Powers of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most practical and protective estate planning tools you can create. It allows someone you trust to handle important financial or legal matters on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself.

At Holt Legacy Law, we help Maryland families prepare clear, legally binding powers of attorney that prevent court intervention and protect loved ones from unnecessary stress or delay.

What a Power of Attorney Does

A Power of Attorney authorizes another person, called your agent or attorney-in-fact, to act on your behalf. You decide how much authority your agent has and when it begins.

With a properly drafted POA, your family can handle vital tasks such as:

• Managing bank accounts and paying bills

• Buying or selling property

• Filing taxes

• Handling insurance or retirement benefits

• Managing investments and business interests

Without this document, your loved ones may have to go to court to be appointed as your guardian, an expensive and time-consuming process.

Types of Powers of Attorney

There are several types of powers of attorney in Maryland, each serving a different purpose. At Holt Legacy Law, we help you understand and choose the right one for your situation.

General Power of Attorney
Gives broad authority to your chosen agent to manage your financial and legal affairs. It can take effect immediately or only if you become incapacitated.

Limited (or Special) Power of Attorney
Grants specific powers for a limited time or purpose such as selling a home while you’re out of the country.

Durable Power of Attorney
Remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, allowing your agent to act without interruption. This is the most common and essential form in comprehensive estate planning.

Springing Power of Attorney
Only becomes effective when a specific event occurs, such as a doctor certifying that you are incapacitated.

Why Every Adult Should Have a Power of Attorney

Accidents and illnesses can happen at any age. A Power of Attorney ensures that someone you trust can act immediately without delay or court involvement.

It’s especially important for:

• Single adults who want to designate someone other than a spouse

• Married couples who prefer to give each other formal authority to manage joint or separate assets

• Business owners who want continuity in case of incapacity

A POA is also an essential complement to your Revocable Trust and Advance Directive, forming a complete plan that covers both financial and medical decision-making.

Learn more about how revocable trusts protect your assets »

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Many Maryland residents rely on outdated or generic forms that fail to meet state requirements. Others appoint agents without fully understanding the level of authority they’re granting.

At Holt Legacy Law, we ensure your Power of Attorney is:

• Fully compliant with Maryland law

• Tailored to your specific assets and needs

• Clearly written to avoid confusion or misuse

• Coordinated with your trust and will for consistency

How Holt Legacy Law Can Help

We take a personal approach to every estate plan. You’ll never get a cookie-cutter document and we’ll discuss your concerns, explain every clause, and make sure your POA works exactly as you intend.

At Holt Legacy Law, we:

• Draft both general and limited powers of attorney that reflect your wishes

• Explain when and how your agent can act on your behalf

• Integrate your POA with your trust, will, and advance directive

• Guide you through proper signing and notarization

Our goal is to give you confidence that your financial and legal matters will be handled smoothly by someone you trust.

Start Planning Today

A Power of Attorney is one of the simplest yet most essential ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.