You’ve Named a Power of Attorney—Now What? Maryland-Specific Next Steps
By: Z Family Law
Taking that first step toward protecting your future is a major accomplishment. But once your Power of Attorney (POA) is signed and notarized, there are a few important next steps that ensure your plan works when it’s needed, not just if.
Here’s what to do next:
✅Confirm Acceptance with Financial Institutions
Not all banks or investment firms automatically accept a POA document. We recommend scheduling a quick check-in with your financial advisor or bank to confirm they’ll honor your current POA—and to find out if they require their own form.
✅Make Sure Your Agent Knows They’ve Been Chosen
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. Talk to your chosen agent. Make sure they know they’ve been named, understand their responsibilities, and know where to access your documents.
✅Print and Organize Your Key Information
Keep a copy of your POA and a list of all your financial accounts in your estate planning binder. Include up-to-date login credentials and ensure your POA explicitly grants access to your digital assets. Without that language, your agent may run into legal roadblocks.
✅Plan for How You’ll Invoke It
A Power of Attorney doesn’t do much sitting in a drawer—you’ll want to decide how and when your agent should step in. Do you want to give verbal permission or prefer something in writing? While Maryland law allows either, putting it in writing avoids confusion and creates a clear record. Z Family Law offers a Maryland-specific document you can use to formally invoke your POA in writing, so your chosen agent knows exactly when they’re empowered to act.
Your estate plan is only as strong as its follow-through.