Important Information and Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Health Care Decision-making
If you have executed a living will or advance directive, have
you ensured that health providers and family members will
know how to identify your health care agent in case of a health
emergency?
Maryland has not funded a law that was passed several years
ago about maintaining a registry for advance directives. This
means it is all the more important that you communicate your
wishes when it comes to end-of-life decision making. Be sure
that your health providers have copies of your health care
power of attorney, advance directive, or living will. You can
also carry essential information with you in the form of a
wallet card, such as the one found here:
Advance Directive Wallet Card
Helpful Resources:
Estate Planning
"Do I really need a will?
Yes. Each individual should create an individualized estate
plan. If you do not make provisions for the distribution of
your assets, the state will impose its own statutory rules as to
who your beneficiaries should be. These rules often do not
reflect the realities of individual families. The Maryland State
Bar Association (MSBA) has published an article containing
more detailed information that is available online at Wills and
Estates.
"Why do I need a power of attorney too? Aren't they
similar?"
A Last Will and Testament sets forth provisions to direct and
control the distribution of someone's assets after the
individual's death. There may be a number of circumstances
(such as sudden illness or extended travel) during one's
lifetime that make it essential to have an alternate decision-
maker named to manage property on one's behalf. A properly-
drafted durable power of attorney is the best way to avoid the
potential expense of a guardianship proceeding (a guardianship
proceeding is an ongoing legal matter requiring the continuing
supervision of a court). For more information on
guardianships, see MSBA Guardianship.
Nursing Homes
The decision about choosing a nursing home facility can be an
agonizing one. The Office of the Maryland Attorney General
has prepared a helpful publication entitled "Nursing Homes:
What You Need to Know."
see: Nursing Home Information
The above articles are intended to provide background
information only, and should not be interpreted as providing
legal advice.
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