Currently, our platform allows for a single primary agent with the option to list a backup agent in the Advanced Health Care Directive, similar to how we handle executors.
The reason behind this approach is to follow best practices and avoid potential delays or disagreements that can arise when multiple people need to coordinate decisions (imagine needing 2 people to agree on a medical decision that can be urgent and timely). When co-agents are named, typically all agents need to be aligned on decisions, which can create administrative challenges - sometimes it's difficult to locate everyone when a decision needs to be made.
Additionally, not all states support naming a co-agent.
However, you can name backup agents who would step in if your primary agent is unable or unwilling to serve. This provides the security of having alternatives while maintaining the efficiency of single-person decision-making.
If you are interested in creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive that includes a co-agent option, we recommend consulting an attorney in your state to determine if this is the right choice for you and whether your specific state allows it.