an agent to make a principal’s health care decisions in the event that they are unable.

What is a Medical (Health Care) Power of Attorney?

Medical powers of attorney (sometimes called a health care power of attorney, advance directive, or health care proxy depending on your state) permit an agent to make a principal’s health care decisions in the event that they are unable. This is usually a situation where the principal has discussed their wishes with the agent and writes specifics into the form, whereby the agent will see to it that the principal’s wishes are carried out if the time comes to act.

What is a Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney?

A durable power of attorney is the most common document of its kind, and the coverage afforded by the form is sweeping. It allows the agent to make financial, business and legal decisions on behalf of a principal, and the durability aspect extends the agent’s powers to during an event of incapacitation. As soon as the parties come to an agreement, they can set powers to be effective immediately, at a later date, or upon the principal’s incapacitation. Once powers have been granted, they will remain in effect until their powers are revoked, the contract expires (if an expiration date exists), or until the principal expires.

What are the two types of powers of attorney?

To clear things up, we’ll explain the two most common types of powers of attorney and the differences between each — durable (financial), and medical — as well as why you’ll need both to protect your assets and medical wishes.

How long do powers stay in effect?

Once powers have been granted, they will remain in effect until their powers are revoked, the contract expires (if an expiration date exists), or until the principal expires. Here’s a list of common matters for which an agent may be responsible to maintain on behalf of the principal: Banking – Deposits and withdrawals.

What is the difference between an agent and a principal?

Principal – the person handing over decision-making powers. Agent – the chosen individual to manage affairs, usually someone the principal deeply trusts , such as a close family member (also called an “attorney in fact”) Incapacitation – when the principal is no longer able to make decisions for themselves .

What does it mean if you don't have a POA?

The absence of a durable and/or medical POA can mean that family members will not be able to access accounts to pay for healthcare, taxes, insurance, utilities, and other important matters, and they won’t have clear instructions as to how to care for you if you should be faced with incapacitation.

When does a medical power of attorney become effective?

A medical power of attorney becomes effective immediately after you’ve signed it, but can only be used if you’ve been declared mentally incompetent by physician (s). Once you’ve selected an agent, make sure they know how to sign as power of attorney on your behalf. 3. General Power of Attorney.

What is a power of attorney?

A general power of attorney gives your agent broad power to act on your behalf — making any financial, business, real estate, and legal decisions that would otherwise be your responsibility. For example: 1 managing banking transactions 2 buying and selling property 3 paying bills 4 entering contracts

What is a POA?

A power of attorney, or POA, is an estate planning document used to appoint an agent to manage your affairs. There are several different types of power of attorney. Each serves a different purpose and grants varying levels of authority to your agent.

When does a power of attorney go into effect?

A springing (or conditional) power of attorney only goes into effect if a certain event or medical condition (typically incapacitation) or event specified in the POA occurs. For example, military personnel may draft a springing power of attorney that goes into effect when they’re deployed overseas.

When does a durable power of attorney end?

A durable power of attorney ends automatically when you die. You can rescind a durable POA using a revocation of power of attorney form as long as you’re competent.

Can you use a power of attorney for a short period?

Given the extensive control it affords your agent, you may only want to use this kind of power of attorney for a short period when you physically or mentally cannot manage your affairs. For example, during an extended period of travel outside of the country.

Can powers of attorney be restricted?

The powers granted under a general power of attorney may be restricted by state statutes.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document wherein one person, known as the principal or grantor, grants certain powers to another person known as the agent or attorney-in-fact. The principal must have the requisite mental capacity at the time of signing in order for the document to be valid.

When does a power of attorney become effective?

A power of attorney is considered effective once the agent's power to act kicks in. Depending on the language used in the document, that power may become effective immediately upon signing or it may be "springing," which means it doesn't become effective until the principal becomes incapacitated and can no longer make decisions.

What is the fiduciary duty of a power of attorney?

A fiduciary duty is a legal obligation to exercise a high standard of care and to act only in the best interest of the principal. In many states, the agent will sign the power of attorney. In many states, one to two witnesses must be present when ...

How to prepare a financial power of attorney?

When preparing your financial power of attorney, the first thing you need to decide is what powers you want to give your agent. If you want to give your agent the right to make decisions about all aspects of your finances and property, you would use a general financial power of attorney. However, you may also use a financial power of attorney to give only one or a few powers to your agent, such as buying or selling certain property. This is sometimes referred to as a special power of attorney. Generally speaking though, the financial power of attorney form itself will not be titled "general" or "special." The difference will be in the portion of the power of attorney document where the principal specifies the powers given to the agent. When you use an online service like TotalLegal.com to prepare your power of attorney, you have the option to select full authority for your agent or choose only certain powers that you want your agent to have.

How many witnesses do you need to sign a power of attorney?

In many states, one to two witnesses must be present when the principal signs the power of attorney. While the witnesses do not need to read the power of attorney, they will need to sign it. Additionally, a notary public must be present when the power of attorney is signed. The notary public also signs the acknowledgment section on the power of attorney.

Is a power of attorney durable?

