Charleston Power of Attorney Lawyer

Charleston Power of Attorney Attorney

When a loved one is incapacitated, important decisions must be made by closer relatives. Without a power of attorney, it may be unclear who should make those choices. Having a power of attorney that is drafted by a Charleston power of attorney lawyer can ensure that your financial and healthcare decisions are managed by someone you trust.

How Does a Power of Attorney Work?

A power of attorney is an important legal document that grants a person (the agent or “attorney-in-fact”) the authority to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or health-related matters. The agent can make decisions according to the powers specified in the document.

The enumerated power could authorize the agent to:

• Manage your bank accounts
• Sell your property
• Sign your legal documents
• Make medical decisions on your behalf

A power of attorney can be either durable, meaning it remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. Or it can be non-durable, meaning it only remains in effect as long as you are capable of making your own decisions.

Do I Need a Power of Attorney?

Regardless of your age or health, having a power of attorney is highly recommended for everyone. The document ensures that your financial, legal, and medical affairs are handled according to your wishes if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

A fall, serious car accident, or illness could leave you temporarily incapacitated. Without a POA, your family may need to go through a lengthy and costly court process to gain the authority to manage your affairs. A POA provides peace of mind, knowing that a trusted person will handle your matters in your interest.

Benefits of Having a Power of Attorney

Having a power of attorney that is drafted by an experienced estate planning lawyer offers several key benefits. As part of your broader estate planning, you can draft a power of attorney in a way that gives you greater control and flexibility over your affairs. For example, you can specify the scope of the designated representative’s authority, ensuring your preferences are respected.

Having a well-drafted power of attorney can help you avoid guardianship. Without a power of attorney, a court may appoint a guardian or conservator to manage your affairs. This process can be lengthy and could likely result in someone you would not have chosen making decisions on your behalf.

A power of attorney allows your designated agent to make decisions quickly without the need for court approval. This can relieve stress from your family during a difficult time. Your agent can handle your finances, such as paying bills, managing investments, and handling transactions that keep your family’s finances stable and secure.

If you have a healthcare power of attorney, your agent can make medical decisions for you based on your directives. By clearly detailing who makes which decisions and under what guidelines, you can minimize disputes and confusion among family members during a difficult time. Your loved one will have peace of mind knowing that a trusted individual will handle your affairs if you become incapacitated.

Why Charlestonians Trust Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC

Finding a trusted law firm to handle your power of attorney needs can be difficult. At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, our attorneys combine experience and approachability.

We take the time to understand our client’s unique needs and goals, building strong relationships in the process. Renowned throughout West Virginia, our lawyers are respected litigators with a broad range of experience. We prioritize your understanding of your case, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Whether you require assistance in drafting a power of attorney or dealing with related legal issues, you can count on our firm for thorough and effective legal representation.

Power of Attorney FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Power of Attorney Cost in West Virginia?

A: The cost of a power of attorney in West Virginia depends on the hourly wage of the estate planning attorney you work with. Estate planning lawyers charge by billable hours. Your lawyer can draft your power of attorney as part of your estate planning.

Once the bulk of estate planning is completed, you will likely only need to make minor alterations to the plan every so often as your estate planning and personal goals change and evolve.

Q: Does a Power of Attorney Have to be Recorded in West Virginia?

A: In order for a power of attorney to authorize a representative to make decisions on your behalf, you should hire an attorney to draft and help you execute the proper document for designating someone to have this significant decision-making authority in your absence or incapacitation. A power of attorney document can be recorded in the county where the principal resides.

Q: How Do I Get a Power of Attorney for an Elderly Parent with Dementia in West Virginia?

A: Once an adult is no longer able to make important decisions of their own free will, any documents they sign may not be considered valid. When an elderly parent is no longer of sound mind, one option may be to seek guardianship over the elderly parent. An estate planning lawyer who understands elder laws can review your case before recommending the most optimal course of action.

Q: What is the Tax Form for Power of Attorney in West Virginia?

A: The West Virginia State Tax Department provides an online form specifically for individuals who have an authorized power of attorney. One common power authorized by a power of attorney is the power to make tax-related decisions on behalf of the principal. By filling out the appropriate tax forms, the representative of an estate can pay taxes and file forms on behalf of the principal.

Schedule Your Power of Attorney Consultation Today

Power of attorney is a crucial resource for managing your affairs and ensuring your wishes are respected. Whether you’re setting up a new Power of Attorney or updating an existing one, our lawyers at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, are here to help. For years, residents of Charleston have relied on us for their estate planning needs.

Our firm is known for providing reliable and thorough legal representation. We look forward to serving you and your family. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.