Estate Planning Basics: Choosing Trusted Helpers

As you enter the estate planning process, you will be asked to select trust helpers to assist you at various times and in a myriad of roles. Be sure to name successor trusted helpers in the event your named helper is unable or unwilling to act. Below, we’re providing guidance to help you make your selections and to aid you in your estate planning.

Guardians for minor children

Choose guardians who would treat your children as closely as possible to how you would. Consider family values, extended family, location, age and energy level, health, and the presence of other children.

Temporary guardians of minor children

Should you become incapacitated and unable to care for your children during your lifetime, your children will need temporary guardians. This is likely the same trusted helpers that you named in your will to be permanent guardians.

First responders

First responders are trusted helpers who can get to your home and your children within about 15-20 minutes. They are authorized to stay with your children until the guardians arrive to take over. This avoids your children being taken into protective custody by the police. Often trusted neighbors and friends are appointed.

Health care agent

Choose an agent who cares about you and can communicate assertively with doctors and other medical personnel.

Financial agent

Choose an agent of high moral character who is highly organized, a good record keeper, and good communicator.

Disability trustee

Choose an agent who cares about you and is of high moral character who is highly organized, a good record keeper, and good communicator. The disability trustee provides for your care and the care of your assets.

Death/Settlement trustee

Choose an agent who cares about you and is of high moral character who is highly organized, a good record keeper, and good communicator.

If you need assistance choosing trusted helpers, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.