Power of Attorney in West Virginia
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
West Virginia requires notarization and allows you to name successor agents if your primary agent cannot serve.
How West Virginia treats Power of Attorney
West Virginia law (W. Va. Code § 39-1-1) permits durable powers of attorney that survive your incapacity. The document must be notarized and signed by you in front of witnesses or a notary. You can designate alternate or successor agents to act if your primary agent dies, resigns, or becomes unable to serve. West Virginia recognizes both financial and healthcare powers of attorney.
The general definition of Power of Attorney
A legal document authorizing someone to act on your behalf in financial or medical decisions.
A power of attorney is a document you sign giving another person (called an agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to make decisions and sign documents for you. You can make it broad (covering all financial matters) or narrow (only for selling a specific property). It takes effect immediately or only if you become incapacitated, depending on what you choose.
Read the full Power of Attorney entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.