what does a durable power of attorney llok like in maryland

by Ashlynn Brekke Sr. 8 min read

The official document establishes what the agent is able to do and how much power they have. Powers of attorney are assumed durable in Maryland unless specifically stated. This means that the powers are intact in the event the principal becomes incapacitated.

Full Answer

What is the purpose of a durable power of attorney?

What Is a Durable Power of Attorney?

  • Power of Attorney vs. Durable Power of Attorney. ...
  • General Durable Power of Attorney Definition. A general durable power of attorney both authorizes someone to act in a wide range of legal and business matters and remains in effect ...
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. ...
  • Obtaining and Removing a Power of Attorney. ...

What are the benefits of a durable power of attorney?

Pros:

  • Attorney fees to execute a DPOA are generally economical when compared to fees associated establishing a conservatorship for the estate.
  • A DPOA lasts indefinitely.
  • A Durable Power of Attorney is confidential, and the person’s reasons for assigning a DPOA do not have to be disclosed to outside parties.

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What is the value of a durable power of attorney?

A specific type of advance directive, know as a durable power of attorney, legally enables a selected loved one, friend or trusted professional to make essential — often difficult — decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated, according to the NCL. Health care decisions, such as which medical treatments should be used or withheld.

What makes a power of attorney "durable"?

With a Durable POA, even if the unthinkable happens, your POA could potentially:

  • Act in any manner on your behalf
  • Sign legal documents as necessary
  • Advise on healthcare decisions
  • Make personal financial decisions for you
  • Make financial decisions for your business

Does a durable power of attorney need to be notarized in Maryland?

The form requires the signatures of two witnesses. The form does not need to be notarized. Do not file this form with the court.

What is durable power of attorney in Maryland?

A Maryland durable power of attorney is a statutory document that can be used to appoint a person (“agent”) to carry out someone else's (“principal”) financial affairs and other requests.

Does a power of attorney need to be witnessed in Maryland?

Maryland law sets forth four specific requirements for an effective Maryland power of attorney; (i) the power of attorney must be in writing, (ii) it must be signed by the person establishing the power of attorney, (iii) it must be acknowledged in the presence of a notary public, and (ii) it must be witnessed by at ...

Can a notary notarize a power of attorney in Maryland?

As mentioned above, in Maryland, you should have your POA notarized and witnessed. The notary public can act as one of the two required witnesses.

What three decisions Cannot be made by a legal power of attorney?

You cannot give an attorney the power to: act in a way or make a decision that you cannot normally do yourself – for example, anything outside the law. consent to a deprivation of liberty being imposed on you, without a court order.

Does a POA need to be notarized?

Registration of power of attorney is optional In India, where the 'Registration Act, 1908', is in force, the Power of Attorney should be authenticated by a Sub-Registrar only, otherwise it must be properly notarized by the notary especially where in case power to sell land is granted to the agent.

Can family members witness a power of attorney?

In most cases if you are using the Power of Attorney domestically, anyone over the age of 18 who isn't named as your Attorney can be a signatory witness. This can be a friend, colleague, family member or any professional.

Can a notary also be a witness in Maryland?

Maryland has a unique law that allows a Notary to notarize the signature in the capacity as an “official witness” without completing a notarial certificate.

Does a will need to be notarized in Maryland?

No, in Maryland, you do not need to notarize your will to make it legal. Maryland does allow you to make your will "self-proving," which speeds up probate because the court can accept the will without contacting the witnesses who signed it.

Does signing under POA need to be witnessed?

Properly executing your Power of Attorney document is crucial to ensuring that it's valid. One aspect of proper execution is ensuring that a valid witness is present. A witness is required to ensure that individuals signing the POA are in fact who they say they are.

How do I get a power of attorney in Maryland?

How Do I Create a Power of Attorney in Maryland?Written, and.Signed by the principal, or another person in the presence of the principal at the express direction of the principal, and.Notarized by a public notary, and.Signed by two or more adult witnesses in the presence of the principal and each other.

Is a thumbprint required for a notary in Maryland?

