What is the primary duty of an agent to their principal in Maryland?

The primary duty of an agent to their principal in Maryland is to act in the best interests of the principal. This duty, often referred to as the fiduciary duty, requires the agent to prioritize the principal’s interests above their own and to operate with loyalty and good faith. This includes making decisions that will benefit the principal, providing full disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest, and maintaining confidentiality regarding any sensitive information.

While minimizing expenses, providing legal advice, or managing finances may be specific responsibilities or actions that an agent may undertake, they are secondary to the overarching obligation to prioritize the principal's best interests. Acting in the best interests encompasses a broader range of responsibilities that ultimately define the agent's role and duties in relation to their principal.