Powers of attorney and health care directives
The papers that can keep you out of court.
Overview
A durable power of attorney names someone to handle money and property.
An advance medical directive names someone to make health care decisions and records your wishes. Signed while you can still understand them, these papers can save a family the time, cost and stress of guardianship.
Is this for you?
Families usually call us about powers of attorney when:
- You have no powers of attorney, or yours were signed many years ago
- A parent has an early diagnosis and can still sign
- You moved to Virginia from another state
- A bank turned down an older power of attorney
What we help with
- Durable financial power of attorney
- Advance medical directive
- Medical privacy (HIPAA) release
- Updating older documents
How it works
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Step 1: Choose your people
Who do you trust with money? With medical choices? Many people name one person and a backup for each.
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Step 2: Decide the powers
We explain each power in plain words, including the ones needed for Medicaid planning later, so nothing important is left out.
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Step 3: Sign it properly
Documents are signed and notarized the right way. We can come to your home, hospital room or care facility.
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Step 4: Share copies
We give you copies for your agents, your doctor and your bank, and keep originals safe if you want us to.
What it costs
Example flat fees and ranges for this sample firm. Your fee is written down before any work starts.
| Service and example fee | Example fee |
|---|---|
| Power of attorney, medical directive and HIPAA release for one person $950 | $950 |
| The same documents for a couple $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Signing visit at home or a care facility Within our service area $150 | $150 |
| Review of documents from another state $300 | $300 |
What we cannot promise
A power of attorney only helps if it is signed while the person understands it. If that is in doubt, we may ask for a doctor's input first, and sometimes the honest answer is that guardianship is the only path.
Questions families ask
Can I get my parent to sign a power of attorney?
No one should be pushed into signing. We meet with your parent privately for part of the visit to make sure the choice is truly theirs.
Does a power of attorney let my brother do anything he wants?
No. An agent must act in the person's best interest and keep records. If an agent misuses the role, there are legal steps to stop it.
We already have a will. Isn't that enough?
A will only works after death. Powers of attorney and a medical directive work during life, which is when most families need help.
Who you will work with
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Margaret Stillwell
Founding attorney
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Priya Raman
Attorney
Related practice areas
Talk to us about powers of attorney.
Book a consultation online in about three minutes, or call and a real person will answer. We return every call within one business day.