This part of the questionnaire asks who you might choose for key roles in your plan. A fiduciary is a person or organization you trust to act for you, such as settling your estate, managing your money, or making medical decisions.
Your choices here are not final. Think of this page as your current thinking, to talk through with your attorney. It is fine to leave any role blank.
The roles you may see
You see only the roles your attorney included in your questionnaire.
Personal Representative or Trustee
Settles your estate after your death. This person finds and values what you own, pays debts and taxes, and passes what is left to the people you chose. It is usually a short-term role focused on money.
Financial Agent
Handles your finances if you cannot during your lifetime, such as paying bills and filing taxes.
Health Care Agent
Makes and communicates health care and end-of-life decisions for you if you cannot. In Oregon, this person is called your Health Care Representative.
Disposition of Remains Agent
Carries out your wishes for the care of your body after death and for any funeral or memorial. It is usually a short-term role.
Guardian for minor children
Would care for your children under 18 if you die before they are grown. This role appears when you have minor children.
Where the names in the list come from
The drop-down lists use the people and organizations you entered earlier in the questionnaire, such as family members, other people, and charities.
If someone is missing, go back to the Additional People & Entities page, add them, and come back. Their name will then appear in the list.
Want to read more?
These articles explain the roles in more detail. They are optional.
- Choosing your fiduciaries: What makes someone a good fit for each role. See this article.
- Choosing a guardian: What to think about for your minor children. See this article.
- Fiduciary duties: What these roles require. See this article.
- Glossary: Common estate planning terms. See this article.
- Health Care Agents: Choosing the person who makes medical decisions for you. See this article.
- Financial power of attorney: What your Financial Agent can do and how to choose one. See this article.
If you don’t know who to name
Many people find this easier once they see how the rest of their plan comes together. Not knowing is common. Leave the role blank, and talk it through with your attorney.
About alternates
Some roles let you name one or more alternates. An alternate serves if your first choice cannot or will not serve.
Alternates are helpful but not required now. You can name only your first choice, or leave both blank.
About naming two people for one role
The questionnaire does not have a place to name two people to serve together in the same role.
If you are thinking about that, list them in order of preference and let your attorney know you would like them to serve together. Your attorney can tell you whether that works for your plan.