A power of attorney from Washington state allows you to appoint a trusted relative or friend to assist you with financial or healthcare decisions. After you sign it, the person you chose will use a power of attorney forms Washington to make decisions and sign contracts on your behalf at your medical providers, bank, school, and other locations, just as if he or she were you. Your "agent" is the trusted friend or relative you choose to assist you with financial or healthcare decisions.
What Is the Power of Attorney in Washington?
The power of attorney Washington state form is a legal document that allows a close friend or family member to act on your behalf. Because the Washington state power of attorney is such a powerful document, it's critical that whoever you give it is trustworthy.
These forms are commonly used by people who want their affairs handled if they get sick or have to leave the country for an extended period, but they can be used for various reasons.
What Is the Criteria for a Washington Power of attorney?
A WA power of attorney is established by both the agent and the principal filling out and signing a Washington state power of attorney form. The form must comply with the Washington Uniform Power of Attorney Act's requirements.
Powers of attorney are not assumed to be durable in Washington. Suppose the Washington power of attorney form does not state that the agent's abilities are unaffected by the principal's subsequent disability or incapacitation. In that case, the agent's powers will expire if the principal is incapacitated.
The following information must be included in all blank Durable power of attorney form in Washington State:
- The principal's and agent's names and addresses
- What are the agent's rights and responsibilities?
- Any restrictions on the agent's abilities?
- When the agent's activities start and stop
- The execution date
- Signatures of the principal and agent, as well as a notary, are required.
For the document to be valid, the principal must recognize their signature in front of a notary public.
When Should You Use a Washington Power of Attorney Form?
Washington’s power of attorney forms may be used to authorize another person to sell a vehicle, house, or other assets in the principal's name. A WA Power of Attorney may be used to authorize someone else to sign a contract on behalf of the principal. It may be used to give someone else the authority to make medical decisions, conduct financial transactions, or sign legal documents when the principal cannot do so for different reasons.
A Washington state power of attorney form would give others the authority to do any legal act that the principal could do himself or herself, with a few exceptions. A General WA Power of Attorney gives the Attorney-in-Fact broad authority to act on behalf of the principal in almost any legal matter.
When an Elder Law Attorney writes a General WA Power of Attorney, the document still lists the kinds of things the Attorney-in-Fact can do. Still, the powers are much more expansive than those granted by a "Limited" administration of attorney Washington State.
People also create General WA Powers of Attorney to prepare for the day when they will be unable to manage their affairs independently. They appoint someone to act on their behalf by signing a General Power of Attorney.
What Are the Most Important Factors to Fill your power of attorney?
The following are a few things to think about when deciding about the agent:
- Do you have faith in the individual?
- Are they trustworthy?
- Do they have the time to complete the task you require?
- Does the person have the necessary skills and expertise to complete the task?
- Is there a misunderstanding between your and their interests?
You should be cautious about who you nominate because power can be abused. You may wish to seek legal advice so that you are aware of the risks associated with granting a power of attorney in Washington state.
Conclusion:
A Washington state power of attorney form is a legal document that allows a person to appoint an agent (of their choice) to act in their best interests when making specific decisions or assignments. A principal can only use a power of attorney if he or she is intellectually competent (also known as "sound mind").
