Ellicott City Powers Of Attorney Lawyer

Powers of Attorney Lawyer In Ellicott City

No one wants to think about what might occur if they become incapacitated. However, in Ellicott City, the vibrant heart of Maryland’s Howard County, whether you are a young professional with a small business on Main Street or are enjoying retirement in Columbia, having a power of attorney (POA) ensures your medical and financial well-being. An Ellicott City powers of attorney lawyer can help you establish this necessary legal document.

At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we care about what happens to you and are here to help you protect what matters most. If you want to ensure your wishes are carried out regarding your financial or medical decisions, should you become unable to communicate your wishes yourself, it is wise to name a trusted individual to act as your power of attorney. Let us help you minimize conflict and offer you and your loved ones the peace of mind that can come with these decisions.

Defining Powers of Attorney in Ellicott City

Participating in some kind of advanced care planning is vital in Ellicott City. However, according to a study, only 18% to 36% of adults in the United States have these plans in place. Advanced care plans often include powers of attorney, and you can establish several different POAs depending on your unique situation.

In simplest terms, a POA is a legally established document that allows you to designate another individual, known as your “Agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” the right to make certain decisions for you if you become incapacitated and unable to do so yourself. The trusted individual is often a close friend or family member you believe can handle the responsibilities of such a duty.

Your agent will be able to stand in your place and ensure that all vital financial, business, or healthcare decisions are made despite you being unable to make them yourself. Depending on the kind of power of attorney document that you establish, the designated agent will be given certain forms of authority. At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we can help you establish the following kinds of power of attorney arrangements:

• General Power of Attorney. In Ellicott City, a general power of attorney can grant your agent the authority to act on your behalf, also called the “principal.” In these arrangements, your agent can make various decisions and act in various ways regarding certain financial or legal matters. It is important to keep in mind that the power of a general POA ceases once you become incapacitated.
• Durable Power of Attorney. This form of a POA remains valid even once you become mentally incompetent or incapacitated. It ensures that your agent continues making certain legal and financial decisions on your behalf once you can no longer do so yourself.
• Springing Power of Attorney. This kind of power of attorney only works in cases where specific conditions are met or when a triggering event occurs. This typically occurs when you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions. It is most commonly used in healthcare situations. One example might be when you become disabled due to an accident.
• Limited Power of Attorney. This form of a power of attorney only grants certain powers to your agent, which are outlined in the document. Typically, these powers include certain real estate, banking, financial, or contractual matters. These power of attorney documents can be most beneficial to individuals who own or operate a small business or company, of which there are 1,738 in Ellicott City.
• Statutory Form Power of Attorney. In Maryland, the Maryland General and Limited Power of Attorney Act allows two statutory forms of POA that allow individuals to grant powers of attorney to others regarding their financial matters or other similar topics.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney. Also known as a healthcare proxy or surrogacy, this POA arrangement allows your agent the ability to make medical decisions on your behalf, whether you are or are not at the end of your life.

Your power of attorney document must be as specific as possible to ensure your wishes are followed and you are not taken advantage of. At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we are here to help you create a power of attorney to offer you and your loved one’s peace of mind and ensure that your desires will be followed.

Liberty Legacy Law Group: Guiding You Through the Creation of a POA

In Ellicott City, creating a legal power of attorney is your first step in ensuring that all of your affairs are handled according to your wishes, even if you cannot handle them on your own. At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we can help you establish this document and ensure that it is both legally binding and an accurate reflection of your desires. When you work with us to create a POA, we can assist you with the following aspects:

• Determining What Kind of POA Is Right. First and foremost, you will need to decide what kind of POA is right for you. Our attorneys can review your unique situation and help make this determination alongside you and your loved ones.
• Choosing Your Agent. It is vital that you choose an agent who is capable of acting in the way you need them to. You must select someone who is trustworthy and capable of making decisions that align with your desires.
• Drafting Your POA. You can then sit down with our team to draft your POA document. We can help ensure that it meets all of Maryland’s legal requirements and correctly reflects your preferences. Once the document is drafted, it will need to be signed and notarized in certain cases.
• Storing the POA Safely. Finally, ensure that you store this document in a safe and secure location and provide copies to the necessary individuals, such as your loved ones and especially your agent.

Speak With a Trusted Power of Attorney Lawyer in Ellicott City Today

Establishing a legal power of attorney is a key aspect of your overall estate plan. Let the team at Liberty Legacy Law Group help you prepare for the future and instill a sense of security and confidence in your loved ones should you ever become incapacitated. Contact our Ellicott City office today to schedule an initial consultation.