A Virginia minor (child) power of attorney temporarily delegates a parent or guardian’s parental responsibilities to an individual of their choice. This may be necessary in cases where the parent or guardian cannot be present to look after their child due to a serious injury, incarceration, destruction of their home, or any other situation that would prevent them from meeting their child’s needs.

The appointed individual, also known as the attorney-in-fact, is authorized to ensure the child’s welfare and handle any decision-making that may arise, for example, choosing a school or booking a doctor’s appointment. A Virginia minor (child) power of attorney can have a maximum duration of one hundred and eighty (180) days unless the parent/guardian is an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces or another government agency.

Laws – § 20-166

Signing Requirements (§ 20-167) – Notary Public

Expiration (§ 20-167) – One hundred and eighty (180) days, with the exception of military deployment.