Planning for the future means making sure the people you trust can step in and act on your behalf if you are unable to do so. One of the most important estate planning tools for Maryland families is the Power of Attorney (POA), which is a legal document that authorizes another person (your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to make decisions for you. Understanding the available options can give you greater peace of mind and ensure that your affairs are protected no matter what the future brings. Read on for more.

1. General Power of Attorney

A General Power of Attorney gives your agent broad authority to manage your financial and legal affairs. This may include:

• Managing bank accounts
• Paying bills
• Handling investments
• Filing taxes
• Managing business matters

A general POA is typically used for convenience. For example, if you are traveling or need help managing day-to-day financial tasks. However, it becomes invalid if you become incapacitated unless it is specifically written as durable.

2. Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney remains effective even if you become mentally or physically incapacitated. This makes it one of the most important estate planning documents for older adults, individuals with medical concerns, or anyone who wants to ensure continuity of financial decision-making.

In Maryland, a POA is only durable if it includes language such as:
“This power of attorney shall not be affected by my subsequent disability or incapacity.”

Durable POAs are essential for:

• Preventing the need for a court-appointed guardian
• Managing finances during medical emergencies
• Protecting assets and ongoing financial responsibilities

3. Limited or Special Power of Attorney

A Limited Power of Attorney grants your agent authority over a specific task or narrow set of responsibilities.

Examples include:

• Signing real estate documents on your behalf
• Managing a single financial transaction
• Handling business tasks while you are out of the country
• Authorizing someone to register or sell a vehicle for you
• Allowing an agent to sign tax documents during a specific tax year
• Granting permission to manage or access a single bank account
• Empowering someone to represent you for a specific legal or financial matter in Maryland

This type of POA ends once its specific purpose is completed or when an expiration date passes.

4. Springing Power of Attorney

A Springing Power of Attorney “springs” into effect only when a specific event occurs, usually your incapacity. This can give clients a sense of control since the agent cannot act until triggering conditions are met.

However, springing POAs sometimes lead to delays, as doctors must verify incapacity before the document becomes active. Many clients choose durable POAs instead to avoid interruption in financial management.

5. Medical or Healthcare Power of Attorney (Maryland Advance Directive)

In Maryland, a Healthcare Power of Attorney, often combined with a Living Will, allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions if you cannot communicate your wishes.

Your agent may:

• Approve or decline medical treatments
• Decide on surgery or long-term care
• Manage end-of-life decisions
• Speak with healthcare providers

A Maryland Advance Directive also allows you to outline your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and comfort care.

6. Financial Power of Attorney

A Financial Power of Attorney is a type of general or durable POA specifically focused on financial matters, such as:

• Managing property and real estate
• Overseeing retirement accounts
• Conducting banking transactions
• Managing investments

This avoids confusion by clearly separating financial authority from health-related authority.

7. Military Power of Attorney

For service members, a Military Power of Attorney offers special protections under federal law. It authorizes an agent to handle personal, financial, or legal matters during deployment and is recognized by all U.S. states, including Maryland.

8. Minor Child Power of Attorney (Temporary Delegation of Parental Authority)

A Temporary Parental Power of Attorney allows parents to authorize another adult to care for their child if they are unavailable due to:

• Military deployment
• Hospitalization
• Travel
• Emergencies

This document gives the temporary guardian permission to make routine decisions related to school, medical care, and daily life, but does not terminate parental rights.

Which Power of Attorney Do You Need?

Choosing the right Power of Attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. Your choice may depend on your age, health, family circumstances, financial complexity, and your level of comfort in granting decision-making authority to someone else. Some people need a broad POA that remains effective during incapacity, while others prefer a limited document designed for a single transaction or medical situation.

At Blackford & Flohr, we take the time to understand your goals, your concerns, and your family dynamics so we can recommend the type of Power of Attorney that best protects your interests. Our attorneys guide clients through:

• Selecting trusted agents
  We help you determine who is best suited (financially responsible, emotionally stable, and trustworthy) to manage your legal, financial, or healthcare decisions.
• Drafting POAs that meet Maryland statutory requirements
  Maryland has specific language and execution rules for POAs. We ensure your document is legally valid, enforceable, and tailored to your unique needs.
• Updating old or outdated documents
  Many people have POAs that no longer reflect their wishes, appoint deceased agents, or fail to meet current Maryland standards. We review and update these documents to ensure continued protection.
• Planning for incapacity
  A Durable POA or Healthcare POA ensures that someone you trust can act quickly if you become unable to make decisions, avoiding the need for a guardianship proceeding.
• Coordinating POAs with wills, trusts, and other estate planning tools
  Your POA should work seamlessly with your overall estate plan. We help ensure that beneficiary designations, trust documents, and medical directives all align with your long-term intentions.
• Preventing conflicts and misuse
  Clear, attorney-drafted POAs reduce the risk of misunderstandings, financial abuse, or family disputes, issues that often lead to costly court intervention.

With proper legal guidance, a Power of Attorney becomes more than a form – it becomes a safeguard for your health, finances, and legacy. Our goal is to give you confidence that your interests will be protected no matter what the future holds.

Contact Blackford & Flohr Today

If you need help creating a Power of Attorney in Maryland or updating an existing document, our estate planning lawyers are here to assist. Call 410-647-6677 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with an experienced Maryland estate planning attorney. Protect your future today with a legally sound, customized Power of Attorney.