Howard County Powers Of Attorney Lawyer

Powers of Attorney in Howard County

Planning for the future is prudent. If you were to become incapacitated, who would make decisions for you? Creating a power of attorney ensures that your preferences are clarified and that someone you trust will make decisions on your behalf. A Howard County powers of attorney lawyer can draft your power of attorney.

Hire a Powers of Attorney Lawyer

If you are ready to make important decisions regarding your future, our team can help. Liberty Legacy Law Group can draft your power of attorney, making sure you clearly understand its powers and limitations.

Our firm is committed to helping families in Howard County effectively plan for their future. Our co-founder, Attorney Kaitlyn Tauber, was recognized by Best of Business Rate in 2024 and 2025.

Power of Attorney in Maryland

A power of attorney gives an individual legal authority to act on behalf of another person. It allows the principal (the person who grants power of attorney) to authorize the designated agent (the person given the power) to manage their affairs if they become unable to do so.

In Maryland, all powers of attorney are considered durable unless specifically noted otherwise. A durable power of attorney does not end when the principal becomes disabled. A power of attorney can be limited or general. A limited power of attorney grants only the powers clearly defined in the document. Common powers include:

• Power to act in financial matters, such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, or managing investments
• Power to manage real estate, such as buying, selling, and managing property
• Power to make healthcare decisions or manage healthcare records
• Power to handle legal matters, such as signing legal documents or acting as a representative for the principal in certain legal matters
• Power to manage a business

A general power of attorney grants the designated agent power and authority to act for the principal in all personal and business matters. Common powers exercised by the agent include:

• Buying and selling stock
• Opening and closing bank accounts
• Taking out loans
• Accessing safety deposit boxes
• Purchasing real estate
• Entering into a contract in the name of the principal

Creating a Power of Attorney

To create a power of attorney in Maryland, an individual must meet certain criteria. They must be at least 18 years old, be mentally competent, and have the intention to give power to the individual named in the document.

Selecting a Designated Agent

The role of the designated agent is extremely important and must be filled by someone you trust. You will want to discuss the role with any potential candidates to determine if they are a suitable fit. It is important to be transparent about your expectations and to be clear about the time commitment and any expectations you have.

Often, individuals select a spouse, close friend, or family member. You will want to select an individual who, in addition to being trustworthy, is also organized and reliable.

Executing a Power of Attorney in Maryland

If a power of attorney was executed in Maryland on or after October 1, 2010, it must:

• Be in writing
• Be signed by the principal
• Be acknowledged by the principal in the presence (electronic or physical) of a notary public
• Be signed by at least two adult witnesses in the presence (electronic or physical) of the principal and each other

The notary public is allowed to serve as one of the witnesses. The Maryland Secretary of State provides a list of approved remote notaries. The state-authorized notaries possess the required technology to perform remote notarial acts. The charge for a remote notarial act cannot exceed $30.

FAQs

How Much Does a Howard County Power of Attorney Cost?

The cost of a power of attorney can depend on multiple factors. The complexity of the document will influence the cost. There are various types of powers of attorney, such as limited, general, springing, and durable; each type has varying degrees of intricacy.

There are also specific regulations that each state applies, which can influence the complexity and cost. Hiring an attorney will ensure that state powers of attorney laws are followed and your unique needs are addressed.

Who Is the Ideal Person to Give Power of Attorney?

A powers of attorney lawyer can advise you on who the ideal person is to give power of attorney based on your specific circumstances. The individual with the power of attorney is called the designated agent. With most power of attorney types, you continue to conduct all of your own legal transactions unless you become incapacitated. It is critical to select a trustworthy, accountable, and reliable individual to serve as your designated agent.

What Is the Easiest Way to Get a Power of Attorney?

The easiest way to get a power of attorney is to schedule a consultation with an experienced power of attorney lawyer. Setting up a power of attorney is a critical step in planning for the unexpected. A power of attorney ensures that someone you trust and have selected is legally named to make decisions for you. Often, a family member, spouse, close friend, or even a professional is chosen as the designated agent.

What Is a Power of Attorney (POA) Not Allowed to Do?

There are specific things a designated agent under a power of attorney is not allowed to do. They cannot make changes to the will or estate plan, or make a gift or transfer from the principal’s estate without permission. They cannot make decisions that are not in the interests of the principal or that go against the wishes of the principal.

Contact a Howard County Powers of Attorney Lawyer

If you would like to set up a power of attorney or need help with a dispute involving one, scheduling a consultation with a skilled power of attorney lawyer can provide peace of mind. At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we can provide personalized guidance for your situation. Please contact our office to learn how we can help.