Free Fillable Virginia Power of Attorney Form

Citizens of Virginia have the legal right to pass any financial, medical, or business-related matters over to another using a power of attorney form. Virginia power of attorney forms come in many versions depending on the author’s needs, also referred to as the principal. The principal has the right to choose a representative to act as their attorney-in-fact, able to sign documents on their behalf legally. Because of the sensitivity granted in this type of power, the principal should choose their attorney-in-fact, making sure that it is someone that they can trust with their life.

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Free Fillable Virginia Power of Attorney Form

While forms vary from state to state, so do the guidelines which deem them a legally binding document. In Vermont, each power of attorney form is required to have the involvement of a notary public to confirm its validity and legality.

When filling out a power of attorney, principals should look to the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, VA Code § 65.2-1600 for guidance. Principals can use the guidelines and suggestions noted in the state’s statutes to ensure that the document is outlined for legal use when the time comes. Included in the guidelines and laws are legislations which specify that:

The document in question could allow the principal to pass medical and health-related decisions to the attorney-in-fact. However, this does not give them the right to decide if the principal is to fall into a life-or-death situation where life support is involved.
Principals will need to follow the format of the chosen Virginia statute they are filing, creating it as close to the form as possible.
Principals must use a power of attorney to grant the attorney-in-fact the legal right to make medical decisions.
At any point, the principal can annul the power of attorney if they choose to do so.

Why Use a POA Form in Virginia

Every person has their own reasons for creating a power of attorney. Most often, they involve an older adult that may be deteriorating in health and mental capacity, passing over the rights to act on their behalf to their children or loved ones. In other cases, business owners can hand over the right to handle business relations, including hiring, firing, and even handing out raises. Principals can also deem a professional their attorney-in-fact to handle the real estate or tax-related matters.

While most of the less severe cases involve temporary contracts, others are crucial and last until the principal’s demise. These cases are sensitive to time, as a POA is impossible once the principal is in a state that is considered mentally unstable. If they are unable to make decisions for themselves and have not filled out a power of attorney form, it is likely that their wishes will not be fulfilled, and no one will be allowed to step in on their behalf. That is why timing can be crucial, especially when mental and physical health is on the line.

Virginia Power of Attorney Forms

In any case, whether for an extended or temporary amount of time, the principal will need to take care of the type of Virginia power of attorney forms they choose to fill out. Some of the most common power of attorney forms include:

General Power of Attorney

This type of power of attorney is most often used to grant the chosen attorney-in-fact the right to oversee the principal’s financial and business-related matters. With a general power of attorney, the document is legally binding so long as the principal is living and of sound mind.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney is also used for financial and business matters. However, this will remain valid even if the principal is to become mentally disabled.

Limited Power of Attorney

With a limited power of attorney, the principal has much more freedom in the specifics that they can outline in the form. This includes specifying dates or areas within the principal’s life that the attorney-in-fact may have control over.

Medical Power of Attorney

With a medical power of attorney, the principal can pass over the right to make medical-based decisions over to the attorney-in-fact. This POA type is generally used if the principal is suffering from a terminal illness or is employed in a high-risk position where their life is frequently at stake.

Minor Children Power of Attorney

There are some cases where parents or guardians are called out of the country for an extended period. This is where a minor child POA can come in handy, granting the chosen attorney-in-fact the right to act as the child’s legal guardian in question.

Tax Power of Attorney

Principals have the option to appoint someone to handle any tax-related documents with a tax power of attorney (Form PAR 101). This can include the preparation or signing of paperwork, usually taking the help of a professional accountant or tax preparer. Though some else is taking control and acting on the principal’s behalf, the principal is still solely responsible in the case that there are any legal discrepancies involved from misfiled paperwork or fees owed to Virginia Internal Revenue.