A power of attorney is referred to as "durable" if it remains in effect even if the agent becomes incapacitated. Because a springing power of attorney only becomes effective upon the incapacity of the principal, all springing powers of attorney are durable. However, powers of attorney that are effective immediately upon signing may be durable or may be extinguished upon the incapacity of the principal. Durable powers of attorney are only extinguished upon the death of the principal or if the principal executes a revocation form, which is explained below. Note that if you give authority to your agent to conduct a particular transaction, the power of attorney is extinguished once that transaction is complete.

Can a medical power of attorney be used as a living will?

However, it's important to not confuse a medical power of attorney with a living will, or advance directive. While a medical power of attorney allows the agent to make decisions about treatment when the principal is incapacitated, it does not allow the agent to make decisions about end of life care if the principal is in a permanent vegetative state. If you want to name an agent to make decisions such as withholding or continuing life sustaining treatment if you are incapacitated and terminally ill, you must also execute a living will. With TotalLegal.com, it's easy to create a living will when you create your medical power of attorney.

What is the Difference Between a General Power of Attorney and a Durable Power of Attorney?

The key differentiation between DPOA vs POA is simple: incapacitation.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

If you’re appointed as the agent through a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), you’ll be given legal authority to act on your parents’ behalf. You’ll have agency to care for them even if they become suddenly incapacitated, until the day they pass away.

What happens to a POA when your parents are incapacitated?

As a General POA, your agency ends the moment your parents become incapacitated. This means that if they suddenly become unable to make decisions for themselves, you will no longer be able to make important decisions for them. Incapacitation occurs in cases such as an accident, severe medical condition, or mental illness.

What is the difference between a POA and a DPOA?

The key differentiation between DPOA vs POA is simple: incapacitation. As a General POA, your agency ends the moment your parents become incapacitated. This means that if they suddenly become unable to make decisions for themselves, you will no longer be able to make important decisions for them.

What is a GPOA?

A General Power of Attorney (GPOA) is a similar legal document that allows your parents to appoint you as their agent. As a GPOA, your duties will end if your parents ever became incapacitated.

Do you have to file a POA with the court system?

Generally, a POA does not have to be filed with the court system. Rather, your Power of Attorney is a document you include with your other estate planning documents. You’ll want to keep this safe and secured, such as through your password-protected estate planning platform.

What is a power of attorney?

A general power of attorney grants wide legal authority to act on a person’s behalf, including filing tax returns, paying bills, borrowing money, and so on. It’s designed to provide an agent with broad powers that don’t require you to predict every possible legal scenario in advance.

What does it mean when a power of attorney is durable?

When a power of attorney is durable, that means there’s language within the document which states an agent’s authority continues to apply if you become incapacitated. There is no automatic deadline by which these powers expire.

How long does a durable power of attorney last?

A durable power of attorney stays effective until the principle dies or until they act to revoke the power they’ve granted to their agent. But there are a handful of circumstances where courts will end durable power of attorney. Most notably, in cases where the principle and agent became divorced but hadn’t updated documents.

How To Decide Between an Advance Directive and Medical Power of Attorney

Both an MPOA and an advance directive serve a similar purpose, but the latter allows you to go into as much detail as you want regarding all aspects of your end-of-life health care. Some treatment and after-death procedures you can specify in your advance directive include:

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What Is Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a document that grants legal authority to one person, known as the agent or “attorney in fact,” to act on behalf of another, the principal, when they are unable to do so themselves.1 While the word attorney might make one assume these responsibilities are reserved for lawyers, the agent can actually be any person the principal trusts enough to make decisions in their best interest or as directed, ranging from financial to healthcare matters.2.

When to Use a General (Financial) POA

Let’s use a hypothetical to outline one example of how and when a general power of attorney can be useful:

When to Use a Durable (Financial) POA

Under the same hypothetical situation, how or when would a durable power of attorney be necessary?

What is a health care power of attorney?

A health care power of attorney, on the other hand, is similar to a durable power of attorney for finances in that it grants someone else decision-making power over your affairs. However, as the name indicates, this type of power of attorney grants someone else the power to make important decisions ...

What are the two types of power of attorney?

There are two main types of power of attorney; a durable power of attorney for finances and a medical power of attorney.

What happens if you don't have a power of attorney?

If you become unable to make decisions on your own behalf without giving someone power of attorney, your loved ones will not be able to make important decisions regarding finances, business interests and so on.

Why do we need powers of attorney?

Giving those you trust powers of attorney can help ease your own concerns about aging and your future, but it can also help your loved ones avoid unnecessary trouble during what may already be an emotional and stressful time.

Can you grant power of attorney to someone who is incapacitated?

As you age and begin creating your estate plan, one of the things you may want to consider is who you want to grant power of attorney in the event that you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to clearly express your wishes on your own. Often, the person you choose for this role is someone in your own family, but this does not have to be the case as long as you appoint someone you believe you can rely on to make decisions based on your best interests .

The Parties Involved

Types of Powers of Attorney

• A financial power of attorney is used to give an agent the authority to make certain decisions concerning the finances and property of the principal at a time specified by the principal. A medical power of attorney, in comparison, gives the agent the authority to make decisions concerning the health care of the principal if the principal should bec...

See more on totallegal.com

Effectiveness and Durability

Financial Power of Attorney

Medical Power of Attorney

Choosing An Agent

How to Revoke A Power of Attorney