Healthcare · Durable
Durable Healthcare POA
Names a trusted person to make all medical decisions on your behalf. Durable means this authority activates — and stays in force — when you are unconscious, incapacitated, or unable to speak for yourself.
Use when: You are facing surgery, a serious diagnosis, or want someone you trust to have legal authority to direct your care at any point.
✓ Current WA State form — Washington Law Help, updated Oct 2024
Financial · Durable
Durable Financial POA
Authorizes someone to manage your finances — pay bills, access bank accounts, and handle property. Durable means this authority stays in force even if you become incapacitated, unlike a standard POA which would expire.
Use when: You're hospitalized or facing serious illness and need someone you trust to keep managing your finances — now and if things get worse.
✓ Current WA State form — Washington Law Help, updated Oct 2024
General · Long-Term
Durable Power of Attorney
Gives someone broad legal authority to act on your behalf — covering finances, legal matters, and more. Durable means it stays in effect even if you become incapacitated, unlike a standard POA which would expire.
Use when: You want one person to handle nearly everything on your behalf long-term — especially planning ahead for aging, illness, or an extended hospital stay.
✓ Current WA State form — Washington Law Help, compliant with RCW 11.125
Minor Children · Durable
Durable POA for Parental Powers
Gives a trusted adult temporary legal authority to care for your child — including custody, healthcare decisions, school enrollment, and daily care — while you are unavailable or unable to be present. Durable means it stays in effect even if you become sick or injured. Valid for up to 2 years under Washington law.
Use when: Your child is staying with a relative or caregiver while you travel, are hospitalized, or are otherwise unavailable — and you want them to have full legal authority to act in your place.
Note: Fill out one form per child. Schools, doctors, and banks are required to honor it under RCW 11.130.145.
✓ Current WA State form — Washington Law Help, updated Jan 2025
End-of-Life Planning
Advance Directive / Living Will
Written instructions about the medical care you do or do not want if you can no longer communicate — covering life support, resuscitation, comfort care, and other treatment preferences.
Use when: You want doctors and family to know your exact care wishes and treatment preferences, even if you can't speak for yourself.
✓ Current WA State form — Washington Law Help, compliant with ch. 70.122 RCW
Limited · Specific Use
Limited Power of Attorney
Grants someone authority to handle one specific task on your behalf — such as a financial transaction, signing documents, or managing a single matter while you're unavailable or out of state. Authority ends automatically when the task is complete.
Use when: You need someone to act on your behalf for one specific purpose and want their authority to be narrow and time-limited.
Note: This form is non-durable by default — it expires when the task is complete or if you become incapacitated. Requires notarization or two witnesses under RCW 11.125.050.
✓ WA State form — compliant with RCW 11.125 via eForms