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J. S. Burton, P.L.C. J. S. Burton, P.L.C.
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Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney Lawyer in Virginia

Also Serving Washington, D.C.

At J. S. Burton, P.L.C., we are deeply committed to helping you safeguard your legacy. With more than two decades of experience, our boutique and holistic approach guarantees personalized attention to detail when creating your Power of Attorney, tailored precisely to your needs.

We offer a complimentary, no-obligation initial consultation, firmly placing our clients at the center of our focus. Allow us to navigate the complexities of estate planning, providing unwavering protection for your legacy.

Don't hesitate, to reach out today to schedule your consultation, and discover firsthand the impact our expertise can have on securing your financial future. Contact us online or dial (888) 885-9001.

What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A power of attorney is a legally enforceable document that delegates authority to a trustworthy individual known as the attorney-in-fact to act on your behalf in financial and legal concerns. This agreement is an essential component of estate planning in Virginia, allowing you to make provisions for unforeseen situations in which you may be unable to manage your affairs due to illness, absence, or other circumstances.

By handing decision-making responsibilities to a selected representative, you protect your financial interests with a carefully prepared POA. However, it is critical to recognize that POAs are not one-size-fits-all; they exist in a variety of forms, each tailored to individual needs and contingencies.

Choosing the proper type of POA is a critical decision that should be based on your specific circumstances and goals. A skilled power of attorney lawyer in Virginia can provide significant help in developing a customized document that protects your interests and ensures your desires are carried out, even in difficult situations.

Different Types of Power of Attorney

Virginia recognizes several types of Power of Attorney to address various situations:

  • General Power of Attorney: This gives you broad control over your financial and legal affairs. It is frequently used when you require someone to manage your affairs temporarily, such as during a long travel.
  • Durable Power of Attorney: This continues to be effective even if you become incapacitated, making it a crucial tool for long-term planning, particularly for seniors or those with health issues.
  • Limited (Special) Power of Attorney: It gives your attorney-in-fact specified authority for certain tasks or times while you are unavailable.
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney: Also known as a Medical Power of Attorney, this document authorizes someone to make healthcare choices on your behalf when you are unable to communicate your intentions.
  • Springing Power of Attorney: This type only becomes effective when a specified event occurs, typically your incapacity.

These different types of POAs allow you to tailor your legal documents to your unique circumstances, ensuring your interests are protected, and your decisions are carried out as desired. Consulting a seasoned Virginia POA lawyer can help you navigate the complexities and make informed choices.

For experienced guidance, speak with a knowledgeable Virginia POA attorney. Call us at (888) 885-9001 or contact us online.

Opinions That Matter Most

Read What Our Former Clients Have to Say
    "Very professional, friendly, thoughtful, and highly knowledgeable, Fallon expedited preparation and delivery of my documents. Overall, this was an awesome experience"

    I just had a great experience with this firm in preparing my estate planning documents. I needed to update some wishes and also ensure everything is in line for the state of Virginia, as I moved here from Pennsylvania. I worked with Fallon Francesca Whi

    - Wendy V.
    "I would highly recommend him."
    I have met with Mr Burton several times and always found him to be professional and personable
    - Bonnie T.
    "Highly recommended for estate planning"
    We were heard and guided to do the best for our families needs
    - Fred S.
    "Friendly and personable service."
    J S Burton, PLC has helped with my estate planning. All aspects of my trust are clearly defined in an easy-to-understand folder. They coordinated with my financial planner seamlessly. The staff is friendly and personable. I highly endorse J S Burton.
    - Elizabeth M.
    "Thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!"
    Thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!
    - Krystin R.
    "Truly impressive and caring."
    J S Burton, PLC has been our family's trusted estate planner for over 20 years. Their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication are unmatched. They guide us through complex decisions with ease and clarity, always with a personal approach.
    - Ryan D.
    "Highly skilled and compassionate."
    J S Burton, PLC is an excellent estate planning firm—highly skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced. They listened with great kindness, compassion, and courtesy. All questions were answered, and a perfect estate plan was created. Very happy!
    - Kathy R.
    "Excellent service"
    The service was excellent!
    - Susan B.

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    FAQs

    • What is estate planning?

      When someone passes away, his or her property must somehow pass to another person. In the United States, any competent adult has the right to choose the manner in which his or her assets are distributed after his or her passing. (The main exception to this general rule involves what is called a spousal right of election which disallows the complete disinheritance of a spouse in most states.) A proper estate plan also involves strategies to minimize potential estate taxes and settlement costs as well as to coordinate what would happen with your home, your investments, your business, your life insurance, your employee benefits (such as a 401K plan), and other property in the event of death or disability. On the personal side, a good estate plan should include directions to carry out your wishes regarding health care matters, so that if you ever are unable to give the directions yourself, someone you know and trust can do that for you.

    • Why is it important to establish an estate plan?

      Sadly, many individuals don’t engage in formal estate planning because they don’t think that they have “a lot of assets” or mistakenly believe that their assets will be automatically shared among their children upon their passing. If you don’t make proper legal arrangements for the management of your assets and affairs after your passing, the state’s intestacy laws will take over upon your death. This often results in the wrong people getting your assets as well as higher estate taxes.

      If you pass away without establishing an estate plan, your estate would undergo probate, a public, court-supervised proceeding. Probate can be expensive and tie up the assets of the deceased for a prolonged period before beneficiaries can receive them. Even worse, your failure to outline your intentions through proper estate planning can tear apart your family as each person maneuvers to be appointed with the authority to manage your affairs. Further, it is not unusual for bitter family feuds to ensue over modest sums of money or a family heirloom.

    • What does my estate include?

      Your estate is simply everything that you own, anywhere in the world, including:

      • Your home or any other real estate that you own
      • Your business
      • Your share of any joint accounts
      • The full value of your retirement accounts
      • Any life insurance policies that you own
      • Any property owned by a trust, over which you have a significant control
    • How do I name a guardian for my children?
      If you have children under the age of eighteen, you should designate a person or persons to be appointed guardian(s) over their person and property. Of course, if a surviving parent lives with the minor children (and has custody over them), he or she automatically continues to remain their sole guardian. This is true despite the fact that others may be named as the guardian in your estate planning documents. You should name at least one alternate guardian in case the primary guardian cannot serve or is not appointed by the court.