Estate planning often brings to mind wills, trusts, and the distribution of assets after someone has passed away. While these are undoubtedly crucial, a truly comprehensive estate plan also addresses what happens if you become unable to manage your own affairs during your lifetime. This is where a Power of Attorney (POA) becomes an indispensable legal tool in Virginia, offering peace of mind and ensuring your financial and sometimes healthcare decisions are handled according to your wishes, even if you can't voice them yourself. What Exactly is a Power of Attorney? At its heart, a Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you, the "Principal," to grant authority to another person, the "Agent" (sometimes called an "Attorney-in-Fact"), to make decisions and act on your behalf. This authority can be broad or very specific, and it's particularly vital for managing financial, legal, and sometimes medical matters if you become inc...