In any case, those with medical conditions and those in need of help with business-related matters do not need to fill out the same West Virginia power of attorney forms. Each one comes with their own specific purpose, a few of the most common being:
General Power of Attorney
In this type of power of attorney, the principal can pass over financial and business responsibilities to another. With a general POA, the right will be granted to the attorney-in-fact until the principal becomes disabled or dies. In both cases, the document is no longer valid.
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney is used to grant the right to a chosen attorney-in-fact to act in any financial matter. The reason for its name is that, even if the principal is to become disabled, this document holds up, reaming legal until the principal’s demise.
Medical Power of Attorney
In this type of POA, attorneys-in-fact have the right to act on behalf of the principal involving any medical-related matters. This could be decisions that account for the care or well-being of the principal or treatment decision. The most common uses are when the principal is deemed terminally ill or works in a high-risk job.
Minor Child Power of Attorney
Used in cases where the principal has a child, this type of POA serves when a parent is called to leave the country. This document will grant the chosen attorney-in-fact the right to decide for the child as their legal parent would. This authority can last for up to one year; anything more will be deemed invalid.
Real Estate Power of Attorney
A real estate power of attorney is used to help the principal with the purchase, sale, or refinancing of a home or other property. Because of the type of paperwork involved and the large sum of money, principals are recommended to choose only professions to handle finances and paperwork.
Tax Power of Attorney
A tax power of attorney (Form WV-2848) grants an individual the right to handle tax-related business and documents on the principal’s behalf. Most often, the chosen attorney-in-fact is a professional, either certified as an accountant or tax preparer. In either case, any issues brought on by the West Virginia Internal Revenue are the principal’s sole responsibility, including all fees.