MARYLAND STATUTORY FORM GENERAL DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY
Personal Financial Power of Attorney
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WARNING
You should be very careful in deciding whether or not to sign this document. The powers granted by you (the principal) in this document are broad and sweeping. This power of attorney authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions concerning your property for you (the principal). Your agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your property (including your money) whether or not you are able to act for yourself.
You should select someone you trust to serve as your agent. Unless you specify otherwise, generally the agent's authority will continue until you die or revoke the power of attorney or the agent resigns or is unable to act for you.
You should understand that granting your agent the authority to take actions under this power of attorney may: (1) Significantly reduce your property and limit your access to your assets; (2) Change how your property is distributed under your existing estate plans to your heirs or others on your death; or (3) Result in tax consequences to yourself or others.
This power of attorney becomes effective immediately unless you state otherwise in the Special Instructions. You should obtain competent legal advice before you sign this power of attorney if you have any questions about the document or the authority you are granting to your agent.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENT
Simply because you are granted a power of attorney does not mean you should exercise it. You are bound by an utmost duty of loyalty to the interests of the principal. You may not act in your own self-interest. You are further limited by legal duties to the principal that govern your actions. When exercising the authority granted in this power of attorney, you shall consider the stated intentions of the principal regarding the principal's self-interest, family, estate, and taxes.
DESIGNATION OF AGENT
I, ___________________________________________________________________________,
(Name of Principal)
Name the following person as my agent:
Name of Agent: _______________________________________________________________
Agent's Address: _______________________________________________________________
Agent's Telephone Number: ___________________________________________________
DESIGNATION OF SUCCESSOR AGENT(S) (OPTIONAL)
If my agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my successor agent:
Name of Successor Agent: _____________________________________________________
Successor Agent's Address: ___________________________________________________
Successor Agent's Telephone Number: ___________________________________________
If my successor agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my second successor agent:
Name of Second Successor Agent: ______________________________________________
Second Successor Agent's Address: _____________________________________________
Second Successor Agent's Telephone Number: ____________________________________
GRANT OF GENERAL AUTHORITY
I ("the principal") grant my agent and any successor agent, with respect to each subject listed below, the authority to do all acts that I could do to:
(1) Contract with another person, on terms agreeable to the agent, to accomplish a purpose of a transaction and perform, rescind, cancel, terminate, reform, restate, release, or modify the contract or another contract made by or on behalf of the principal;
(2) Execute, acknowledge, seal, deliver, file, or record any instrument or communication the agent considers desirable to accomplish a purpose of a transaction;
(3) Seek on the principal's behalf the assistance of a court or other governmental agency to carry out an act authorized in this power of attorney;
(4) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of or against the principal or intervene in litigation relating to the claim;
(5) Engage, compensate, and discharge an attorney, accountant, discretionary investment manager, expert witness, or other advisor;
(6) Prepare, execute, and file a record, report, or other document to safeguard or promote the principal's interest under a statute or regulation and communicate with representatives or employees of a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, on behalf of the principal; and
(7) Do lawful acts with respect to the subject and all property related to the subject.
SUBJECTS AND AUTHORITY
My agent's authority shall include the authority to act as stated below with regard to each of the following subjects:
REAL PROPERTY
With respect to this subject, I authorize my agent to: demand, buy, sell, convey, lease, receive, accept as a gift or as security for an extension of credit, or otherwise acquire or reject an interest in real property or a right incident to real property; pledge or mortgage an interest in real property or right incident to real property as security to borrow money or pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt jurisdiction-correct by the principal, including a reverse mortgage; release, assign, satisfy, or enforce by litigation or otherwise a mortgage, deed of trust, conditional sale contract, encumbrance, lien, or other claim to real property that exists or is asserted; and manage or conserve an interest in real property or a right incident to real property owned or claimed to be owned by the principal.
TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY
With respect to this subject, I authorize my agent to: demand, buy, receive, accept as a gift or as security for an extension of credit, or otherwise acquire or reject ownership or possession of tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property; sell, exchange, convey with or without covenants, representations, or warranties, quitclaim, release, surrender, create a security interest in, grant options concerning, lease, sublease, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property.
STOCKS AND BONDS
With respect to this subject, I authorize my agent to: buy, sell, and exchange stocks and bonds; establish, continue, modify, or terminate an account with respect to stocks and bonds; pledge stocks and bonds as security to borrow, pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal; receive certificates and other evidences of ownership with respect to stocks and bonds; exercise voting rights with respect to stocks and bonds in person or by proxy, enter into voting trusts, and consent to limitations on the right to vote.
BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
With respect to this subject, I authorize my agent to: continue, modify, transact all business in connection with, and terminate an account or other banking arrangement made by or on behalf of the principal; establish, modify, transact all business in connection with, and terminate an account or other banking arrangement with a bank, trust company, savings and loan association, credit union, thrift company, brokerage firm, or other financial institution selected by the agent; contract for services available from a financial institution, including renting a safe deposit box or space in a vault; deposit by check, money order, electronic funds transfer, or otherwise with, or leave in the custody of, a financial institution money or property of the principal; withdraw, by check, money order, electronic funds transfer, or otherwise, money or property of the principal deposited with or left in the custody of a financial institution.
INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES
With respect to this subject, I authorize my agent to: continue, pay the premium or make a contribution on, modify, exchange, rescind, release, or terminate a contract procured by or on behalf of the principal that insures or provides an annuity to either the principal or another person, whether or not the principal is a beneficiary under the contract; procure new, different, and additional contracts of insurance and annuities for the principal and select the amount, type of insurance or annuity, and mode of payment.
CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
With respect to this subject, I authorize my agent to: assert and maintain before a court or administrative agency a claim, claim for relief, cause of action, counterclaim, offset, recoupment, or defense, including an action to recover property or other thing of value, recover damages sustained by the principal, eliminate or modify tax liability, or seek an injunction, specific performance, or other relief.
BENEFITS FROM GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS OR CIVIL OR MILITARY SERVICE
With respect to this subject, I authorize my agent to: execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursements payable by the United States or a foreign government or by a state or subdivision of a state to the principal; perform the acts necessary to enable the principal to qualify for a governmental benefit or program, including obtaining personal and financial records; enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend, or discontinue, on the principal's behalf, a governmental benefit or program; prepare, file, and maintain a claim of the principal for a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal may be entitled under a statute or regulation.
RETIREMENT PLANS
With respect to this subject, I authorize my agent to: select the form and timing of payments under a retirement plan and withdraw benefits from a plan; make a rollover, including a direct trustee-to-trustee rollover, of benefits from one retirement plan to another; establish a retirement plan in the principal's name; make contributions to a retirement plan; exercise investment powers available under a retirement plan; borrow from, sell assets to, or purchase assets from a retirement plan.
TAXES
With respect to this subject, I authorize my agent to: prepare, sign, and file federal, state, local, and foreign income, gift, payroll, property, federal insurance contributions act, and other tax returns, claims for refunds, requests for extension of time, petitions regarding tax matters, and other tax-related documents, including receipts, offers, waivers, consents, including consents and agreements under Internal Revenue Code Section 2032A, 26 U.S.C. § 2032A, closing agreements, and other powers of attorney required by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority with respect to a tax year on which the statute of limitations has not run and the following 25 tax years; pay taxes due, collect refunds, post bonds, receive confidential information, and contest deficiencies determined by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority.
DIGITAL ASSETS
With respect to this subject, in accordance with the Maryland Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act, my agent shall have authority over and the right to access: (1) the content of any of my electronic communications; (2) any catalogue of electronic communications sent or received by me; and (3) any other digital asset in which I have a right or interest.
TRUST AND ESTATE MATTERS
With respect to this subject: (1) My agent may act for me in all matters that affect a trust, probate estate, escrow, custodianship, or other fund to which I am now, claim to be, or later become entitled as a beneficiary, to a share or payment, including petitions, objections, waivers, consents, receipts, settlements, and other related agreements; (2) To the extent permitted in the trust agreement, my agent may consent to the amendment, revocation, or termination of a trust of which I am a beneficiary, or to the transfer of the assets of the trust into another trust for my benefit; and (3) My agent may create and transfer property to an intervivos revocable or irrevocable trust for my sole benefit that on my death distributes the property in a manner consistent with my existing estate plan, if any, and in accordance with Maryland law.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This power of attorney is effective immediately unless I have stated otherwise in the Special Instructions.
TERMINATION DATE
UNLESS I have specified a termination date below, this power of attorney IS DURABLE, meaning it shall continue in full force and effect for an indefinite period of time until my revocation of this power of attorney or my death, whichever occurs first. I reserve the right to revoke this power of attorney. This power of attorney shall not terminate upon my disability. All authority of my agent(s) shall continue even if I become disabled, incompetent, or incapacitated.
