“POWER OF ATTORNEY” IN MARYLAND
MARYLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER
MARYLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER HELPS WITH ALL LEGAL ASPECTS OF “POWER OF ATTORNEY” IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND
Power of attorney is a term that authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions on your behalf. You should be very careful when granting such powers to another individual as he or she then becomes legally able to conduct business for you in the event that you are unable to do so. It’s very important you understand the various types of powers of attorney, the implications of limited versus general power, the authorities you are giving and the events that will terminate the power of attorney. Make sure to contact a lawyer for help, it’s much more complicated than filling out a form and granting someone power.
There are various types of power of attorney. General power of attorney gives someone authority to make decisions and conduct transactions in all of your personal business. You may be able to place certain restrictions on the power of attorney, even in granting general power of attorney. Limited power of attorney gives your agent authority to make decisions in only a specified area such as health care of finances. It is necessary to know how long and under what circumstances such power is effective. In most cases, the power of attorney terminates a time set by you, upon your capacity, or upon your death. If you become incapacitated, the power of attorney will end unless you set up a durable power of attorney that allows the agent to continue working on your behalf.
Once you select which powers you choose to grant, Maryland requires you to fill out the appropriate forms. The Personal Financial Power of Attorney grants you broad powers and the Limited Power of Attorney grants you more specific powers for financial matters. The statutory form for a health care power of attorney is called an advance directive in Maryland. Once you select which form you need, make sure you and your agent read through carefully and sign the document. Granting a trusted family member or friend the power of attorney can be a very intimidating process so make sure to discuss your decision with a Maryland Family Law Lawyer.
REVOKING POWER OF ATTORNEY
Power of Attorney should only be granted to someone that you completely trust. It should be given to someone that can make honest decisions about your life but there are instances where you need to revoke such power. For example, if you are going through a divorce you may want to revoke your agent’s power if your agent is your spouse. It’s always best to contact a Maryland family law attorney so you understand the process fully.
The revocation of a power of attorney is used to terminate the authority granted to the principal’s agent. This means that the agent is no longer authorized to act on behalf of the person. It is a good idea to make a copy of the signed revocation to the agent, all banks doing business with the agent or anyone else who has relied on the power of attorney.
If you need to revoke a power of attorney, fill out the form stating that the original Maryland Power of Attorney issued to the agent is being terminated. You will need:
- the printed name and address of the principal that granted the original power;
- date of the original Maryland Power of Attorney;
- the printed name and address of the agent;
- date of the Maryland Revocation of Power of Attorney form;
- the signature of the principal
The notary will then sign and seal your Maryland Revocation of Power of Attorney. In some jurisdictions, it is required that a legal notice be published in a local newspaper to help provide an additional level of protection. Making sure everyone is understanding of the process is critical. Make sure to contact an experienced Maryland family law attorney for help.
CONTACT MARYLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER FOR HELP
The Burton Law Firm understands how divorce can affect you and your family’s life indefinitely. Having years of experience handling all types of family law cases throughout the state of Maryland, you can trust us to handle your case with care. Give us a call at (301) 420-5540 to speak with a family law lawyer in Maryland.
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Contact our office as soon as possible so our team of Family Law attorneys can properly evaluate your case and protect your rights.