Poole v. Hyatt

WILNER, Judge.

The question presented here is whether, for there to be a valid acknowledgment of a deed or of a power of attorney authorizing the conveyance of real estate, the person signing the instrument must make an affirmative oral declaration in the presence of the notary public confirming the signatory’s understanding of the instrument and his or her intent in executing it. The answer is “no.”

I. BACKGROUND

This appeal arises from a dispute over property in Montgomery County, Maryland acquired more than 60 years ago by Ethel J. Poole (Ethel) and her husband, N. Purdum Poole. The Pooles…