Powers of Attorney

POA Definition

A power of attorney gives one or more persons the power to act on your behalf as your agent.

Statutory Power Attorney

Maryland, as have many states, have statutory powers of attorney. A statutory power of attorney or one substantially similar is given the full weight of the law.

Agent or Attorney-in-fact

The person named in a power of attorney to act on your behalf is commonly referred to as your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.” With a valid power of attorney, your agent can take any action permitted in the document.

If you have real property in other states you should consult with counsel, and perhaps the simplest solution is an additional power of attorney on that state’s statutory power.

How to sign as Agent or Power of Attorney for Someone Else. Assume John Doe appoints his spouse, Sally Doe, as his agent in a written power of attorney. Sally, as agent, must sign as follows: John Doe, by Sally Doe under POA or Sally Doe, agent/ attorney-in-fact for John Doe.