This section is meant to give us a starting point for conversations about who might serve in important roles in your estate plan. The selections you make here are not final or binding. Think of this page as a place to capture your current thinking so we can talk through options together.
If you are unsure or not ready to decide, it is completely fine to leave this section blank.
Where the names in the drop-down list come from
The drop-down menus in this section are populated using the people and entities you have already entered elsewhere in the questionnaire, including
- family members,
- additional people and entities,
- and charities or institutions.
If someone you are considering does not appear in the list, you can return to the Additional People & Entities section, add them there, and then come back to this page. Once added, their name will appear as an option here.
Where can I get more information about fiduciaries
You can review additional resources that explain fiduciary roles and responsibilities in more detail. These resources include information on how to choose a fiduciary, including
- characteristics that may make someone well suited for a particular role,
- guidance on choosing a guardian for minor children,
- explanations of the duties of a fiduciary and the consequences of failing to meet those duties,
- and a glossary of common estate planning terms.
What if you don’t know who to name
Many people find it easier to decide on fiduciary roles after they have seen how the rest of their estate plan comes together—not knowing who to name is very common and completely okay.
If you are unsure about one or more roles, you can simply leave them blank for now. We can help you think through appropriate options later based on your goals, family dynamics, and the responsibilities involved in each role.
About alternates
You may see the option to name one or more alternate fiduciaries for certain roles.
Alternates act as backups if the primary person you name is unable or unwilling to serve. While naming alternates is often recommended, it is not required at this stage.
If you are unsure, you can name only a primary person or leave both the primary and alternate blank. We can revisit alternates later and help you decide what makes sense.
A note about co-fiduciaries
This questionnaire does not include a place to name co-fiduciaries, meaning two or more people serving together in the same role.
If you are considering co-fiduciaries, the best approach for now is to enter the people you are considering in order of preference and note that you would like to discuss the possibility of them serving together.
Whether co-fiduciaries are appropriate depends on the role, the individuals involved, and the complexity of your plan. We can discuss the advantages and disadvantages and determine whether that structure makes sense for your situation.