Legal Question in Elder Law in Virginia

Power of Attorney

A friend's sister has power of attorney over her

monther in New York State. They both live in New

York State. Her mother is moving to Virginia, and

she would like to continue having power of

attorney over her mother's financial affairs, as well

as her health care. In addition, she would like to

share this power of attorney with her sister (also a

daughter of the same mother, and a resident of

Virginia).

Question: If the mother is no longer mentally

competent, how can they achieve power of

attorney over her? It seems that the forms I've

found require the principal (mother) to be mentally

competent and to sign the form. Must the mother

be declared mentally incompetent? What forms

need to be used? To whom should the mental

incompetency/power of attorney form(s) be

submitted (what state or county office?)


Asked on 2/23/01, 5:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Randy Masters The Law Office of Randy Masters

Re: Power of Attorney

Your friend's power of attorney over her mother, if valid in New York State, would also be valid when her mom moves to VA. If her mom is indeed currently incompetent, then she does not have the capacity to appoint anyone else power of attorney over her finances or healthcare. The other person who wants to be appointed guardian or conservator of the mother must file a petition in the circuit court where the mom ends up residing in Virginia. The circuit court judge would have the authority to appoint that person as the guardian/conservator of the mom.

Read more
Answered on 4/05/01, 1:18 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Elder Law questions and answers in Virginia