This power of attorney shall terminate on ______________________________, 20____.
(Use a specific calendar date)
COPIES
A copy of this document shall have the same force and effect as the original unless provided otherwise in special instructions.
REVOCATION
I hereby revoke all other powers of attorney that I have previously executed. This section does not apply to powers of attorney executed on the same date as this power of attorney or to limited powers of attorney that apply to specific accounts or to specific property.
RELIANCE BY THIRD PARTIES
Anyone relying or acting upon this power of attorney shall be entitled to presume conclusively that it is in full force and effect unless I have given written notice to that person or entity that this power has been revoked. No one relying or acting upon this power of attorney shall be required to see to the application and disposition of any funds or other property paid to or delivered to my agent or any persons appointed by my agent. I authorize my agent to seek damages against anyone who refused to honor this power of attorney without having received notice that it has been revoked.
NOMINATION OF GUARDIAN (OPTIONAL)
If it becomes necessary for a court to appoint a guardian of my property or guardian of my person, I nominate the following person(s) for appointment:
Name of nominee for guardian of my property: __________________________________
Nominee's address: ___________________________________________________________
Nominee's telephone number: _________________________________________________
Name of nominee for guardian of my person: ____________________________________
Nominee's address: ___________________________________________________________
Nominee's telephone number: _________________________________________________
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (OPTIONAL)
YOU MAY GIVE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FOLLOWING LINES:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
________________________________________ ________________________
Your Signature Date
________________________________________________________________________________
Your Name Printed
________________________________________________________________________________
Your Address
________________________________________________________________________________
Your Telephone Number
NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF MARYLAND
COUNTY OF _________________________________________________
This document was acknowledged before me on __________________________
(Date)
By ______________________________________ to be his/her act.
(Name of Principal)
____________________________________________
(SEAL, IF ANY)
Signature of Notary
My commission expires: _____________________
WITNESS ATTESTATION
> Md. Code, Estates and Trusts § 17-110(a) requires that a power of attorney be "Attested and signed by two or more adult witnesses who sign in: (i) The physical presence of the principal and each other; or (ii) The electronic presence of the principal and each other."
The foregoing power of attorney was, on the date written above, published and declared by ____________________________________________ (Name of Principal) in our presence to be his/her power of attorney. We, in his/her presence and at his/her request, and in the presence of each other, have attested to the same and have signed our names as attesting witnesses.
____________________________________________
Witness #1 Signature
____________________________________________
Witness #1 Name Printed
____________________________________________
Witness #1 Address
____________________________________________
Witness #1 Telephone Number
____________________________________________
Witness #2 Signature
____________________________________________
Witness #2 Name Printed
____________________________________________
Witness #2 Address
____________________________________________
Witness #2 Telephone Number
FILING INSTRUCTIONS
FORMATTING REQUIREMENT (Md. Rule 1-301(c)) — if used in court proceedings:
Any document filed with a Maryland court must have 1.5-inch top AND left
margins on all pages. Right and bottom margins must be at least 1 inch.
This POA requires notarization for execution (see Md. Code, Est. & Trusts
§ 17-110) but no court filing — the margin rule applies only if submitted
as an exhibit or attachment in any Maryland court proceeding.
Execution Requirements (Md. Code, Estates and Trusts § 17-110)
A power of attorney executed in Maryland must be:
- In writing
- Signed by the principal (or by another person in the physical presence of the principal and at the principal's express direction)
- Acknowledged by the principal in the physical or electronic presence of a notary public
- Attested and signed by two or more adult witnesses who sign in the physical or electronic presence of the principal and each other
Notary
- Any notary public in Maryland may acknowledge this document
- The notary may also serve as one of the two required witnesses
Recording
- If this power of attorney will be used for real estate transactions, record it in the land records of the county where the property is located
- Recording is optional but recommended for real estate transactions
Copies
- Make copies for your agent, successor agents, and financial institutions
- Keep the original in a safe place (safe deposit box, attorney's office, or home safe)
Revocation
- To revoke this power of attorney, execute a written revocation and provide copies to your agent and any institutions that have accepted the original
- You may revoke at any time while you are competent
Resources
- Maryland Courts: mdcourts.gov
- Maryland Attorney General: oag.state.md.us | 410-576-6300
- Maryland State Bar Lawyer Referral: 800-492-1964
Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.
Document Version: MD-POA-2026-01
Last Updated: March 2026
Statutory Reference: Md. Code, Estates and Trusts §§ 17-101 to 17-204