Nothing prevents a Notary from asking for a thumbprint for every notarial act, if the signer is willing. However, a Notary may not refuse to notarize a document if the signer has complied with all other laws governing notarization and the document type is not one that requires a journal thumbprint.

What is a Maryland durable power of attorney?

A Maryland durable power of attorney is a statutory document that can be used to appoint a person (“agent”) to carry out someone else’s (“principal”) financial affairs and other requests. Such actions would be performed on the principal’s behalf and will remain in effect if the principal becomes incapacitated (“durable”).

How to become an attorney in fact in Maryland?

(1) Name Of Principal. Begin the Maryland appointment of an Attorney-in-Fact with your printed name in the first declaration statement. As the Principal, you will be required to read this entire form to deliver a proper executing signature. Bear in mind that the language of this document is set, therefore an opportunity to directly address any issues with this appointment will be available. If this form delivers too much power to the Agent, then it is recommended that the statutory short form version be issued instead.

What happens if you are incapacitated and one of the Attorneys in Fact named above becomes unable to

If you are incapacitated and one or more of the Attorneys-in-Fact named above become unable to fulfill their roles because he or she will not or cannot act on your behalf , then the current plans of representation you depend on may be significantly affected. This paperwork allows you to engage the precaution of setting a Successor Agent to take over the vacant role if this becomes necessary. It should be noted that a Successor Agent is not granted access to principal authority unless or more of the Attorneys-in-Fact are removed, unable, or unwilling to act in the role assigned.

What is power of attorney?

“Power of attorney” means a writing or other record that grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal, whether or not the term “power of attorney” is used ( § 17-101 (d) ).

Can a successor agent be granted access to principal authority?

It should be noted that a Successor Agent is not granted access to principal authority unless or more of the Attorneys-in-Fact are removed, unable, or unwilling to act in the role assigned. (11) Successor Agent’s Address. The address where the Successor Agent can be contacted must be documented.

What is a power of attorney?

A specific power of attorney provides for a limited set of things the agent is allowed to do on your behalf. A general power of attorney lets someone step in your shoes and do anything that you can do.

Can a financial institution refuse a power attorney form in Maryland?

If you use the Maryland form power attorney, or one substantially similar to the Maryland form, a financial institution cannot refuse it. If they do, they could be held liable for the attorney’s fees incurred in forcing them to accept it.

What is a power of attorney in Maryland?

The power of attorney defines the limits of the power that the principal is giving to the agent. The power of attorney does not take away the principal’s power to act; it only gives the agent the power to act for the principal. The Maryland legislature passed a Power of Attorney Act in 2010. The act provides two statutory forms ...

When was the Power of Attorney Act passed in Maryland?

The Maryland legislature passed a Power of Attorney Act in 2010. The act provides two statutory forms that make it easier for people to grant powers to others to act for them on financial and other matters. The act is called the Maryland General and Limited Power of Attorney Act; it is in MD Code Estates & Trusts, Title 17.

What happens to a power of attorney when the principal dies?

the agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns, and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent to act under the power of attorney. Note: If the principal dies, any action that the agent takes in good faith – until the agent learns of the principal’s death – is binding.

What happens when a principal dies?

the principal dies (ends when the agent learns of the principal's death); the principal becomes incapacitated (unless the power of attorney is durable); the principal revokes the power of attorney; the power of attorney provides that it terminates; the purpose of the power of attorney is accomplished; OR.

What is a medical power of attorney?

Medical Powers of Attorney (Advanced Directives) Any competent person may create a power of attorney to give someone the power to make healthcare decisions for him in case something happens. These documents are called advanced directives. The Maryland Health Care Decision Act governs advance directives.

What happens if a person refuses to honor a power of attorney?

If a person refuses to honor a statutory power of attorney, that person may be held liable for the attorney's fees incurred to get a court order that requires them to abide by the power of attorney. General v. Limited Powers of Attorney. A power of attorney can be either general or limited.

When does a power of attorney go into effect?

Normally, the power of attorney goes into effect as soon as the principal signs the document. However, a ” springing” power of attorney gives the agent the power to act for the principal only after a certain event, such as when the principal becomes disabled.

