How can power of attorney be signed?

Question

If a wife has power of attorney for a husband, can she actually sign "John Doe" or must she sign "Jane Doe for John Doe"? I am in Virginia and would like answers specific to this state.

Answer 1

She should sign the name of the principal by herself, indicating the capacity in which she is signing. So it would by "John Doe by Jane Doe, Attorney-in-Fact" or "John Doe by Jane Doe, Agent".

If the power of attorney is used to sign a deed or mortgage, the power of attorney must be recorded in the land records of the county before the deed or mortgage.

Answer 2

It can depend on the document, but generally speaking, she would sign "John Doe, POA Jane Doe" and if it is a document to be recorded (like a deed or mortgage) the POA would be filed right before it.