What legal documents will I need to establish my estate plan?

Establishing an estate plan in Virginia requires the use of a few legal documents. The first document is a will. This is a legally recognized document which states how you want your estate - assets, bank accounts, investments, and other financial resources - to be divided after you die. A durable power of attorney (DPOA) is another important document to include in an estate plan, as it grants another person the power to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. A health care power of attorney (HC POA) is similar to a DPOA but provides instructions for what medical treatments you would like to receive if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. If you have minor children, it’s important to create a guardianship document. This document will state who will take care of your children until they become adults. Finally, you may need to create a living will or advanced health care directive. This document outlines the type of medical care you wish to receive if you become permanently incapacitated. Overall, an estate plan in Virginia requires the use of a will, durable power of attorney, health care power of attorney, guardianship document, and living will or advanced health care directive. These documents will ensure that your wishes are taken into account if something happens to you.

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