What does "power of attorney" mean in Maryland?

This means that the powers are intact in the event the principal becomes incapacitated. According to Maryland Code, Estates and Trusts § § 17-101 – 17-204, any writing or other record that grants a person the power to act on behalf of another will be read as a legal power of attorney. The document does not need to contain the phrase “power ...

How old do you have to be to get a power of attorney in Maryland?

To create a power of attorney in Maryland, a person must meet the following qualifications: Be at least 18 years of age. Plan to give the power to the person they designate on the official document. Be mentally competent. To be mentally competent, a person must be able to understand the power of attorney document, ...

What is a power of attorney?

Defining Powers of Attorney. A power of attorney is a document that gives a person the legal authority to act on behalf of another person. A person can be assigned to manage the affairs of another in the event that person is unable to do so. The person who grants the power is referred to as the principal, while the person who receives ...

What is an official document?

The official document will describe the powers granted to the agent. If there is a question regarding the agent’s powers, the principal, agent, guardian of the principal, principal’s family member, or a government agency may petition the court to determine what powers the agent is actually entitled to.

Who has the right to determine when a power of attorney goes into effect?

The principal also has the right to say when an event makes the powers effective. In the event the principal becomes sick or hurt and no one has been authorized to determine when the power of attorney goes into effect, a doctor or judge has the legal authority to make the determination.

Is a power of attorney a responsibility?

It is a tremendous responsibility and the person being given the power should be trustworthy, understanding, and loyal. If you’re planning on establishing a power of attorney or are being assigned to one, you may have some questions. We’ll break down the ins and outs of powers of attorney in Maryland so you can make informed decisions.

Can an employee of a health care facility in Maryland be an agent?

Under the Maryland Health Care Decision Act, an owner, operator, or employee of the health care facility where the principal is being cared for cannot serve as an agent unless the power was established prior to admittance.

What is another uncertainty with a power of attorney?

Another related uncertainty with a power of attorney involves control. “Agents must carry out the orders of the principal even when the orders are contrary to the terms of the power. Trustees, in contrast, normally are not subject to the control of the settlor or the beneficiaries ….

What does the statue of the power of an agent state?

Instead, the statues simply state that powers possessed by the agent are not lost when the principal becomes incapacitated. Therefore, to determine the scope of the agent’s authority, one must look to the terms of the power and to the law of agency.” (Id. At 32.)

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal instrument that delegates an individual’s legal authority to a trusted person to make decisions on his or her behalf. Whether it be in the short term while an individual is out of the country or for an extended period due to physical or mental incapacity, powers of attorney can be an incredible tool to help individuals manage their property and ensure their well-being.

Is a power of attorney valid in Maryland?

Fortunately, Maryland law provides that a power of attorney executed somewhere other than in the Maryland is valid and enforceable in this state provided that, when executed, it complied with the laws of the state in which it was established. Additionally, for those serving in the armed forces, the law also provides that any power of attorney executed in accordance with federal law requirements for a military power of attorney shall be recognized as valid in the State of Maryland.

Why do we need a durable powers of attorney?

Durable powers of attorney help you plan for medical emergencies and declines in mental functioning and can ensure that your finances are taken care of. Having these documents in place helps eliminate confusion and uncertainty when family members have to make tough medical decisions.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney allows someone else to handle your legal, financial, or medical matters. General powers of attorney cover a wide range of transactions, while limited powers of attorney cover only specific situations, such as authorizing a car dealer to register your new vehicle for you.

What does POA stand for in power of attorney?

When power of attorney is made durable, it remains intact if you cannot make decisions for yourself. A power of attorney (POA) authorizes someone else to handle certain matters, such as finances or health care, on your behalf. If a power of attorney is durable, it remains in effect if you become incapacitated, such as due to illness or an accident. ...

What is the purpose of a durable POA?

The purpose of a durable POA is to plan for medical emergencies, cognitive decline later in life, or other situations where you're no longer capable of making decisions.

What can an attorney in fact do?

