Legal Question in Health Care Law in Maryland

My grandmother is getting sick and wants to place me in the of her "power of attorney" I would like to know what exactly is needed to make that official. I know there various forms, but I need to know which one that will be effectively immediately and will allow me to manage her financial assets and health care decisions? Thank you


Asked on 8/03/11, 8:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

Your grandmother needs to execute a document called a "Durable Power of Attorney". A regular/standard Power of Attorney will no longer be valid once your grandmother becomes too sick to make decisions on her own. That is why a DURABLE power of attorney is necessary -- this will give you the right to make decisions on her behalf once she can no longer make those decisions on her own.

Your grandmother might also consider making a "Living Will", which will give medical directives when she can no longer make those decisions. For instance, if your grandmother does not want to be on life support, she can state this in her living will.

The best advice you can take is to HAVE A LAWYER draft these documents and oversee your grandmother signing them. For very little cost, you can make sure that the documents and signing process are accomplished in the proper/legal manner.

Best of luck.******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.******

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Answered on 8/03/11, 11:27 am


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