08 May My money and my health: Can different people manage my well-being?

Q. If I want one person to handle my money and another to handle my health if I have issues, is that okay? What’s the best way so family members don’t fight over who makes decisions?
— Unsure

A. Great question.

And yes, you can.

It is absolutely okay to appoint one person as your agent or attorney-in-fact on a Power of Attorney to handle financial affairs on your behalf, and a different person as your agent on a Living Will also known as a Health Care Treatment Power of Attorney or Health Care Advance Directive, said Catherine Romania, an estate planning attorney with Witman Stadtmauer in Florham Park.

“In fact, because some individuals are better at handling money and others may have medical training or experience in caring for others, or are not emotionally capable of addressing difficult health care choices, it is often the best decision,” Romania said. “It is also possible to name multiple persons to act jointly, however, only if they can cooperate, and if you name two, a tie-breaker would be needed should there be a stalemate.”

Communication with respect to your decision is the best way to avoid jealousy or fighting among your family members, Romania said.

Let your family members know why you chose the persons you chose as your agents. Is it based on geographic location (an adult child who lives closest) or a particular knowledge (a family member who is a nurse or accountant) or maybe you do not want to name a family member who has many other obligations (such as caring for young or sick children or spouse) and so do not want to burden them?

Your estate planning attorney can assist you with this interaction if necessary, she said.

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This story was originally published in May 2026. 

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.