Ashburn, VA asked in Divorce and Real Estate Law for Virginia

Q: My wife and I are having issues. We have 2 houses in her name with a POA. Can she sell the property

I travel overseas for work and have given full POA to my wife. We are having issues and I am afraid she may sell our properties and take all the money. I am not sure if she can take all the proceeds from the sale? What can I do to protect my share? 2 houses in NJ and one in VA.

If she files for a divorce, what happens to our assets since she has full POA from me since 2015.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer

A: You can revoke a power of attorney at any time. It's as simple as "I hereby revoke the power of attorney given to (name) dated (date)." and then sign it, give her a copy, and make a written note on a copy when you handed it to her. Mail copies to banks, tenants, and anyone who deals with the agent.

While that simple approach should do it, you can and should also record a NOTARIZED revocation of power of attorney at the courthouse for all jurisdictions where you own property.

NOTE while this answer should work in Virginia - I make no representation for New Jersey.

ALSO, you need to consult a lawyer as soon as possible - both for the domestic relations issue and the property issue.

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.