APRIL 20, 2009 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 37
When it comes time to complete estate planning, our clients usually have clear ideas about who should receive their property, what health care decisions they would want made — even how they feel about cremation, burial, organ donation and most of the other issues that must be addressed. What stumps more clients than any other issue? Who to name as trustee, personal representative (what we used to call an “executor”), and agent under health care and financial powers of attorney.
Some of the common questions we hear from clients about whom to select:
Is it acceptable to name a child who lives out of state? Yes, at least in Arizona, which does not require in-state residency for any of the various fiduciary roles. With e-mail, fax machines, overnight delivery and other modern communications options, there is usually little difficulty for your son on the east coast (or even your daughter in Japan) to communicate. In fact, we frequently observe that we may have an easier time communicating with your the Iowa sister you named as agent than your nephew who lives on the east side of Tucson.
There is one small exception to that rule, and it is more practical than legal. We generally counsel that the ideal health care agent should live near you. Reviewing medical records, talking to doctors and caretakers, and developing a clear picture of your condition is much easier for someone nearby.
Can I name several, or all, of my children as co-agents, co-trustees, etc.? Yes, though we may try to discourage you from naming multiple fiduciaries. To the extent that you are trying to avoid family disputes, it is our experience that giving everyone equal authority tends to encourage disagreements. We will probably suggest that you might want to name your daughter (the banker) as financial agent, and your son (the nurse practitioner) as health care agent — and each as back-up to the other. If you really want to give them joint authority, though, there is no legal reason not to do so.
Speaking of which, is it better to name different people to health and financial roles, or give the same person authority over everything? There is no clearly correct answer. You know your family (and their strengths and weaknesses) much better than we do. If there is one person who is capable in all areas, by all means give that person authority as health care agent, financial agent, personal representative and trustee. You can segregate the roles as a means of providing checks and balances, or to give everyone reassurance that you value their input.
Do I have to tell everyone involved who will have which authority? No. But as a practical matter, we encourage you to do so. We want your daughter to realize, for instance, that she is the one who needs to make arrangements if something should happen to you. We hate to see someone show up, ready to act — and then find out they have no role. That creates confusion, and obviously can engender hard feelings.
We hope that you will share your estate planning documents with all your family (and any non-family members named as trustee, agent, or personal representative). There is no legal requirement that you do so, but it does increase the likelihood that any problems can be worked out while you are still alive, competent and in charge of your own decisions.