An attorney-in-fact can handle many types of transactions, including: Buying and selling property. Managing bank accounts, bills, and investments. Filing tax returns. Applying for government benefits. If you become incapacitated and don't have a general durable power of attorney, your family may have to go to court and have you declared incompetent ...

What is a power of attorney for healthcare?

A healthcare power of attorney, on the other hand, names someone to make medical decisions any time you are unable to do it yourself, even if you are expected to make a full recovery.

Can a POA be effective if you are incapacitated?

The POA can take effect immediately or can become effective only if you are incapacitated. The person you appoint is known as your agent, or attorney-in-fact, although the individual or company doesn't have to be a lawyer. An attorney-in-fact can handle many types of transactions, including: Buying and selling property.

Signing Requirements

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The power of attorney must be in writing and signed by the principal, or by someone else acting at the direction of the principal and in the presence of the principal. The signing must be acknowledged by the principal in the presence of a notary public. And the power of attorney must be attested and signed by two or m…
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Statutory Form

  • The Maryland Legislature has provided a sample statutory form for powers of attorney, available at § 17–202of the Maryland Laws.
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Designation of Agent

  • (1) Name Of Principal.Begin the Maryland appointment of an Attorney-in-Fact with your printed name in the first declaration statement. As the Principal, you will be required to read this entire form to deliver a proper executing signature. Bear in mind that the language of this document is set, therefore an opportunity to directly address any issue...
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Designation of Coagents

  • (5) Name Of Principal.The second declaration made will be to name additional Agents or Attorneys-in-Fact who will operate with the principal power with the Agent named above. This is optional however if more than one Attorney-in-Fact is to be granted principal power the second declaration statement must be completed beginning with the full name of the Principal. (6) Nam…
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Designation of Successor Agents

  • (10) Name Of Successor Agent.If you are incapacitated and one or more of the Attorneys-in-Fact named above become unable to fulfill their roles because he or she will not or cannot act on your behalf, then the current plans of representation you depend on may be significantly affected. This paperwork allows you to engage the precaution of setting a Successor Agent to take over the va…
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Special Instructions

  • (14) Principal Directives.The principal powers this document grants to the Attorney-in-Fact can be considered broad and sweeping. Therefore, any limitations that you wish placed on these powers should be well-documented and included. Additionally, if you wish to set a specific start date to the Attorney-in-Fact’s principal powers, this must be included in the content of this form by the ti…
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Termination Date

  • (15) Date Of Expiration.Normally, unless otherwise indicated, this document will become effective once you sign it and continue to be in effect until you revoke it or become deceased. If preferred, however, you may set a specific calendar date for the effect of this document to expire. This will mean your Attorneys-in-Fact and Successor Agent(s) will no longer have access to the authority …
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Nomination of Guardian

  • (16) Guardian Of Property.Optionally, you can use this paperwork to nominate a specific Party to act as the Guardian of your Estate should the courts of Maryland determine that a Guardian to your property must be appointed to safeguard your rights. Such an appointment is strictly in the hands of the State of Maryland however, a nomination directly from the Principal of this docume…
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Signature and Acknowledgment

  • (18) Your Signature.You must complete the signature area of this appointment before two Witnesses and a Notary Public recognized in these roles by the State of Maryland. (19)Your Name Printed. (20)Your Address. (21)Your Telephone Number. (22) Notarizing Your Signature.The Notary Public observing this signing may direct you to release the documents to him or her afte…
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Witness Attestation

  • (23) Principal Name.Your name must be documented as the name of the Principal in the Witness declaration statement for this signing. (24) Witness 1’s Signature.The first Party acting as a Witness must sign his or her name as Witness #1 then supply his or her printed name, address, and phone number to show that the Witness Statement made is accurate. (25) Witness 2’s Sign…
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The Agent – Who to Pick

General v. Specific

When Should It Go Into Effect?

The Maryland Statutory Form

  • Originally there was no legal requirement that a bank or other institution accept your power of attorney. The bank could just look at your form and say “no.” This lead to problems for some people who had to get court orders to enforce the power of attorney they thought had them covered. In 2010 a new Maryland law went into effect that solved the pr...
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Conclusion & Next Steps