Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your situation.
Detailed Answer
1. Durable Financial Power of Attorney
Under Maryland law, a Durable Power of Attorney lets an appointed agent manage an individual’s finances if they lose capacity. The law governing powers of attorney appears in Estates & Trusts §17-101 et seq..
Key points:
- It must be signed by the principal (the elderly heir) and notarized or witnessed as required by §17-104.
- It can be springing (effective upon incapacity) or effective immediately.
- It may grant broad or limited powers, such as handling bank accounts, paying bills, filing tax returns, or selling property.
- The principal may revoke it at any time while competent under §17-107.
2. Health Care Agent (Advance Health Care Directive)
The Maryland Health Care Decisions Act allows a principal to name a health care agent in an Advance Health Care Directive. It is codified at Health-General §5-601 et seq..
- The directive appoints an agent to make medical decisions when the principal lacks capacity.
- It can include instructions on life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation, and comfort care.
- The form must follow statutory language in §5-604 and be witnessed or notarized.
- The principal may update or revoke the directive at any time under §5-607.
3. Court-Appointed Guardianship
If an elderly heir lacks capacity and no valid power of attorney or directive exists, a concerned party may petition the court for guardianship under Estates & Trusts §13-701 et seq.. The guardianship can cover personal and/or financial decisions.
Procedure:
- File a petition in the Orphans’ Court of the county where the person resides (Md. Estates & Trusts §13-702).
- The court appoints a visitor to investigate the person’s capacity and report recommendations (§13-703).
- A hearing is held; the proposed ward has the right to counsel and to present evidence (§13-704).
- The court may appoint a limited guardian for specific decisions or a full guardian for all personal and property matters (§13-707).
- The guardian must file regular inventories and annual accounts with the court (§13-712).
Helpful Hints
- Review the elderly heir’s capacity with a medical professional before relying on documents.
- Choose a reliable, trustworthy agent willing to act in the heir’s best interest.
- Use statutory forms where possible to ensure compliance with Maryland law.
- Keep detailed records of all transactions and decisions made by the agent or guardian.
- Consult an attorney early to help draft documents or guide you through the guardianship process.
- Consider periodically reviewing or updating powers of attorney and directives.