Power of Attorney in Norfolk, Virginia

Find the right Power of Attorney attorney in Norfolk, VA

If you want to give somebody the legal authority to make certain decisions on your behalf in Norfolk, Virginia, you are giving them "power of attorney." There are many different types of power of attorney, to be discussed in more detail below, but they all boil down to one common element: the authority of one person to make decisions for another. I'm sure you can think of many reasons why somebody might want to give this power to another person, especially in the medical context (in case the grantor becomes incapacitated, for example).

The principal is able to dictate the exact scope of the attorney-in-fact's authority. If you are giving someone power of attorney, you're probably planning on giving it to a close friend, family member, or life partner. The exact scope of the power is up to you, and will depend on what your goals are.

For instance, some people have specific wishes, whether based on religion or personal preference, about how they should be cared for at the end of their life. Oftentimes, people who are at the end of their lives become unable to express their wishes. Therefore, it becomes necessary to have somebody else who knows what they would want, and has the legal authority to give effect to those wishes.

In Norfolk, Virginia, you can find pre-printed power-of-attorney forms in many office supply stores. If the agreement you want to create isn't very complex, these could be a viable and very affordable option. Of course, it never hurts to have a lawyer help.

Types of Power of Attorney Arrangements in Norfolk, Virginia

In Norfolk, Virginia, power of attorney can take three basic forms. They are as follows:

1. Limited power of attorney - this is the most limited form of power of attorney. It lets the attorney-in-fact exercise his or her power once, and in only one instance (laid out by the principal, of course). This is commonly used in business deals, if it is not convenient for the actual party to a deal to be physically present for the signing of some documents, it can be done through an attorney-in-fact. You simply need to give them the authority to sign the paperwork on your behalf, and it will be just as binding as if you had signed the documents yourself.

2. Durable power of attorney - unlike limited power of attorney, discussed above, this does not automatically expire, though the principal can terminate it at any time. It is usually not limited to a single transaction, either. Rather, it covers a broader subject matter, though it still has limits. For example, you could give someone durable power of attorney to make medical decisions for you, but they would only be allowed to act in that context.

3. Springing power of attorney - this is a lot like durable power of attorney, but it does not usually take effect immediately. Rather, the power vests on the occurrence of certain condition(s) laid out by the principal. The principal could make the condition anything he or she wants, allowing power of attorney to vest only if, say, a person flies to Saturn. Of course, these arrangements are usually not so outlandish. Usually the event that must take place is the principal becoming incapacitated. This allows the principal to make his or her own decisions while they're able, but also ensures that someone they trust will be able to carry out their wishes in the event that they become too sick or weak to express them.

Can a Norfolk, Virginia Lawyer Help?

Because there are sometimes complicated issues involved in setting up power of attorney in Norfolk, Virginia, you should consult with a lawyer beforehand. You can tell the lawyer all of the relevant details about your particular situation, and your goals, and he or she will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Norfolk

Norfolk is Virginia's second-largest city. It is an independent city, and therefore not part of any county. It currently has a population of about 233,000 people.

Norfolk, Virginia was founded as an English colony in the 1620s, during the early days of English settlement in North America. By the time of American independence, Norfolk was considered one of the wealthiest cities in Virginia, owing its prosperity mostly to the burgeoning tobacco industry.

Modernly, Norfolk is coming out of some hard economic times. It is currently in the throes of a major urban renewal project, aimed at attracting businesses and residents back to its urban core. Norfolk's economy has been sustained by the presence of a naval shipyard, as well as a major commercial port, both of which provide thousands of jobs. Norfolk is also home to the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies.

Because of its economic and demographic diversity, Norfolk, Virginia, there is a thriving and sophisticated legal community there. Norfolk, Virginia lawyers are capable of handling just about any legal problem a person might have. If you have any legal issues, you should contact a Norfolk, Virginia lawyer as soon as possible.

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