Each week we will post a new question from those that were asked by attendees of a seminar on planning for your future, presented by Camilla during summer 2016 (with thanks to Kensington Park Senior Living for the excellent sponsorship of the program).
Q: “How do I divide an Advance Directive and Financial Power of Attorney between a brother and sister (son and daughter) who don’t see eye-to-eye on many things?? … without ruffling too many feathers?“
A: The most important characteristic of the person you name as your Health Care Agent(s) or Financial Agent(s), is for the person chosen to be completely trustworthy, and to be a person who will make decisions on your behalf that implement your wishes and decisions, or that are in your best interest.
Your Advance Directive and Financial Power of Attorney are drafted for you and to help you ensure that your wishes are honored.
Here are some possible solutions to the problem you mention:
– Name the child who is better with money as your Financial Agent; and name the child who can rationally implement your health care wishes as your Health Care Agent.
– Name an adult grandchild or another adult relative in either or both of these roles, without naming the children at all.
– Name someone who is not related to you, such as your financial advisor, attorney, or trusted friend.