Schedule a Free Consultation
Schedule a Free Consultation
It’s not something most people like to think about.
But it’s a question worth asking:
“What would happen if I couldn’t make decisions for myself?”
Not temporarily busy.
Not unreachable.
Completely unable to communicate – like being in a coma.
For many married couples, the assumption is simple:
“Of course my spouse or family would step in.”
But legally, it’s not that straightforward.
Let’s talk about what actually happens – and how one document can make all the difference.
Incapacity can happen suddenly.
A car accident.
A stroke.
A medical emergency.
When it does, decisions don’t stop.
Bills still need to be paid.
Medical choices still need to be made.
Accounts still need to be accessed.
But without legal authority, even the people closest to you may be unable to step in.
If you’re in a coma and don’t have the proper documents in place, your family does not automatically have authority to act on your behalf.
That means:
In many cases, the only option is to go through the court system.
Without a power of attorney, your loved ones may need to petition the court for guardianship (sometimes called conservatorship).
This process typically involves:
This can take weeks – or longer.
And during that time, your family may be unable to act when it matters most.
We’ve seen firsthand how difficult this situation can be.
Families often experience:
Even urgent choices can be slowed down without clear authority.
Mortgage payments, utilities, and other obligations may go unpaid.
Loved ones are already dealing with a crisis – adding legal hurdles makes it even harder.
Guardianship is a public court process, involving personal and medical information.
The good news is that this situation is preventable.
Two key documents can ensure someone you trust can step in immediately if needed:
Allows a trusted person to:
Allows someone to:
These documents only take effect when needed – and they give you control over who makes decisions.
Many people assume this kind of planning is only for older adults.
It’s not.
Incapacity can happen at any stage of life – whether you’re 25, 45, or 75.
Without a plan, the law doesn’t automatically default to your preferred decision-maker.
With a plan, you stay in control – even when you can’t communicate.
We hear these often:
“My spouse can handle everything.”
Not without proper legal authority.
“The hospital will let my family decide.”
There are limits to what providers can allow without documentation.
“I’ll deal with this later.”
Unfortunately, incapacity doesn’t wait for the “right time.”
In Maryland, the guardianship process is thorough – but it’s not fast or simple.
By putting powers of attorney in place now, you can:
It’s one of the most important steps you can take – and one of the easiest to put in place.
At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we help Maryland families prepare for the unexpected with clarity and confidence.
We:
We believe planning isn’t about expecting the worst – it’s about being ready for anything.
A coma is something no one plans for.
But failing to plan for incapacity can leave your family facing unnecessary obstacles at the worst possible time.
The right documents ensure that if something unexpected happens, the people you trust can step in – immediately and effectively.
Because this isn’t just about legal authority.
It’s about protecting your voice, your wishes, and your family when you need it most.
At Liberty Legacy, we help you plan ahead – so your loved ones aren’t left powerless when it matters most.
At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we’re not just planning for the future we’re honoring the lives, stories, and values that matter most.
call for a consultation 443-888-5850
At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we’re not just planning for the future—we’re
honoring the lives, stories, and values that matter most.