Maryland power of attorney forms let an individual can appoint another to represent his or her best interests as his or her agent in a variety of circumstances and situations. These situations can range from general financial matters to more specifically defined or limited purposes. It is very important that you know and can rely on the person that you make your agent because he or she will be making decisions affecting your property or finances as if they were you. In addition, it is important that you review the document you choose carefully to make sure it fits with your needs.
Laws – Title 17 (Maryland General and Limited Power of Attorney Act)
Types (9)
Advance Directive (Medical POA) – Used to designate a person to represent your health care decisions and interests on your behalf.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Signing Requirements (§ 5-602(c)): Two (2) Witnesses
Durable Power of Attorney – For use when you want to prepare ahead of time for your incapacity – when you need someone to be able to handle your affairs when you no longer are able to.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Signing Requirements (§ 17-202): Two (2) Witnesses and a Notary acknowledgment
General Power of Attorney – For general financial affairs, but it becomes void if the principal becomes incapacitated. It should not be used if you are planning for incapacity.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Signing Requirements (§ 17-202): Two (2) Witnesses and a Notary acknowledgment
Limited Power of Attorney – For those situations where you have a discrete time period or transaction where you need someone to stand in your place.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Signing Requirements (§ 17-203): Two (2) Witnesses and a Notary acknowledgment
Guardian of Minor Child Power of Attorney – For those situations when you need someone to be in charge of your children if you are away or unavailable. That person will be able to make medical and educational decisions on your children’s behalf.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Signing Requirements (§ 17-202, § 13-708): Two (2) Witnesses and a Notary acknowledgment
Power of Attorney Revocation Form – Used when you want to cancel a poa that you had made previously. In addition to preparing this form, it is important that you inform interested parties that you are canceling as well.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Signing Requirements: None, but a notary acknowledgment is recommended.
Tax Power of Attorney Form – The State of Maryland recognizes the Federal Tax Form 2848 for all power of attorney tax purposes.
Download: Adobe PDF
Signing Requirements: Principal
Vehicle Power of Attorney – Allows you to appoint someone to handle your vehicle titling and registration transactions with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
Download: Adobe PDF
Signing Requirements: Principal
